Wednesday 22 July 2015

60 SECOND INTERVIEW: Ian Rosenblatt


IAN Rosenblatt is a lawyer and senior partner of corporate law firm Rosenblatt Solicitors in London. As a supporter of charitable causes, notably in the field of classical music, he launched the Branscombe Festival in 2013, which returns later this month.

WHERE did the inspiration for the Branscombe music festival come from?
I HAVE had a house in Branscombe for over 15 years. Around five years ago I put on a concert in the Village Hall and it was a resounding success, accruing a lot of local support. I then thought that a festival would be a good way to bring more people to the village, to visit the beautiful St Winifred’s church, the beach, the village hall and, of course, to patronise the local pubs, cafes and hotels.

THIS is the third Branscombe Music festival, how has it developed since you first started?
THE festival is going from strength to strength and has had a fantastic reaction from the local community. Over the last three years we’ve been spreading the word to ensure that as many people as possible – from Devonshire and beyond – can experience all that the 
festival has to offer.

WHO will be performing at the festival?
WE'VE got a wonderful programme this year and are welcoming an array of talent to Branscombe, from internationally acclaimed opera stars Susan Bullock CBE,  Francesco Meli and Angel Blue to Ronnie Scott’s regulars, dance band The Leo Green Experience and 
rising star soul singer Danny Toeman. There will also be two highly contrasting instrumental quartets performing this year: a classic string quartet, the Sacconi quartet and 4-MALITY, a percussion quartet, which is a rarity and much anticipated.

WHO are you most looking forward to seeing?
I’M HUGELY looking forward to each and every performance – each artist brings something unique to the festival – but I have to say that the procession through the village by the Band of the Royal Marines followed by a free concert on Branscombe Beach will be quite spectacular! 

WHAT should festivalgoers be looking out for?
THE Royal Marines procession is definitely not one to miss. Also over the weekend there will be a hog roast and a cream tea – both real treats. In terms of faces to look out for, our presenter Petroc Trelawny will be around and should make things quite lively, as will all of the performers, no doubt!

WHAT makes the Branscombe music festival unique?
IT HAS an idiosyncratic mission: to host world-class performers in Branscombe village’s intimate, unusual settings, from St Winifred’s Church to the idyllic Branscombe beach.  Also, given the number of people the festival brings to the village, it creates excellent opportunities to support local businesses.

DOES the festival raise money?
YES, fundraising is definitely an important part of the festival, and the causes we support are chosen with great care. Last year a proportion of ticket sales were donated to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution – a life-saving charity with whom Branscombe has strong ties - and this year we will be donating to St Winifred’s Church fund.

WHAT'S the most important thing to remember about planning large events, such as the music festival?
THE devil is in the detail.

The Branscombe Festival takes place from Friday, July 24th to Sunday, July 26th. 

Artists performing include 4-Mality; The Sacconi Quartet; soprano Susan Bullock with pianist Richard Sisson; tenor Francesco Meli & soprano Angel Blue with pianist Matteo Pais; and The Leo Green Experience with Danny Toeman.

For more information, visit the web site www.branscombefestival.co.uk

To book tickets, call 020 7955 1446 or email 


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