Welcome to the 2009 Lincoln and Lincolnshire International Chamber Music Festival, a celebration of the life and music of one of my favourite composers, Felix Mendelssohn.

This year marks the 200^th anniversary of the birth of Mendelssohn and, as such, provides us with the perfect opportunity to revisit and re-evaluate the work of a man who, despite enjoying unparalleled fame and adoration during his lifetime, has suffered considerable criticism, condescension and neglect.  A relatively conservative composer, pre-eminent in an era of romantic experimentation and flamboyance, Mendelssohn’s success and popularity was a source of considerable envy and resentment from many of his contemporaries.  His Jewish origins also made him a target for those with an anti-Semitic attitude; a disparaging essay written by Wagner shortly after Mendelssohn’s death marked the start of a movement to denigrate his achievements, the culmination of which saw the Nazi regime ban performance and publication of his works.

To my ears however, few composers have been so effortlessly and consistently able to combine immaculate structure with memorable melody, sophistication and charm with heartfelt sincerity, and edge-of-the-seat excitement with exquisite beauty.  It is pleasing to see more and more musicians taking an interest in his work and I very much hope the attention lavished upon him in 2009 will serve him well for the long-term future.

My thanks go again to all those who work unstintingly behind the scenes to ensure LICMF goes from strength to strength.  We look forward to welcoming a wonderful line-up of young stars to Lincolnshire, some of them familiar from previous seasons, some of whom will be appearing for the first time.

Mendelssohn’s chamber music has played an important role in my career in recent years and has been a constant source of joy and inspiration.  I hope you, our loyal and supportive audience, will join us for what should be a feast of magnificent music!