Embark on a musical journey back in time at the Fairest Isle Festival on the captivating Isle of Wight. Bathe in the opulence of a Venetian soundworld with voices and early instruments from the world’s top performers - on an island itself steeped in rich history. Below you can find out more about the workshops and events happening as part of this festival!
Recorder Extravaganza with Palisander (Monday 18th May 2026 4.30pm - 5.30pm)
Queensgate Primary School (KS1, KS2) in partnership with Fairest Isle Festival
SIOW Music have been providing CPD, resources, workshops and a performance event on the Isle of Wight! This massed performance event for Isle of Wight Schools will take place after school on Monday 18th May hosted by Queensgate Primary in East Cowes. Young performers will have the opportunity to play alongside other school groups in a final performance of the Recorder Extravaganza project and hear incredible performances from Miriam and her recorder supergroup Palisander!
WORKSHOP: LABORATORY OF LULLABIES (SATURDAY 16TH MAY 2026 10AM–11AM)
BAROQUE AND FOLK FUN - A FAMILY EVENT FOR ALL AGES - LED BY NAOMI BURRELL
Where: ASPIRE RYDE, DOVER STREET
As part of Fairest Isle Festival , come and join us for this unique experience that invites families to connect through the timeless tradition of lullabies. Whether you’re a parent with young children, a grandparent sharing cherished memories, an adult bringing an elderly relative, or friends looking for new ways to enjoy live music, we hope you find it soothing to enjoy together in the welcoming space of Aspire Ryde.
The ‘Laboratory of Lullabies’ features lullabies and ‘night-time’ music from baroque and folk traditions - to entertain adults and children alike. Led by Naomi Burrell who plays the baroque violin and sings, and joined by Sergio Bucheli, a fabulous lute player, they will bring Naomi’s recently
COME & PLAY: BAROQUE HITS WORKSHOP (SATURDAY 16TH MAY 2026 1:30PM–4:30PM)
AN INTRODUCTION TO BAROQUE STYLE FOR PLAYERS OF MODERN INSTRUMENTS LED BY NAOMI BURRELL AND KINGA UJSZASZI (VIOLINS)
Where: ST JOHN’S CHURCH, NEWPORT
Following last year’s successful event with Naomi Burrell, here’s another session for players of modern string and double reed instruments (at modern pitch) to dip their toe into playing baroque style (or styles - there are a lot of them!). With two expert professional players, enjoy finding a strong sense of dance and vivid colours in music by Corelli, Vivaldi and perhaps Purcell. Naomi Burrell and Kinga Ujszaszi are two of the busiest early violinists on the circuit. Involved in other events this weekend, you will enjoy the infectious energy they bring to this music.
