An exciting current initiative for Arts Alive is the partnership with The Courtyard, and initiative which offers smaller rural venues an opportunity to host intimate concerts by members of top classical chamber ensemble, Orchestra of the Swan - named in honour of its home base in Stratford on Avon.

Each concert is different and the music is carefully chosen to have wide appeal. June sees An English Idyll at Eardisley: popular 20th century English music from Holst and Elgar to Britten and Malcolm Arnold, including the irrepressible folk tunes of Holst's 'St Paul's Suite' and the pathos and beauty of William Walton's film music for 'Henry V.' Surely a perfect concert for a summer evening in rural Herefordshire!

Orchestra of the Swan is pioneering a new style of ‘immersive’ residency, working together with selected local partners to carefully curate programmes and community activity that resonates with each venue’s distinct and diverse audience. The orchestra is resident at the Stratford Playhouse, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, and The Courtyard in Hereford. It gives over 45 concerts annually, has toured to China, Istanbul, Mexico and New York, and toured the UK with Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel and James. It also has a 22-strong discography.

Hear The Orchestra of the Swan at Eardisley Curzon Herrick Hall at 7.30pm on Saturday, June 15. To book, call 01544 327844