Van Gogh-inspired programme for Islington Festival of Music and Art

Reflections glistening on the waters of the Rhône captured at night by Vincent Van Gogh is the stunning inspiration for this year’s Islington Festival of Music and Art.

The painting, Starry Night Over The Rhône, celebrates both France and night-time, and these twin themes have informed 2023’s rich line-up of musicians and music.

The exciting programme includes Schönberg’s Verklärte Nacht for the opening gala concert on July 13, the complete Chopin Nocturnes on July 20 and July 21, and Mozart’s Grand Partita for 13 instruments. The festival will also be celebrating Bastille Day featuring music by French women composers on July 14.

The second week will include three Mozart piano concertos before the grand finale on July 22 closes the event with Schubert’s G Major Quartet.

But that’s not all. On July 16 you can practice your sun salutations to a live harpist at a live music yoga session before getting snap happy at a street photography workshop led by the festival’s official photographer Marc Gascoigne and expert street snapper Cyrus Katrak.

The festival runs July 13-22 at a range of venues including St Mary’s Church, Little Angel Theatre, Islington Square, and Christ Church Highbury. There is free concert entry for children and anyone aged under 26. Full tickets and schedule details are available on the festival website.

+++ Discover the area’s rich heritage at the ‘Visual Histories of Islington’ photography exhibition. Hosted by Islington Festival, in association with Islington Storyteller, the works bring to life the area’s fascinating past and exciting present. The exhibition is free and runs July 8-22 at Angel Central shopping centre.

Images: Marc Gascoigne/ Islington Festival