Perfect Harmony

On Saturday, 31 October 2026, the Glyndebourne in Glynde will play host to the Jerwood Pit Perfect Encounters, a programme that brings together young instrumentalists with the Glyndebourne Sinfonia. This year's participants, Catherine Alsey, Rowan Dymott, Scott Storey, and Lize Dreyer, will have the opportunity to gain their first professional operatic experience, thanks to the support of the Jerwood Foundation. The programme will feature two encounters, each showcasing a diverse range of classical pieces, including works by Mozart, Rossini, and Amy Beach.

The first encounter, ENCOUNTERS 1, will include Mozart's String Quartet in G K156, Rossini's String Sonata No. 2 in A, Amy Beach's Piano Quintet Op. 67, and Mozart's Recitative and aria: ‘Ch’io mi scordi di te?’ K505. This selection of pieces will demonstrate the versatility and talent of the young instrumentalists as they perform alongside the Glyndebourne Sinfonia. The programme is carefully curated to provide a unique musical experience, with each piece complementing the others to create a cohesive and engaging performance.

The second encounter, ENCOUNTERS 2, will feature a different set of pieces, including Mozart's Clarinet Quintet, Mark-Anthony Turnage's Two Baudelaire songs, Amy Beach's Theme and Variations for Flute and String Quartet Op. 80, and Rossini's String Sonata No. 6 in D – 3rd movement (Tempesta). This encounter will showcase the range and depth of the young musicians' abilities, as they tackle complex and nuanced pieces. The Jerwood Pit Perfect Encounters programme will run until Saturday, 7 November 2026, at 23:00, providing a rare opportunity to witness emerging talent alongside established musicians.

The Jerwood Pit Perfect Encounters programme is a testament to the importance of supporting young musicians and providing them with opportunities to gain professional experience. The generosity of the Jerwood Foundation has made this programme possible, and the result is a unique and engaging musical experience that showcases the talents of the next generation of classical musicians. For those interested in attending, tickets and details can be found with the button beside this article.