Abbotsbury 2026

The inaugural Tree of Strings Festival brought world-class chamber music, emerging talent and a strong sense of community to Abbotsbury. Across a weekend of performances, workshops and shared experiences, audiences enjoyed music in some of Dorset’s most distinctive spaces, from the Tithe Barn and St Nicholas Church to the historic St Catherine’s Chapel.

Reflecting on the festival, Artistic Director Adrian Brendel recalls: “The atmosphere from the audience was brilliant. There was so much good energy from everyone wanting to experience something really positive and meaningful, and that transmitted to us on stage and the whole team. It made performances come alive and it was such a joyful spirit to create music in.”

That sense of sharing something special was felt throughout the festival: Hugo Svedberg opening the weekend with solo cello; 250 local schoolchildren filling the village with music; sunlight streaming into St Catherine’s Chapel; conversations over coffee between concerts; and Schubert’s Quintet bringing the festival to a close.

Supporting exceptional early-career musicians is central to Tree of Strings, and the Young Artists programme was at the heart of the weekend. As Adrian sums up: “The Mendelssohn Octet and Schubert Quintet were really standout experiences for all the players but it was also sheer pleasure to hear our young artists shine in their own way too.”

The success of the first festival has laid the foundations for the future. Planning is already underway for the 2027 Festival. Watch this space!