About the Festival

‘We discovered the Surrey Hills International Festival last year, and the Festival’s combo of guided walks in the Surrey Hills followed by a concert of truly talented young musicians in a historic Surrey church is magical. We love the world-class international artists we have seen, as well as the upcoming artists, all on our doorstep in our beautiful Surrey countryside. Thank you – Helen, West Byfleet’

‘Sublime’
‘…. a highlight of the Musical Year’
‘To have such easy access to such brilliant performers is really a wonderful bonus’
‘A key date in my Spring diary’

Since its inception, the festival has attracted artists and orchestras of the highest calibre, from our patrons, violinist Nicola Benedetti and singer Dame Sarah Connolly, to saxophonist Jess Gillam, clarinettist Michael Collins, Tenebrae, The Tallis Scholars, Modigliani Quartet, Sitkovetsky Trio, jazz legend Clare Teal, the Philharmonia Orchestra, English Concert and Britten Sinfonia.

Over the years, the festival has blossomed from a long weekend of music-making into a vibrant fortnight of events each May. This growth, including talks, young artist performances, and guided walks alongside four central concert performances, is a testament to our immensely talented Artistic Director, Wu Qian, who, along with Tessa Marchington (Festival Director 2010-2016), co-founded the Festival in 2010. From a loyal core of local supporters, the Festival community has expanded to include a much broader audience of eager concert-goers, with a very active Friends organisation at its core.

Key to the Festival’s appeal is the variety of intimate venues we use, each one carefully chosen to complement the programme and allow the audience a real sense of involvement and engagement with the musicians – from lutes and period keyboard instruments in historic country houses to glorious choral music in baroque churches and lofty chapels to jazz in a vineyard, and chamber ensembles in splendid auditoria!

The Festival’s Artistic Director developed a superb programme for the special celebratory 15th season in 2024, which included the second edition of our Surrey Hills Young Composer Competition.

As an organisation promoting the arts and culture, the Festival is a registered charity, but our charitable activity goes beyond just the presentation of world-class concerts. Through the support of the Festival Friends, we have supported the local String Scheme for local state primary pupils, enabling dozens of Year-4 pupils to receive weekly group instruction on loaned violins and cellos. This fantastic scheme (set up by Royal Grammar School Guildford) plugs the curriculum gap, giving local school children vital exposure to music and music-making. In addition, the festival creates invaluable performance opportunities for young and emerging artists as they work towards establishing sustainable careers.

Julia Pearson, Chair SHIMF

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