Roman River Festival 2026
The Roman River Festival returns this autumn across some of the most beautiful churches and historic spaces in coastal Essex.
Benjamin Britten: Canticles
Tuesday 20 October, 7pm
St Mary’s Church, Wivenhoe
Led by Ben Vonberg-Clark. A rare performance of all five Britten Canticles, marking the 50th anniversary of the composer’s death.
The Silvanus Quartet: Nordic Dances & String Quartets
Wednesday 21 October, 7pm
All Saints’ Church, Fordham
Artistic Director Orlando Jopling, Wild Arts Leader Ellie Corr, and friends perform music by Beethoven, Britten, and Rebecca Clarke alongside vibrant Nordic folk arrangements by the Danish String Quartet.
Lunchtime Recital: Orlando Jopling & Ellie Corr
Thursday 22 October, 12 noon
The Old Library, Colchester
An electrifying lunchtime programme featuring Mozart, Ravel, Rebecca Clarke, and Halvorsen’s dazzling Passacaglia.
Nocturnalia Ensemble: Wit & Mirth
Thursday 22 October, 7pm
St Andrew’s Church, Fingringhoe
An historically informed performance with a raw, adventurous edge: virtuoso artists Nocturnalia Ensemble present a celebration of 17th-century English music inspired by tavern songs, dance tunes, and folk traditions.
Cyrus Yuen: Young Artist Spotlight
Friday 23 October, 12 noon
Venue TBC
A showcase of outstanding young talent featuring violin virtuosity and remarkable musical artistry.
Alissa Firsova, Daniel Rowland & Sébastien van Kuijk: In Spiritu
Friday 23 October, 7pm
St Mary’s Church, Dedham
A deeply expressive chamber programme spanning Rachmaninov, Prokofiev, Beethoven, Arvo Pärt, and Firsova’s own luminous compositions.
Wild Arts Ensemble: Elgar Cello Concerto & Mahler Symphony No. 4
Saturday 24 October, 7pm
St Peter ad Vincula Church, Coggeshall
Elgar’s Cello Concerto and Mahler’s Fourth Symphony, performed by the outstanding players of the Wild Arts Ensemble in powerful orchestrations by Iain Farrington.
Bruegel Consort: Lily of Eternal Praise
Sunday 25 October, 5.30pm
St Michael and All Angels Church, Copford
Radiant Tudor polyphony and Marian music performed in the extraordinary setting of Copford’s Norman church.