Following the success of last year’s event and recent Jazz Festival, Dabton House, one of Dumfries and Galloway’s newest luxury venues, is delighted to announce its next event with Absolute Classics – Dabton House’s Classical Musical Festival.
Promising an extraordinary experience for classical music enthusiasts, set against the picturesque backdrop of Dabton House, Absolute Classics brings a unique offering of classical music to Dumfries and Galloway, featuring a line up of renowned musicians from the area.
In addition to the captivating concerts, attendees will have the opportunity to enhance their experience with a 2 course dinner. This offers the chance for audience members to mingle with the performers and fellow music enthusiasts on the night of the performance. Guests can also choose to immerse themselves in either one night, or a full weekend of classical music indulging in dinner, bed, and breakfast at Dabton House while enjoying these intimate concerts.
Founded in 2014 by the visionary Artistic Director, Alex McQuiston, Absolute Classics has become synonymous with excellence in classical music presentation. Over the years, the organisation has showcased some of the finest classical musicians to audiences while also nurturing and supporting emerging talents. From celebrated performers like Evelyn Glennie, Tamsin Little, and Peter Donohoe, Absolute Classics has consistently delivered unforgettable performances. This year, they are proud to unveil their most ambitious season yet, stepping confidently into a new chapter with its most daring and expansive series of concerts to date: two festivals – one in May (23-25) at Dabton House, the other in July (3-6) – followed by a full season from September through March. Each moment curated with flair, sophistication, and a reverence for the transformative power of live music.
The upcoming festival at Dabton House will feature a diverse lineup of performances over the weekend by talented artists, all from Dumfries and Galloway and having studied at prestigious conservatoires. Celebrating local young talent is a special privilege, and it’s a joy to see the next generation taking the stage.
Alongside their acclaimed education and outreach programmes, the May Festival shines a spotlight on five of Dumfries & Galloway’s own rising stars of the classical world: Iona MacDonald (violin), Hugo Eedle (cello), Will Archibald (cello), Catriona Arthur (soprano), and Lewis Menzies (tenor). Join them at Dabton House for a spellbinding series of concerts set amidst one of Scotland’s most elegant estates.
The schedule for the event is as follows:
Friday 23 May 6:30
Iona McDonald & Simon Callaghan
Concert 7.30pm
Tickets £35 Ticket & Arrival Drink & Canapes
£60 with 2 course dinner
Saturday 24 May 2pm
Hugo Eedle & Simon Callaghan
£35 one price inclusive, Ticket & Afternoon Tea & Garden Tour
Saturday 24 May 6:30
Catriona Arthur, Lewis Menzies & Simon Callaghan
Concert 7.30pm
Tickets £35 Ticket & Arrival Drink & Canapes
£60 with 2 course dinner
Sunday 25 May 11:30
Will Archibald & Simon Callaghan
2 course Sunday Lunch 1:00-3:00
Tickets £20 Ticket & Sunday Lunch £45
The intimate concert room at Dabton House, the Drawing Room, offers seating for up to 35 guests, providing a cozy and immersive setting for each performance.
Don’t miss this exceptional opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty of classical music amidst the stunning surroundings of Dabton House in Dumfries and Galloway. Join us for a weekend of unforgettable performances at Dabton House, presented by Absolute Classics. The program length for each concert is 1 hour.
DABTON HOUSE’S CLASSICAL MUSIC RETREAT
Make the most of the concerts and enjoy Dabton for an overnight or weekend stay. Packages include a tour of the four-acre private garden, afternoon tea, pre-concert drinks, and a two course dining experience with the musicians. Tours of neighbouring Drumlanrig Castle are available as an optional extra.
For tickets and further information, please visit Absolute Classics Concerts at Dabton || Dabton House email info@dabtonhouse.co.uk or call +44 7552 736 599.
