French classical musicians to play Frome Festival fundraiser

Two musicians from Paris will be performing a special recital on Father’s Day, as part of Frome Festival’s 25th anniversary fundraising drive.

The concert will take place at Christ Church in Frome on Sunday 21st June at 5pm, with proceeds helping to support the Frome Festival’s programme of arts and cultural events and Christ Church’s Future Appeal.

Violinist Madeleine Athané-Best and pianist Mathilde Nguyen will draw on their French heritage to present ‘Romance and Impressionism’, a programme exploring one of the most creative periods in French music.

Madeleine has close ties to Frome as her mother, Dulcie Best, is best known locally as the owner of Popicoq on Vicarage Street.

During last year’s Frome Festival, Madeleine and Mathilde played a recital under the name ‘Midsummer Moon’, receiving universally enthusiastic reviews.

Both musicians are graduates of the prestigious Paris Conservatoire. They first met when Madeleine began her violin studies and Mathilde was assigned as her accompanist. Over the following five years they performed together regularly.

This year’s programme features works by Claude Debussy, Lili Boulanger, Mel Bonis, Cécile Chaminade and Eugène Ysaÿe.

Frome Festival Director Adam Laughton said, “Madeleine and Mathilde were outstanding in their recital at Frome Festival 2025. Their playing was lyrical, dynamic and deeply engaging throughout, delighting a strong audience. Their future is bright.”

Madeleine added, “We’re so pleased to be coming back to Frome and performing once again in the beautiful Christ Church. It was wonderful to be part of the Festival last year, and great that this time we can help support it with this fundraising concert. Venez nous voir!”

For more information, visit https://fromefestival.co.uk/product/25fundraiserrecital/