Hitchin’s musical hothouse serves up such a tasty Christmas menu

A venue which promotes top-notch concerts as well as providing residential and day courses throughout the year is gearing up for a pulsating pre-Christmas push.

Winterfest at Benslow Music in Hitchin features four concerts, the first of which will see the renowned London Klezmer Quartet performing next Tuesday evening, December 2.

Their traditional Jewish folk-music will be followed on Friday, December 5 with the return of the Bingham Quartet with pianist Nigel Clayton, for a programme which includes Brahms’ remarkable piano quintet.

Other dates in the diary will see the Tedesca Quartet give a concert including works by Haydn, Schumann and Mozart on Wednesday, December 10, and the Fidelio Trio complete the programme on Friday, December 12, with a contrasting programme including Beethoven, Michael Nyman and Saint-Saëns.

All concerts begin at 8pm and you can book in advance or pay on the door for £12, with anyone under 25 getting in free.

The venue is also offering a Christmas menu to be enjoyed in the splendid surroundings of the Victorian house set in four acres of stunning gardens.

Mulled wine and mince pies will be served in front of the roaring log fire followed by a three course meal in the dining room, accompanied by live chamber music.

Call 01462 459446 or email info@benslowmusic.org for details.

You can find out more about what goes on at Benslow Music online at www.benslowmusic.org.