We are delighted to welcome Rachel Podger to the Festival for the first time. Described by BBC Music Magazine as ‘Britain’s finest period violinist’, she has an international career as a soloist and a director of Baroque ensembles, winning numerous prestigious awards for her recordings.

Guardian Angel is Rachel’s personal exploration of the Baroque repertory for solo violin, including virtuoso music by J.S. Bach, Nicola Matteis, Giuseppe Tartini and Heinrich Biber – whose hauntingly beautiful Passacaglia, the final work from his Mystery Sonatas, gives the programme its title.  The CD of the programme won the instrumental category of the 2014 BBC Music Magazine Awards, when the jury described it as ‘simply gorgeous’.  A concert not to be missed.