Celebrating JAM on the Marsh 2024
“A banquet of absolutely first-class events which we loved from start to finish. JAM really is a top-class festival now and must be up there with the best in the country.”
On 14th July JAM concluded its 11th festival season. For 11 days JAM on the Marsh provided entertainment for young and old thanks to Festival Curator Nicholas Cleobury’s inspiring programme of concerts, exhibitions, theatre plays, film screenings and poetry readings.
“The Jarman premieres were brilliant; imaginative and delivered by excellent young performers. This was my first opera experience. I'll be on the look-out for more JAM next year.”
“The Festival Orchestra concert was electrifying - such a great idea to bring London Mozart Players together with local musicians. An opportunity of a lifetime; the results were stunning.”
JAM on the Marsh featured many memorable moments, such as Rosie Moon’s performance on a 3-string double bass; Stephen Farr’s magical concert of Bach’s Goldberg Variations on a harpsichord; the world premieres of JAM Commissions from John Frederick Hudson and Jago Thornton, and short operas by Toby Anderson, Sam Buttler, Rosie Dunn and Jago Thornton; the celebration of local talent in Community Singing and the Festival Orchestra; a performance by the very gifted 16-year old violinist Aki Blendis, the Canterbury Cathedral Choir’s Fauré Requiem; Stephen Layton conducting The Holst Singers’ performance of choral masterpieces; much-loved Changeling Theatre entertained with productions of Shakespeare and Noël Coward, and Mark Farrelly stunned theatre lovers with his vivid portrayal of Derek Jarman.
Our long-standing partners the London Mozart Players and Onyx Brass helped us embrace our commitment to the local community, by performing alongside community players and school children, giving them the chance to boost their skills and create memories for life.
The outstanding musicians of the JAM Sinfonia returned for two concerts, transporting the audience to the Austrian capital with Haydn and Strauss, and the first performance of a Mahler Symphony at JAM on the Marsh.
“The Sinfonia’s Mahler 4th was ambitious and a first - what a thrilling way to end the Festival!”
This year’s free exhibitions featured artworks by John Ballard, Paulo Gnecco, Michelle Keegan, James Norton and Al Reffel. Their paintings, prints and cyanotypes invited reflection and visual investigation of the impermanence and continuous change of nature, and man-made structures.
The 11th JAM on the Marsh also marked the beginning of our new partnership with two like-minded organisations who share our passion for quality and world-class experiences: Jukes Cordialities and Simpsons Wine Estate.
From rapturous recitals to outstanding orchestral and choral concerts, from wonderful world premieres to phenomenal performances of all-time favourites – JAM on the Marsh connected like-minded people in a celebration of creativity and culture.
Thank you to everyone who made the 11th JAM on the Marsh such a success – musicians and artists, sponsors and partners, the many helping hands behind the scenes and of course our audience!
A little JAM insight: if you couldn’t make it this time or want to relive some of the exceptional performances, keep your eyes peeled for JAM VIRTUAL, returning from 30 August to 8 September.
P.S.: You can still get your hands on one of our JAM on the Marsh festival tote bags, featuring one of James Norton’s stunning artworks. We only have a few left so don’t miss out. Click here to buy.