Matthew Barley and 51 Strings Grooves and Lullabies

In a year in which the cello plays a prominent role in the festival’s programme, the one-off talent that is Matthew Barley matches the beauty and individuality of his instrument with those of three equal and remarkable talents from different musical traditions.

Following previous concerts at which we have been treated to the inspiration that different musical cultures can bring to each other, Matthew Barley's cello sits alongside two other stringed instruments, the Finnish kantele and the African kora, their collaboration being spice up by the percussion of Brazilian Adriano Adewale, a musician much loved by Petworth audiences following his appearances with the AKA Trio.

Combining sublime sound worlds from across the globe, the enterprising quartet’s repertoire will include new compositions, together with arrangements of dances and lullabies from UK, Finland and Gambia.

‘Cellist Matthew Barley has long been shaking up the classical scene with his collaborations and inventive approaches to performance.’
BBC Music Magazine