Michael Morpurgo to Recite Vivaldi-Inspired Poetry at Cornwall Festival

Sir Michael Morpurgo, the acclaimed author, is set to perform a recital of poetry inspired by Antonio Vivaldi at the inaugural Music on the Moor festival, taking place from July 9 to July 13, 2025, in the scenic heart of Bodmin Moor, Cornwall. This festival aims to promote the arts in remote areas of the West Country, which often receive little attention from visitors drawn to the coastal attractions of the region.

Morpurgo, who resides in Devon, expressed his enthusiasm for the festival, stating, "When someone starts up something like this in the middle of wonderful nowhere, it must be supported. Local people have a longing for this sort of thing. I love it when someone says, we’re starting up a festival." His performance will feature reworkings of poems believed to accompany Vivaldi's renowned piece, The Four Seasons, to be presented alongside live renditions by local musicians, including Krysia Osostowicz, the first violinist of the Brodsky Quartet.

The festival will be held in several villages including Blisland, St Breward, and St Neot, as well as the town of Bodmin. Morpurgo highlighted the significance of staging such cultural events in locations that struggle economically. He remarked on the high unemployment rates in Bodmin, underlining the importance of community engagement with the arts despite the challenges faced by the area.

Osostowicz, the artistic director of the festival, noted, "When you read about Cornwall in the news, it’s all about the coast and tourists and fishing. Nobody seems to think about inland Cornwall very much, and it’s just a wonderful area." The festival will also feature other events, including a performance by poet Ruth Padel and the Brodsky Quartet at St Neot's church, alongside a talk about the church’s medieval stained glass.

Kicking off on July 9, the festival will feature a unique event titled How Pots Sing, where potter Chris Prindl will showcase his craft to the accompaniment of Bach's music, combined with tea and cakes for attendees. This initiative not only promotes artistic expression but also seeks to foster appreciation for the cultural heritage of inland Cornwall, often overshadowed by its coastal counterparts.

Reflecting on the relationship between art and nature, Morpurgo stated, "The Four Seasons is as relevant and vital now as it has always been. We are so often detached from our seasons. Seasons become a nuisance to us. But it is the case that there is this rhythm to life that we have been guided by for centuries. It’s in our DNA. And I love to be reminded of that." The festival aims to revitalize the local arts scene and provide a platform for cultural dialogue in a region often deemed overlooked by larger audiences.

As Morpurgo prepares for his recital, the Music on the Moor festival stands as a testament to the enduring power of the arts to connect communities and inspire individuals, even in the most remote areas of Britain.