Aldeburgh Music eBulletin: September
This September sees the return of the International Academy of String Quartets at the Britten–Pears Programme, now into its 32nd year. Scroll down for more details or for the full programme of forthcoming events please click here.

This month
- String Quartets Open Masterclasses
- String Quartets Final Recital
- Alex Wilson Residency and Open Session
- Development Plan latest
- Aldeburgh Card launched
- A fond farewell

TUESDAY 2 - WEDNESDAY 10 SEPTEMBER (except 7 September)
32nd International Academy of String Quartets Open Masterclasses
Four talented young string quartets take part in masterclasses with Isabel Charisius (violinist of the Alban Berg Quartet) and Alasdair Tait (Head of Chamber Music at RNCM), focusing on masterpieces of the repertoire.
Recital Room, Snape 2pm only Tickets £3 per class, £10 for 4 classes
Masterclasses supported by the Musicians Benevolent Fund

THURSDAY 11 SEPTEMBER
32nd International Academy of String Quartets Final Recital
This final recital features the Finzi, Klee, Raggaze and Signum Quartets, four talented young ensembles at the start of their careers. They have been taking part in masterclasses at the Britten–Pears Young Artist Programme, and this recital is a showcase of the work done during their stay.
Recital Room, Snape 3pm Tickets £5 More info | Book online

FRIDAY 19 SEPTEMBER
Open Session: Alex Wilson and Friends
Latin, jazz and world music specialist Alex Wilson takes part in an Aldeburgh Residency from 15-19 September, alongside Malian musicians Madou Sidiki Diabate and Ahmed Fofana. During their stay, they will develop a piece to be performed at the launch of the new spaces at Snape next year; this Open Session is a chance to see the results of their Residency for the first time.
Recital Room, Snape 6pm Tickets £5 More info | Book online
Aldeburgh Residency supported by PRS Foundation

Aldeburgh Music Development Plan
Anyone looking across to the new buildings from the marshes at Snape Maltings will notice the emerging Britten Studio roof, due to be completed by mid-October, and the double height roof of the Jerwood Kiln Studio. Over the Britten Studio an internal structure of steel and timber supports a heavy concrete shell, ensuring the high quality acoustic of the new space; the concrete will then be hidden by a slate roof. To find out more about the development, including how to support the project, please call 01728 687100 or visit www.aldeburgh.co.uk/developmentplan.

Aldeburgh Card launched
It's new, it's different, it's decidedly Aldeburgh: our new Aldeburgh Card is a great choice for anyone under 30 (or in f/t education). It is last-minute ticket deals, yes, but it's also behind-the-scenes, networking, opportunities, plus some events in the big smoke. And best of all, it's completely free to join. To find out more or for your card, please email card@aldeburgh.co.uk.
With support from Spencer and Lucy de Grey

So long, and thanks for all the cakes
Today we are waving a fond farewell to three of our longest-serving members of staff - Hilary, Gill and Shirley - all of whom will be enjoying a well-deserved retirement. Hilary and Gill (reception) and Shirley (box office) have been with the company for a combined total of nearly 50 years, and we thank them from the bottom of our hearts for all their hard work, good humour and friendship over the years.

SATURDAY 20 SEPTEMBER
Mid Wales Opera
Mid Wales Opera present Offenbach's final masterpiece, The Tales of Hoffmann, a fascinating operatic fantasy containing some of the composer's most romantic music. Mid Wales Opera is firmly established as one of the foremost British touring opera companies, and for this new production by director Tim Hopkins they have assembled an exciting cast of rising stars who have recently sung with the major opera companies.
Snape Maltings Concert Hall 7.30pm
Tickets £10-£25 More info | Book online