The festival opens with a programme rooted in natural cycles and transformations, beginning with Rebel’s astonishing depiction of primordial chaos, a work centuries ahead of its time in its daring harmonic language. Vivaldi’s timeless Four Seasons then form the backbone of the evening with all four of RCMF 2026's violinists (Luke Hsu, Laura Rickard, Emma Roijackers and Ruslan Talas) as soloists. Each of the Four Seasons will be interspersed with contrasting reflections, including Dvořák’s quietly atmospheric Silent Woods and Purcell’s stark Cold Song. Hollis Taylor and Jon Rose's BEAK for recorded birdsong and string quartet bring an astonishing depiction of the Australian Outback to Romsey.

Rebel Le Cahos

Taylor/Rose BEAK

Dvořák Silent Woods Op. 68 No. 5

Purcell Cold Song Z.628

Vivaldi The Four Seasons, Op.8