International festival gets in tune for a careful change of key

Last year, she was appointed chief executive of Harrogate International Festival and came to the job with a determination to blow the dust from an event steeped in tradition. However, Canavar also knew the festival, which has at its core a programme of classical music and jazz, attracts a loyal following she couldn't afford to alienate.

Insisting there would be no sweeping changes, Canavar also talked about the need to make the event more accessible and devise a programme which appealed to younger audiences. For the last 12 months, she has been doing just that, dissecting every aspect of the festival and piecing it back together into what she hopes is a more attractive offering.

"In the past, the festival has had a slightly cyclical feel to it," says Canavar, who was operations director before taking up the new post. "The same artists would come around every three or four years and I definitely felt that the time was right to give new musicians a chance. The festival has built a great reputation since it began four decades ago, but every so often I think it's good for someone to look at it with a fresh pair of eyes."

So this year's line-up features guaranteed box office draws like Lesley Garrett, Dame Fanny Waterman and Courtney Pine, but there's also a definite emphasis on younger artists and a fringe programme which it is hoped will take the festival on to the streets.

A big screen will be installed in the town centre to show footage from events, a marquee in Crescent Gardens will provide a stage for up-and-coming bands, various artists will also embark on a mini-tour of the region, and rubbing shoulders alongside the likes of Peter Cincotti, famously mentored by Harry Connick Jr, Whispering Bob Harris will introduce a set by the Magic Numbers. "We decided this year to give the festival a theme," says Canavar, who is already looking ahead to the acts likely to feature in next year's event. "We have taken the piano as the central inspiration, which I hope will help us weave all the elements together.

"One of the highlights will definitely be Arcadi Volodos, who is

regarded by many as the world's most outstanding pianist and, for many of the artists, their appearance at Harrogate will be their only UK

date this year.

"Securing artists with international reputations is vital for the festival, but I also think we need to shout more about what's going on. The central marquee will allow people to pop in and get a taste of world music and I hope we might convert a few of those who think the music on offer is only the kind their grandparents would want to listen to."

Canavar is optimistic the changes to the festival will be well

received, but only the final ticket sales will tell. With arts

festivals suffering the same financial constraints as every other business, this year those behind Harrogate International Festival have tried harder than ever to pitch the prices right. While a top price ticket in a box for Lesley Garret costs 87, seats are available for 22, under 25s can see all concerts for 5 and there are special deals for children.

"People tend not to book as far in advance as they did a few years ago and many of those who went for top-end seats now look for something mid-price," says Canavar. "It just means we have to work harder to put on performances people really want to see."

The next challenge will be funding. Arts Council England has already made it clear cuts are looming and while the festival only received a minimal contribution from the organisation, if the money is pulled there will be inevitable knock-on effects.

"Harrogate International Festivals currently receives an annual Art Council grant of 20,000, which is three per cent of our overall budget," says Canavar. "However, its backing helps us secure other corporate sponsorship and should they decide to cut that funding stream, then it might well make other investors think twice.

"At the moment, there is a great deal of uncertainty over the economy, but whatever happens the arts will always endure. The arts, music and story-telling are hardwired into our DNA and really that's what we want to celebrate in Harrogate."

n Harrogate International Festival runs from July 16 to August 1.