South Downs Summer Music International Festival is a predominantly classical music festival which takes place in July each year. 

 

The festival was founded in 2005 and is set in the idyllic village of Alfriston in the heart of the South Downs. Now in its 15th year the Benyounes Quartet, took over as artistic directors in 2016. SDSM has been a powerful promoter of arts culture in the area, enjoying the support of local residents and businesses, and drawing audiences of music lovers from the whole of the South Downs and beyond.

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Notable festival artists have included Julian Bliss, Alexander Sitkovetsky, Melvyn Tan, Jonian Kadesha, Navarra Quartet and Timothy Ridout. The Benyounes have curated several music and spoken word events performing alongside Sir Andrew Motion, Timothy West, Prunella Scales, Jack Farthing and Michael Morpurgo.

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The Benyounes Quartet have also created the SDSM Residency generously supported by Harriet's Trust in which a young string quartet is invited to perform, rehearse and partake in masterclasses during the festival week.