Each year the Old Laundry's autumn festival gets bigger and better, pushing the boat out in 2003 with adventurous events such as the Swamp Circus and a mini-film festival, yet keeping the bankers and regular favourites like Alan Ayckbourn's Stephen Joseph Theatre, NTC and the drummers of Mugenkyo tucked neatly into the programme.

I often think it's a real waste not to use the superb Old Laundry Theatre more often outside of its usual festival slot, so I was thrilled to learn that Music in the Round - a particular success in autumn was returning to Bowness for a special weekend of chamber excellence featuring the seven-strong Wakeford Ensemble on Friday, February 20; the Kungsbacka Piano Trio on the Saturday, February 21; and London Winds wrapping up the three concerts on Sunday, February 22. All performances start at 8pm.

Part of the Sheffield-based Music in the Round's Around the Country touring programme, the Wakeford is a string quartet plus clarinet, flute and the golden sounds of harpist and founder member Lucy Wakeford. It has established itself at the forefront of UK chamber music and a new work has been commissioned for the Wakeford from the pen of Howard Skempton.

The Kungsbacka will be performing Dvorak's Trio in B flat major, Brahms's Trio in C minor and Trio No.2 in E minor by Shostakovich. Formed in 1997, the trio won first prize in the prestigious 1999 Melbourne International Chamber Music competition and has a growing reputation for intuitive and passionate playing both here and abroad. In 2000, the players won the Allianz Prize for most outstanding ensemble at Mecklenberg Festival, in Germany.

Last but not least is London Winds, a shining combination of virtuoso players with active solo careers. Their performances are renowned for technical brilliance, interpretative vision and brimming with exuberance. Founded in 1988 by British clarinettist Michael Collins, the five-piece has rapidly become one of the world's most prominent chamber ensembles.

For many, intimacy is a prime characteristic of chamber music and the Old Laundry provides that cosy and friendly feel for musicians and audience alike.

One of the finest examples I've seen of an ensemble embracing the audience was the last time I heard the Lindsay String Quartet perform at the Old Laundry Theatre Autumn Festival a few years ago.

A Lindsay performance is not just an inspiring recital with a wealth of moods and expression, but an educational experience in itself, a trip through classical music's historical archives, with Lindsay leader and communicator extraordinaire Peter Cropper quoting dates, fascinating facts and anecdotal gems from many of the great composers.

And Peter just happens to be artistic director of Music in the Round, one of the UK's leading promoters of chamber music. He is a man with many strings to his bow, so to speak, and an influential character.

So looking ahead at the rest of 2004, what other surprises are up the sleeve of dynamic Old Laundry management duo Hilary Pezet and Richard Foster? Another visit from Alan Rickman maybe?

"I can confirm that we will be continuing our theme of linking a film day with a famous actor/director/writer," confides Hilary.

"Although the VIP in question will remain a mystery for now, I can guarantee they will be as exciting as Alan Rickman.

"The film season will also include an original composition created to accompany a silent film - but more on that when it develops."

What Hilary's isn't keeping close to her chest is that Barry Rutter's excellent Northern Broadsides theatre company, which electrified the building with the powerful Antigone, will be back with its inimitable take on another classic: "We will be developing our relationship with this highly original company which means that we can show even more top quality drama in the round, which is when the venue really works at its best."

But before then how about a little chamber music - just sit back, relax and let the glorious sounds wash right over you.

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