Felicity Kendal, renowned for her role in The Good Life, will join the West Meon Music Festival to celebrate Jane Austen’s 250th anniversary with a gala concert featuring chamber music and a world premiere performance.
The Good Life's Felicity Kendal at West Meon Music Festival
Actress Felicity Kendal, famous for her role in The Good Life, will be joining the West Meon Music Festival in celebrating Jane Austen’s 250th anniversary in style. She will narrate and perform chamber music at the gala concert to mark the occasion.
Jane Austen’s Playbook
In a special presentation titled Jane Austen’s Playbook, Felicity Kendal will read a selection of extracts from Austen's letters, notebooks, and novels. The curated pieces will be directed by Nancy Meckler, and tenor James Gilchrist will also join the performance. The festival’s founders, the Primrose Piano Quartet, will accompany the narration with songs and chamber music from Jane Austen’s era.
World Premiere Performance
The highlight of the concert will be the world premiere of a new work titled Notes for a Novel, commissioned by the festival from composer Peter Salem. The piece, inspired by Pride and Prejudice, promises to be a captivating addition to the festival’s lineup.
West Meon Music Festival Details
The festival will take place at St John’s Church in West Meon on September 14 at 3.30pm. This final concert of the four-day event will feature a diverse program of music, showcasing the talents of both established and emerging artists.
Additional Festival Highlights
Aside from the gala concert, the West Meon Music Festival will feature six other concerts in West Meon, a harpsichord recital in Warnford’s Church of Our Lady, and a morning concert of string quartets at East Meon’s All Saints Church. Notable performances include a recital by young pianist Clara Isabella Siegle and a tribute to Dmitri Shostakovich.
- Visit the official website for ticket prices and more details about the festival.
Published on 12 August 2025 by UKFG
