CONCERT PROGRAMME Autumn 2014 300th Anniversary Year
www.sjss.org.uk @StJohnsSmithSq
Book online: www.sjss.org.uk
Featuring the
Christmas Festival London Call the box office: 020 7222 1061
Patron: HRH The Duchess of Cornwall
Welcome
A warm welcome awaits you at St John’s throughout the latter part of 2014 with a packed programme throughout the autumn and leading up to Christmas. Alongside the familiar we are launching some new initiatives. Our regular Thursday lunchtime concert series is already very popular and highly regarded and we are delighted to add two new strands to this. The London Mozart Players, with Howard Shelley, are launching a series of six lunchtime concerts (stretching into 2015) when they will be playing some of the great piano concertos of Mozart. Each performance will be preceded by a short illustrated discussion where the music will be analysed and introduced. Our third lunchtime offering, also once per month, is on Fridays. This is a discussion event, hosted by the Rev Graham Buckle, with different commentators each month discussing topical issues. Why not come and enjoy a delicious lunch in our Crypt restaurant either before or after one of these events? Another new strand for the 2014/15 season is our Sundays at St John’s Series, featuring fantastic chamber music and song from the Baroque period through to the present day. For these concerts we also offer traditional Sunday lunch from 12.30pm or afternoon tea after the concerts. What better way to make your concert visit that much more special?
Also featured throughout the 2014/15 season you will find the first participants in our recently launched Young Artists’ Programme. These performers have come through a highly competitive selection process and are truly world class – do come and support them if you can. St John’s Smith Square receives no core subsidy and we are entirely reliant on the income we can generate from ticket sales, hall hires, catering revenues and donations from those who support our work. We are very grateful to all our existing Friends and supporters for their generosity and help; without you we would not be able to put this programme together. Would you like to be a Friend of St John’s? Details of our Friends scheme are shown opposite and I hope you will consider joining.
Richard Heason Director
St John’s Smith Square is a member of the British Association of Concert Halls and the British Arts and Science Festivals Association and an Affiliate Member of the Association of British Orchestras.
2
300th Anniversary Year
Friends of St John’s As a friend of St John’s you are at the heart of our audience. Every donation is put towards sustaining St John’s as ticket sales alone do not cover our costs. As recognition Friends receive discounts on tickets and in our restaurant, priority booking, and are the first to find out about what we have on.
Gold Friend £125 (£115 DD) As a gold friend you receive: • Unlimited
tickets for yourself and a guest for our Thursday Lunchtime concerts
• Priority
public
All of our Friends receive: season brochure sent directly to you 3 times a year • Regular advance information about our concerts and events • 10% off all tickets booked in advance through our box office (maximum 2 per event) • 10% off food and drink in our restaurant • Regular offers and promotions
• No
Bronze Friend (£35, £30 DD) As a bronze friend you receive: • 5
voucher pairs for our Thursday Lunchtime concerts to be used across the year
• Priority
public
booking 2 days ahead of general
• Reduced
£1.50 booking fee
Silver Friend (£60, £55 DD) As a silver friend you receive: • Unlimited
tickets for yourself for our Thursday Lunchtime concerts
• Priority
public
booking 7 days ahead of general
• Reduced • Credit
£1.50 booking fee
of your generosity on our website
Book online: www.sjss.org.uk
booking fee
• Credit
of your generosity on our website and in our brochure
• Our
In addition to this our four levels of Friends membership add extras:
booking 7 days ahead of general
• Invitations
to special members events
• Best
seat in the house/priority waiting list
• Meet
the artist invitations
The 300 Club In celebration of our 300th anniversary we are opening an exclusive club for 300 people or organisations to join. For a donation of £300 your name will be recorded on a permanent board in the foyer at St John’s Smith Square and you will receive a pair of tickets* to a concert of your choice within our Christmas Festival together with an invitation to an exclusive reception with the artists after the concert. *
Subject to availability
To find out more about our Friends memberships or to join please visit our website www.sjss.org.uk, where you can download a membership form or call our Box Office on 020 7222 1061, who will be more than happy to help with any queries.
Are you under 26 years of age? See Page 31 for details of our special U26 scheme
Call the box office: 020 7222 1061
Booking Opens
Friends of St John’s from Monday 14 July
General Public Monday 21 July
Main concert Lunchtime concert Sunday afternoons Lunchtime Talks
Saturday 6 September | 7.30pm
Violin and Piano Recital of Virtuoso Favourites Ani Batikian, violin Benjamin Frith, piano Debussy Sonata for Violin and Piano in G minor Brahms Sonata for Violin and Piano No. 3 in D minor, Op.108 Saint-Saëns Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso Khachaturian Dance for Violin and Piano, Op.1 Sabre Dance from “Gayaneh”, arr. by Heifetz Adagio and Bacchanal from “Spartacus”, arr. by Baich Chopin Nocturne, arr. by Milstein Edward Baghdasarian Rhapsody Roland Roberts Variations on Mer Hayrenik (the Armenian Hymn, “Our Motherland”) The Tekeyan Cultural Association presents the brilliant Armenian violinist Ani Batikian, playing a varied and challenging repertoire of much-loved violin virtuoso pieces, accompanied by the internationally acclaimed pianist Benjamin Frith. To mark the 111th anniversary of the great composer Aram Khachaturian the programme will include some of his outstanding pieces. £20, £15, £10 Concert promoted by Tekeyan Cultural Association
Thursday 11 September | 1.05pm
The Wu Quartet
Haydn String Quartet in C, Op. 20 No. 2 Mendelssohn String Quartet in F minor, Op. 80 The prize-winning Wu Quartet open this year’s Thursday Lunchtime series with a programme which juxtaposes the wit and stylish grace of Haydn with the raw drama of Mendelssohn’s turbulent final quartet, written in memory of his sister. www.wuquartet.com £10 Concert promoted by St John’s Smith Square
4
300th Anniversary Year
Thursday 11 September | 7pm
We Will Remember Them
A First World War Commemorative Evening As the nation commemorates the centenary of the First World War, Combat Stress hosts an evening of poignant music, poetry and readings from the era. Telling the story of the war from the outbreak in August 1914 to the signing of the Armistice in November 1918, the concert will pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice as well as those who returned home suffering from psychological and physical wounds. Combat Stress has cared for the mental health of Veterans since 1919, with the charity marking its 95th anniversary this year. www.combatstress.org.uk Service only: £40.00, Service & Reception: £70.00 Concert promoted by Combat Stress
Monday 15 September | 6pm
Laura Snowden
Bach Lute Suite in G minor, BWV 995 Colin Downs Mosaic Lennox Berkeley Sonatina Join St John’s Young Artist, classical guitarist, Laura Snowden for a free pre-concert recital at 6pm. www.laurasnowden.co.uk Free ticketed event Concert promoted by St John’s Smith Square
Book online: www.sjss.org.uk
Call the box office: 020 7222 1061
Monday 15 September | 7.30pm
Orchestra of St John’s John Lubbock, conductor Sir James Galway, flute Lady Jeanne Galway, flute Jan Schmolck, violin Christopher O’ Neal, oboe Paul Archibald, trumpet Howard Moody, harpsichord Maki Sekiya, piano Bach Brandenburg Concerto No. 4 in G major, BWV 1049 Bach Brandenburg Concerto No. 5 in D major, BWV 1050 Bach Piano Concerto in F minor, BWV 1056 Bach Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 in F major, BWV 1047 The Orchestra of St John’s commence their 2014 – 15 season with a programme of virtuosic Bach performed by virtuoso flautist James Galway. The fabulous Baroque setting of St John’s provides the perfect backdrop to this expressive journey through instrumental colours. www.osj.org.uk £26, £20, £15, £10 Concert promoted by Orchestra of St John’s
Tuesday 16 September | 7pm
Bampton Classical Opera
6
CHROMA Thomas Blunt, conductor Aoife O’ Sullivan, soprano Gwawr Edwards, soprano Caryl Hughes, mezzo soprano Anna Starushkevych, mezzo soprano Thomas Herford, tenor Robert Gildon, baritone
In its enterprising pursuit of the rare and the beautiful, Bampton Classical Opera stages an intriguing double-bill marking the 300th birthday of one of the most lyrical of eighteenthcentury opera composers.
Gluck Il Parnaso confuso Bertoni Orfeo
£30, £22, £15
www.bamptonopera.org
Concert promoted by Bampton Classical Opera
300th Anniversary Year
Thursday 18 September | 1.05pm
Lana Trotovšek, violin Yoko Misumi, piano
Debussy Sonata for violin and piano in G minor Bach Violin Sonata in G minor, BWV 1001 Brahms Violin Sonata No. 3 in D minor, Op. 108 Celebrated Slovenian violinist Lana Trotovšek has performed as soloist with such luminaries as Valery Gergiev and the Mariinsky Theatre Orchestra. In this recital, she frames the sublime architectures of solo Bach with two lyrical and expansive sonatas from Debussy and Brahms. www.lanatrotovsek.info www.yokomisumi.com £10 Concert promoted by St John’s Smith Square
Friday 19 September | 1.05pm
Lunchtime Talk
Join us at St John’s for our new monthly series of topical debate hosted by the Reverend Graham Buckle. Please see our website for this month’s special guest. Free admission Event promoted by St John’s Smith Square
We serve freshly-made, seasonal salads and light lunch options every week day
Book online: www.sjss.org.uk
Call the box office: 020 7222 1061
Saturday 20 September | 7.30pm
Richard Strauss and Hubert Parry: Endings and Beginnings
The Epiphoni Consort Bloomsbury Chamber Orchestra Tim Reader, conductor James Lowe, conductor Charlotte Newstead, soprano Brahms Geistliches Lied Strauss Tod Und Verklärung Strauss Deutsche Motette Parry Songs of Farewell (excerpts) Strauss Four Last Songs Parry Blest Pair of Sirens Marking the 150th anniversary of the birth of Richard Strauss, a concert featuring one of his rarely performed works, the Deutsche Motette – for unaccompanied 16-part choir – as well as one of his most known and loved, the Four Last Songs. Plus works by Brahms and Parry. www.epiphoni.org.uk www.bloomsburychamberorchestra.org.uk £20, £16, £14, £10 (concessions £18, £14.40, £12.60, £9) Concert promoted by The Epiphoni Consort
Sunday 21 September | 3pm
Songsmiths present “Journeys” An exploration in song of the wanderer. From the unsettled souls of German poetry, to the quirkiness of a boy on a train and the hopeful serenades of lovers. Songs by Vaughan Williams, Britten, Schubert, Buxton Orr, Fauré and Strauss. Nicky Spence, tenor Marcus Farnsworth, baritone Audrey Hyland, piano £14 (concessions £10) Concert co-promoted by Songsmiths and St John’s Smith Square
Photo of Nicky Spence: © Raphaella Photography, photo of Marcus Farnsworth: © Benjamin Ealovega
8
300th Anniversary Year
‘ Pizarro proved himself the equal of the keyboard giants.’
Wednesday 24 September | 7.30pm
Artur Pizarro
The Guardian
The complete Rachmaninoff Piano Cycle Rachmaninoff 10 Preludes Song without words in D minor (1886 – 7) 2 Pieces 4 Impovisations in collaboration with Arensky, Taneyev and Glasunov (c.1896 – 7) Canon in E minor (c. 1889 – 92) Morceaux de Fantaisie, Op. 3 Join Artur Pizarro as continues his exploration of Rachmaninoff’s complete piano music. The series presents Rachmaninoff’s most intimate musical thoughts. One of the world’s greatest pianist-composerconductors, passionately fighting to find the way to express himself in a world that was living through one of its most turbulent ages. Concerts also on 19 November and 10 December. www.arturpizarro.pt £20, £15, £10 Concert co-promoted by Artur Pizarro and St John’s Smith Square
Thursday 25 September | 1.05pm
Organ recital
Margaret Phillips, organ One of the UK’s outstanding organists, Margaret Phillips launches the 2014/15 Organ Recital Series in an all Bach programme. March 2012 saw the final release in her series of the complete Bach organ works, several of which have received 5-star reviews and described by Gramophone as having ‘compelling and consummate artistry’. £10 Concert promoted by St John’s Smith Square Photo: © Sven Arsntein
Book online: www.sjss.org.uk
Call the box office: 020 7222 1061
Saturday 27 September | 7pm
The Transformation Trust presents an evening of song with the London Welsh Male Voice Choir
London Welsh Male Voice Choir Edward Rhys-Harry, conductor The Transformation Trust presents the London Welsh Male Voice Choir in a concert of classical and popular song, in support of the Trust’s work to improve social mobility. www.londonwelshmvc.org £20, £15, £10 Concert promoted by Transformation Trust
Sunday 28 September | 3pm
From Leipzig to London The Brook Street Band Bach Trio Sonata in C major, BWV 529 Handel Violin Sonata in D major, HWV 371 Handel Trio Sonata in G minor, Op. 2 No. 5 Bach Trio Sonata from ‘A Musical Offering’, BWV 1079 Handel Trio Sonata in F major, Op. 5 No. 6 A fictional meeting between Bach and Handel in 1750 where these two unique men compare their differing lives and musical styles. Bach was allied to church and family, and Handel to cosmopolitan city life. Does their music reflect this though? www.brookstreetband.co.uk £14 (concessions £10) Concert co-promoted by St John’s Smith Square
Photo of Brook Street Band: Kate Mount
10
300th Anniversary Year
Thursday 2 October | 1.05pm
Claire Wickes, flute Joe Houston, piano Programme to include: CPE Bach Flute Sonata in A minor Christian Mason Heaven’s Chimes are Slow This programme celebrates the zany, label-defying work of CPE Bach (still much neglected) whose
tercentenary is marked this year. It also includes music by Christian Mason, an emerging composer whose rich musical imagination has established him as one of the UK’s most individual young voices. www.clairewickes.com www.josephhouston.co.uk £10 Concert promoted by St John’s Smith Square in association with the Worshipful Company of Musicians
Friday 3 October | 7.30pm
Thursday 2 October | 7.30pm
Northern Lights Symphony Orchestra Adam Johnson, conductor Alexandra Dariescu, piano Grieg Symphonic Dance No.1 Op. 64 Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, Op. 18 Christian Sinding Symphony No. 1 in D minor, Op. 21
Our Kids Fund Raising Concert with Amira Medunjanin Amira Medunjanin, soloist Bojan Zulfikarpasic, piano Nenad Vasilic, double bass Dubbed the Bosnian Billie Holiday, Amira will perform traditional music of the Balkans region, with award winning jazz pianist Bojan Zulfikarpasic and highly acclaimed double bass player Nenad Vasilic. The trio exude lightness and virtuous understanding of the complexity of the Balkan rhythms and melodies. The concert is in support of Our Kids, a charity foundation formed in London in 2008 with a mission to support orphaned children and those with special needs in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The NLSO is delighted to welcome critically acclaimed pianist Alexandra Dariescu for a performance of Rachmaninov’s extraordinary 2nd Piano Concerto. Two of Norway’s www.amiramedunjanin.ba greatest Romantic composers – Grieg and Sinding – complete a thrilling ‘Northern Lights’ £35, £20, £25, £15 programme. www.nlso.org
Concert promoted by Our Kids
£20, £15, £10 Concert supported by Hurtigruten and Visit Norway. Concert promoted by Northern Lights Symphony Orchestra Photo of Alexandra Dariescu: London Studios
Book online: www.sjss.org.uk
Call the box office: 020 7222 1061
12
300th Anniversary Year
Sunday 5 October
A Dream of Germany Mark Wilde, tenor Joseph Spooner, cello David Owen Norris, piano The musical links that were torn apart by the Great War.
11.30am Teachers & Pupils 1830 – 1880
Sullivan Duo Concertante Mendelssohn Songs without Words Sullivan The Tennyson Song Cycle: The Window Sterndale Bennett Sonata Duo
3pm High Victorians 1880 – 1900
Battison Haynes Vier Lieder Stanford tr. Grainger Four Irish Dances Parry English Lyrics (Sixth Set) Sherwood First Cello Sonata
5pm The Regimental Musician & the Volunteer Reservist Elgar tr.Karg-Elert Falstaff
7.30pm The Great War
Cobb Barrack-Room Ballads (Kipling) Roger Quilter To Daisies Julia’s Hair Dyson Cello Sonata Elgar Carillon (Cammaerts) Karg-Elert S echs Kriegslieder im Volkston (Dehmel) Cello Sonata www.markwilde.co.uk www.josephspooner.net www.davidowennorris.com Ticket for each single concert: £15 (£5 for Students & Young Friends) Combined ticket for all four concerts: £40 (£15 for Students & U26 Friends) Concert co-promoted by David Owen Norris, Mark Wilde, Joseph Spooner & St John’s Smith Square
Book online: www.sjss.org.uk
Call the box office: 020 7222 1061
Wednesday 8 October | 1.05pm
London Mozart Players Howard Shelley, piano
Mozart Piano Concerto No. 24 in C minor K 491 The London Mozart Players and Howard Shelley commence a new series of lunchtime concerts exploring the great piano concertos of Mozart. The C minor Concerto is filled with drama; a masterpiece of classical form. Each concert will commence with a brief introduction to the music, illustrating the principle themes and showing how the piece has been written. www.londonmozartplayers.com £10 Concert promoted by the London Mozart Players
Wednesday 8 October | 7.30pm
Young Musicians Symphony Orchestra James Blair, conductor Vitaly Pisarenko, piano Berlioz Overture Le Corsaire Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No. 1 in B flat minor, Op. 23 Nielsen Symphony No. 5, Op. 50 The YMSO starts its new season of orchestral concerts featuring music by Nielsen, Tchaikovsky and Berlioz. These talented musicians bring a youthful exuberance to each and every performance. YMSO concerts are not to be missed. www.ymso.org.uk £20, £15, £10 (concessions £16, £12, £8) Concert promoted by the Young Musicians Symphony Orchestra
Photo of London Mozart Players & YMSO: © Matthew Andrews
14
300th Anniversary Year
Thursday 9 October | 1.05pm
Opera Danube Young Artists Recital
Lauren Zolezzi, soprano Elinor Rolfe Johnson, soprano Kate Symonds Joy, mezzo soprano Thomas Herford, tenor Dominic Sedgwick, baritone Rob Gildon, bass baritone An enthralling recital of operetta favourites as well as lesser known jewels, in anticipation of Opera Danube’s forthcoming performances of Die Fledermaus. www.operadanube.co.uk £10 Concert promoted by St John’s Smith Square
Saturday 11 October | 7.30pm
Three Choirs Festival: Come and Sing Elijah Adrian Partington, conductor Neal Davies, Elijah Sian Winstanley, soprano Olivia Gomez, mezzo soprano Gareth Treseder, tenor Mendelssohn Elijah Mendelssohn’s Elijah led by conductor and choral trainer, Adrian Partington. Philharmonia Orchestra members play alongside London music college students in the evening’s performance. Come and Sing: If you are interested in taking part in this performance singer’s passes are available of the Three Choirs Festival website at £20, £18 before 26 September. www.3choirs.org £15, £12, £10 Concert promoted by the Three Choirs Festival
Book online: www.sjss.org.uk
Call the box office: 020 7222 1061
Sunday 12 October | 3pm
Werther Ensemble: Piano Quartets Mozart Piano Quartet in G minor, K 478 Schubert Adagio and Rondo Concertante, D 487 Mahler Piano Quartet in A minor Mozart Piano Quartet in E flat, K 493 Join the Werther Ensemble as they present gems of the European piano quartet repertoire. Their journey begins in Austria with two of Mozart’s masterpieces, alongside Schubert’s exuberant piano concerto-like work and Mahler’s passionate one-movement quartet. www.wertherensemble.com £14 (concessions £10) Concert co-promoted by the Werther Ensemble and St John’s Smith Square
Monday 13 October | 1.05pm
Choral Eucharist: St. Edward the Confessor Cantandum Gilly French, director Reverend Graham Buckle, celebrant Byrd Mass for four voices Ave verum corpus www.cantandum.westminster.org.uk Free admission, all welcome
Dine in style before the concert with our daily à la carte dinner menu Photo of Werther Ensemble: Oliver Markham
16
300th Anniversary Year
Monday 13 October | 7.30pm
Kensington Symphony Orchestra Russell Keable, conductor Rachmaninoff Isle of the Dead Debussy La Mer Lutosławski Symphony No. 3 Kensington Symphony Orchestra open their 2014/15 season with music by Rachmaninoff, Debussy and Lutosławski. www.kso.org.uk £16, £12 Concert promoted by Kensington Symphony Orchestra
Tuesday 14 October | 7.30pm
Salomon Orchestra Guy Johnson, cello Philip Hesketh, conductor Dvořák Cello Concerto Suk Asrael Symphony Suk named his masterpiece Symphony for Large Orchestra ‘Asrael’, the angel protecting souls at death, dedicating it to his wife Otillie who died during its composition, and her father, Dvořák. www.salomon.org.uk £15 (concessions £12), £12 Concert promoted by Salomon Orchestra
Photo of KSO: Sim Canetty-Clarke, photo of Guy Johnston: Jack Liebeck
Book online: www.sjss.org.uk
Call the box office: 020 7222 1061
Thursday 16 October | 1.05pm
Duncan Rock, baritone Joseph Middleton, piano
Featuring works by Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninoff, Finzi, Rorem and Butterworth. Young baritone Duncan Rock is fast making his mark on the international opera stage as an English National Opera Harewood Young Artist and former Jerwood Young Artist for the Glyndebourne Festival. “Joseph Middleton is a born collaborator… one of the brightest stars in the world of song and Lieder” – BBC Music Magazine www.duncanrock.wordpress.com www.josephmiddleton.com £10 Concert promoted by St John’s Smith Square
Thursday 16 October | 7.30pm
Orchestra Vitae Smith Square Voices Michael Cobb, conductor Shostakovich Festive Overture Brahms Symphony No. 3 Stephen Montague Requiem The ever-enterprising Orchestra Vitae return for the second part of their 2014 season. Shostakovich and Brahms feature before the orchestra are joined by Smith Square Voices* for Stephen Montague’s evocative and atmospheric Requiem. www.orchestravitae.co.uk £20, £16, £14, £12, £8 (concessions £16, £12.80, £11.20, £9.60, £6.40) Concert co-promoted by Orchestra Vitae and St John’s Smith Square * See Page 61 for more information on how to join Smith Square Voices for this concert.
Photo of Joseph Middleton: Sussie Ahlburg, photo of Duncan Rock: Paul Mitchell
18
300th Anniversary Year
Friday 17 and Saturday 18 October | 7.30pm
Opera Danube Orpheus Sinfonia Oriana Choir Thomas Carroll, conductor
Simon Butteriss, Dr Blind Lauren Zolezzi, Adele Elinor Rolfe Johnson, Rosalinda Thomas Herford, Gabriel von Eisenstein Kate Symonds Joy, Prince Orlofsky Rob Gildon, Frank Dominic Sedgwick, Dr Falke Strauss Die Fledermaus Opera Danube are back at St John’s to showcase their 2014 Young Artists in Die Fledermaus. Champagne, deception, love and lust abound in this thrilling semi-staged operetta. www.operadanube.co.uk £25, £20, £15, £10 Concert co-promoted by Opera Danube and St John’s Smith Square
Book online: www.sjss.org.uk
Call the box office: 020 7222 1061
Sunday 19 October | 3pm
Lucy Parham – Composers in Love ‘Rêverie: The life and loves of Claude Debussy’ with Simon Russell Beale Written to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Claude Debussy, Rêverie is the fourth biographical programme of composers’ words and music to be compiled and scripted by pianist Lucy Parham. A crucial element of Debussy’s complex intellectual and emotional world was an entangled love life that brought illicit trysts in Jersey, a brush with a revolver and even a suicide attempt. A post-concert Q and A will be hosted by Radio 3’s Petroc Trelawny Sponsored by Sheaffer www.lucyparham.com £25 or £35 for a pair of tickets per concert (concessions £15 or £25 for a pair) Concert co-promoted by Lucy Parham and St John’s Smith Square
20
300th Anniversary Year
Thursday 23 October | 1.05pm
Organ recital
David Titterington, organ Organ Curator at St John’s Smith Square, David Titterington performs a programme of Sweelinck, Scheidemann, Bohm and CPE Bach whose 300th anniversary we mark this year. £10 Concert promoted by St John’s Smith Square
Thursday 23 October | 7.30pm
Camerata Alma Viva Charlotte Maclet, violin and director Handel arr. E. Mouret Passacaglia Schoenberg Verklärte Nacht Nimrod Borenstein Symphony for Strings op.68 World Premiere Steve Reich Triple Quartet Handel/Hendrix Purple Haze Original arrangement by E. Mouret for Camerata Alma Viva The Camerata Alma Viva is a string ensemble playing standing up and without conductor, composed of young players of nine different nationalities. After numerous concerts in Europe, the Camerata Alma Viva is now one of the most exciting Londonbased ensembles on today’s musical scene. www.camerataalmaviva.com £25, £18, £10, £5 Concert co-promoted by Camerata Alma Viva and St John’s Smith Square
Book online: www.sjss.org.uk
Call the box office: 020 7222 1061
Saturday 25 October | 12.30pm, 2.00pm, 7.30pm
Contemporary Music for All 21st Anniversary Gala Concerts CoMA’s 21st year and unique position in contemporary music are celebrated by ten ensembles performing specially commissioned fanfares and works from Open Score, CoMA’s flexibly scored, technically accessible contemporary repertoire. Commencing with CoMA’s first-ever commissioned work, ensembles join forces to perform pieces from CoMA’s diverse repertoire. Full programme available online. www.coma.org Concert co-promoted CoMA and St John’s Smith Square
12.30pm & 2pm
Txemi Etxebarria, Stuart Hazleton, Sarah Leonard, Janet Oates, Simon Prince, Kieran O’ Riordan, Gregory Rose, Adam Swayne, conductors CoMA Ensembles: Bristol, East Midlands, Leeds, London, Manchester, Maastricht, Singers, Sussex, Voices, West Midlands. And the Oldham Music Centre Contemporary Music Group
7.30pm
Stuart Hazleton, Kieran O’ Riordan, Gregory Rose, Adam Swayne, conductors CoMA Allcomers
22
300th Anniversary Year
Thursday 30 October | 1.05pm
Ellis Ensemble
Nancarrow Trio No. 1 Villa-Lobos Fantasia Concertante Poulenc Sonata for Clarinet and Bassoon Hurlstone Trio in G minor From a rambunctious early work from one of American music’s great mavericks to the dark and expressive hues of turn-of-the century English romanticism, this recital explores the full breadth of the fascinating repertoire for the unusual combination of clarinet, bassoon and piano. £10 Concert promoted by St John’s Smith Square
Friday 31 October | 12.30pm
Lunchtime Talk
Join us at St John’s as our monthly series of topical debate continues hosted by the Reverend Graham Buckle. Please see our website for this month’s special guest. Free admission Event promoted by St John’s Smith Square
Sunday 2 November | 3pm
Songsmiths present “Warnings” “All that glitters is not gold” Songs which urge us to beware…. Of people, situations and surroundings! Including songs by Schumann, Britten, Berg and Lehrer Anna Huntley, mezzo soprano Christopher Ainslie, counter tenor Jonathan Lemalu, bass baritone Audrey Hyland, piano £14 (concessions £10) Concert co-promoted by Songsmiths and St John’s Smith Square
Book online: www.sjss.org.uk
Call the box office: 020 7222 1061
Wednesday 5 November | 1.05pm
London Mozart Players Howard Shelley, piano
Mozart Piano Concerto No. 23 in A K 488 The London Mozart Players and Howard Shelley continue their series of lunchtime concerts exploring the great piano concertos of Mozart. Each concert will commence with a brief introduction to the music, illustrating the principle themes and showing how the piece has been written. K488 is a concerto of contrasts; the outer movements filled with light and optimism contrasting with one of Mozart’s most introspective slow movements. www.londonmozartplayers.com £10 Concert promoted by the London Mozart Players
Thursday 6 November | 1.05pm
A Tale of Two Traditions: The music of Tallis, Sheppard, Tavener and Pärt Erebus Ensemble Tom Williams, director Tallis Loquebantur variis linguis Sheppard The Lord’s Prayer Tallis Videte miraculum Tavener The Lamb Fayrfax Magnificat ‘Regale’ Tallis Miserere nostri Pärt Tribute to Caesar Sheppard Verbum caro Following their success in this year’s Inaugural London International A Cappella Competition, the Erebus Ensemble launch their ‘John Sheppard at 500’ anniversary celebrations a couple of months early as they place his music, along with that of the great Thomas Tallis, alongside the stunningly ethereal works of Sir John Tavener and Arvo Pärt. Robert Fayrfax, whose anniversary falls this year, also features as the group performs his polyphonic tour de force, Magnificat ‘Regale’. www.theerebusensemble.com £10 Concert promoted by St John’s Smith Square Photos: ® MatthewAndrews
24
300th Anniversary Year
Friday 7 November | 7.30pm
Mark Bebbington
John McCabe Tenebrae Robert Matthew-Walker Fantasy-Sonata: Hamlet (Piano Sonata No. 3), Op.34 Richard Causton Non mi comporto male Ian Venables Caprice, Op.35 David Briggs Piano Sonata Mark Bebbington, a leading British pianist with an international reputation for his recordings and performances of British music, performs contrasting contemporary works, demonstrating the piano’s enduring presence into the 21st century. www.markbebbington.co.uk £20, £15, £10 (concessions £18, £13.50, £9) Concert promoted by Archery Promotions
Saturday 8 November | 7.30pm
Mozart Requiem
Smith Square Voices Chartwell Sinfonia Rosalind Coad, soprano Angharad Lyddon, mezzo soprano Bradley Smith, tenor Henry Neill, bass Anna Hashimoto, clarinet Richard Heason, conductor Mozart Adagio and Fugue in C minor, K546 Mozart Clarinet Concerto in A major, K622 Mozart Requiem, K626 St John’s Smith Square’s newly formed community choir, Smith Square Voices, perform Mozart’s final work at this time of Remembrance. St John’s Young Artist Anna Hashimoto also performs Mozart’s ever popular Clarinet Concerto. Come and Sing: If you are interested in taking part in this performance please see our Participation information on page 61 for details on how to register. £15 (concessions £10) Concert promoted by St John’s Smith Square Photo of Mark Bebbington: Rama Knight
Book online: www.sjss.org.uk
Call the box office: 020 7222 1061
Sunday 9 November | 3pm
The London Piano Trio present ‘Music under Stalin’ featuring two great piano trios
Georgy Sviridov Piano Trio No.1 in A minor, Op. 6 Shostakovich Piano Trio No. 2 in E minor, Op. 67 Our ‘Music under Stalin’ concert features two great piano trios. One not so well known, Georgy Sviridov’s Piano Trio in A minor, Op.6, having its first London performance. It was not for nothing that this incredible work won the 1946 Stalin prize. And the other, the famous, Dmitri Shostakovich Piano Trio in E Minor, Op. 67 of 1944. www.londonpianotrio.com £14 (concessions £10) Concert co-promoted by the London Piano Trio and St John’s Smith Square
Monday 10 November | 7.30pm
Westminster School Guy Hopkins, conductor Sinan Savaskan, conductor Bizet Selection from Carmen Suites Nos. 1 and 2 Britten Paul Bunyan Overture Ives The Unanswered Question Peter Maxwell Davies Five Klee Pictures The young musicians of Westminster School return to St John’s for their annual orchestral concert, with repertoire from Bizet’s Carmen Suites and twentieth century music by Charles Ives, Benjamin Britten and Sir Peter Maxwell Davies. www.westminster.org.uk £5 Concert promoted by Westminster School
Photo of London Piano Trio: London Piano Trio
26
300th Anniversary Year
Tuesday 11 November | 7.30pm
Henschel Quartet with Martino Tirimo Beethoven String Quartet in A major, Op. 18 No. 5 Dvořák String Quartet, No. 12 Op. 96 Brahms Piano Quintet in F minor, Op. 34 Recognised as one of the elite group of string quartets on the world stage today, the Henschel Quartet celebrate their 20th Anniversary with this wonderful programme of gems from the string quartet repertoire. They are joined by acclaimed pianist Martino Tirimo to close their programme with one of Brahms’ finest chamber works – his Piano Quintet. www.henschel-quartett.de www.martinotirimo.com £17, £12, £5 Concert co-promoted the Henschel Quartet and St John’s Smith Square
Thursday 12 November | 1.05pm
Organ recital
Royal College of Organists Showcase Royal College of Organists prizewinners and talented young organists from the RCO Academy in recital. £10 Concert promoted by St John’s Smith Square Photos: George Thum © Wildundleise.de
Book online: www.sjss.org.uk
Call the box office: 020 7222 1061
Thursday 13 November | 7.30pm
Music in Time of War City of London Choir Hilary Devan Wetton, conductor Mary Nelson, soprano Wendy Dawn Thompson, mezzo soprano Matthew Long, tenor William Berger, baritone Tippett Five Spirituals from ‘A Child of our Time’ Butterworth The Banks of Green Willow Finzi Requiem da Camera Haydn Missa in tempore belli XXII: 9 ‘Paukenmesse’ Haydn’s stirring response to troubled times in Europe, permeated by ominous drumbeats, is coupled with Finzi’s deeply poignant elegy to his friends killed in action, 1914 – 1918. The programme culminates in a potent prayer for peace. www.cityoflondonchoir.org £28, £22, £18, £14 (concessions £25.20, £19.80, £16.20, £12.60) Concert promoted by the City of London Choir
Friday 14 November | 12.30pm
Lunchtime Talk
Join us at St John’s as our monthly series of topical debate continues hosted by the Reverend Graham Buckle. See our website for details of today’s special guest speaker. Free admission Event promoted by St John’s Smith Square
Saturday 15 November | 7.30pm
The Camden Choir Pro Arte Julian Williamson, conductor Lesley-Jane Rogers, soprano Margaret McDonald, mezzo soprano Michael George, bass Handel Athalia
Story of the Old Testament tyranny Queen, Athalia, who murdered her rivals and their children, and of her fear and jealousy of a boy who is indeed the rightful King. www.camdenchoir.org.uk www.londonproarte.co.uk £20, £15, £10 Concert promoted by The Camden Choir
28
300th Anniversary Year
Sunday 16 November | 3pm
London Soloists Ensemble Sunday Transformations
Weber Sylvanna Variations, Op. 33 for clarinet and piano Brahms Sonata in D (Violin Sonata No. 1 in G, Op. 78 arr. Klengel for cello and piano) Beethoven Trio in E flat, Op. 38 (the composer's own arrangement of his Septet) The London Soloists Ensemble series this season is centred on the idea of transformation. Each programme contains familiar orchestral or large chamber works played in contemporary transcriptions for smaller forces. These are paired with music where variation is the driving force. Beethoven's own transcriptions feature in each programme. www.londonsoloistsensemble.co.uk £14 (£10 concessions) Concert promoted by St John’s Smith Square
Monday 17 November | 7.30pm
Vesselin Stanev
Liszt Réminiscences de Norma Réminiscences de Don Juan Après une Lecture du Dante: Fantasia quasi sonata from Années de Pèlegrinage II: Italie Mephisto Waltz No. 1 Vesselin Stanev was born in Bulgaria and studied at the Tchaikovsky Conservatoire in Moscow, as well as with Alexis Weissenberg at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique in Paris. He was awarded prizes at the Moscow Tchaikovsky Competition and at the Concours Long–Thibaud. www.vesselin-stanev.com £30, £25, £17 Concert promoted by Hervé Archambeau
Book online: www.sjss.org.uk
Call the box office: 020 7222 1061
Tuesday 18 November | 7.30pm
Giovanni Sollima and Kathryn Stott Monteverdi Lament Beethoven Cello Sonata No. 4 in C major, Op. 102 No. 1 Piatti Sonata No. 2 Schumann Stucke im Volkston Op. 102 Sollima Il bell’Antonio Chopin Sonata in G minor 15 years ago cellist Giovanni Sollima and pianist Kathryn Stott met in Tokyo and so began a mutual fascination with each other’s work. It has taken until now for their individual schedules to bring them together for what will certainly be an exhilarating experience. www.giovannisollima.it www.kathrynstott.com £15 (concessions £10) Concert promoted by Kathryn Stott
Wednesday 19 November | 7.30pm
Artur Pizarro
The complete Rachmaninoff Piano Cycle Rachmaninoff Transcriptions of music by composers including Bach, Schubert, Mussorgsky and Fritz Kreisler Continuing explorations of Rachmaninoff’s complete piano music, Artur’s series concludes on 10 December. www.arturpizarro.pt £20, £15, £10 Concert co-promoted by Artur Pizarro and St John’s Smith Square Photo of Giovanni Sollima: Gian Maria Musarra, photo of Kathryn Stott: Lorenzo Cicconi Massi, photo of Artur Pizarro: © Sven Arsntein
30
300th Anniversary Year
Thursday 20 November | 1.05pm
Rachel Roberts, viola Lars Vogt, piano
Schumann Märchenbilder, Op. 113 Brahms Sonata in E flat mjor, Op. 120 No. 2 Schubert Arpeggione Sonata in A minor, D821 In what promises to be a highlight of our autumn programme, we are thrilled to welcome Rachel Roberts and Lars Vogt for this concert of Romantic favourites. One of the UK’s leading violists, Roberts performs regularly with many of the world’s great chamber musicians. Sir Simon Rattle described Vogt as "one of the most extraordinary musicians of any age group that I have had the fortune to be associated with". “…Roberts’ beautifully expressive tone … offering countless felicities of phrasing … powerful and projecting…” – The Strad Magazine www.rachelrobertsviola.co.uk www.larsvogt.com £10 Concert promoted by St John’s Smith Square
Are you Under 26 and do you enjoy attending concerts? Why not join our Under 26 Friends Scheme. It’s absolutely FREE OF CHARGE, just email marketing@sjss.org.uk to register. Our U26s receive: • £5
tickets to select performances across our season show Q&A’s and ‘Meet the Artist’ sessions in our Crypt • Special U26 events • Post
Register today! Photo of Lars Vogt: Felix Broede
Book online: www.sjss.org.uk
Call the box office: 020 7222 1061
Thursday 20 November | 7.30pm
Early Opera Company Rameau Platée Thomas Walker, Platée Emmanuelle de Negri, l’Amour, Clarine, la Folie Mark Milhofer, Thespis, Mercure Callum Thorpe, Jupiter Emilie Renard, Junon Conducted by Christian Curnyn Following his triumph with Platée at the Stuttgart Opera the highly acclaimed conductor Christian Curnyn brings his own forces together for this French comic opera from the high baroque master, Rameau, in this Rameau anniversary year. Marking the first in a series of collaborations between St John’s and the Early Opera Company, this is a work which amuses and delights in equal measure. A stellar cast complete the line up of what is sure to be one of the hottest tickets this autumn season. £45, £35, £25, £15 Concert promoted by St John’s Smith Square
Photo of Early Opera Company: © Matthew Andrews, photo of Christian Curnyn: Eric Richmond, photo of Emmanuelle de Negri: Abdallah Lasri
32
300th Anniversary Year
Friday 21 November | 7.30pm
The Perse School Senior Concert Orchestra The Perse School will be performing a varied programme featuring Senior Symphony Orchestra, String Orchestra, First Wind Band, Senior Chorale and other bands conducted by music department staff. www.perse.co.uk £15, £12 (concessions £12, £9) Concert promoted by Perse School
Saturday 22 November | 7.30pm
Whitehall Orchestra Michael Nebe, conductor Idil Biret, piano Brahms Piano Concerto No. 1 in D minor, Op. 15 Rimsky-Korsakov Scheherazade The renowned Turkish pianist Idil Biret makes a rare concert appearance in London. A treat for St Cecila’s day! www.whitehallorchestra.org.uk £15, £12, £10 (concessions £10, £12, £8) Concert promoted by Whitehall Orchestra
Book online: www.sjss.org.uk
Call the box office: 020 7222 1061
Sunday 23 November | 3pm
Lucy Parham – Composers in Love ‘Nocturne: The Romantic Life of Frédéric Chopin’ with Juliet Stevenson and Alex Jennings The final programme in the ‘Composers in Love’ series scripted and adapted from letters and diaries by Lucy Parham chronicles the romantic life of one the greatest and most popular composers for solo piano – Frédéric Chopin. The narrative follows his turbulent relationship with the controversial literary figure George Sand, their time together in Majorca, his fragile health and his ultimate demise in poverty in Paris at the age of 39. The readings are interspersed with some of his most loved and poignant compositions. A post-concert Q and A will be hosted by Radio 3’s Sean Rafferty Sponsored by Sheaffer www.lucyparham.com £25 or £35 for a pair of tickets per concert (concessions £15 or £25 for a pair) Concert co-promoted by Lucy Parham and St John’s Smith Square
34
300th Anniversary Year
Monday 24 November | 7.30pm
Magnificat
Whitehall Choir London Baroque Sinfonia Paul Spicer, conductor C P E Bach Magnificat in D major, H 772 J S Bach Magnificat in D major, BWV 243 An unusual and colourful concert of settings of the Magnificat by J.S. Bach and his most gifted son C.P.E. Two celebratory settings with the son’s showing more than a little influence of the father’s famous and dramatically beautiful work. www.whitehallchoir.org £22.50, £18, £12 Concert promoted by the Whitehall Choir
Tuesday 25 November | 7.30pm
Kensington Symphony Orchestra Russell Keable, conductor Sir John Tomlinson, bass Walton Hindemith Variations Vaughan Williams Three Songs of Travel Stephen Montague From the Ether (commissioned by St John’s Smith Square) World Premiere Sibelius Symphony No. 5 Kensington Symphony Orchestra are joined by Sir John Tomlinson to perform a concert in memory of the orchestra’s founder Leslie Head. www.kso.org.uk £16, £12 Concert promoted by Kensington Symphony Orchestra
Book online: www.sjss.org.uk
Call the box office: 020 7222 1061
Wednesday 26 November | 7.30pm
Young Musicians Symphony Orchestra James Blair, conductor Ronan O’Hora, piano
Mozart Piano Concerto No. 20 in D minor, K 466 Bruckner Symphony No. 8 in C minor The YMSO’s second concert of the season includes Mozart’s piano concerto K 466 performed by the international concert pianist Ronan O’Hora. Bruckner’s mighty Symphony No. 8 in C minor will bring the concert to an exhilarating conclusion. www.ymso.org.uk £20, £15, £10 (concessions £18, £13.50, £9) Concert promoted by Young Musicians Symphony Orchestra
Thursday 27 November | 1.05pm
Florin Ensemble
Mozart/Bach Prelude and Fugue in G minor Klein Trio Schubert Trio in B flat, D 581 Krása Passacaglia and Fugue Time-honoured classics rub shoulders with two vivid and unjustly neglected works by Czech composers in this concert from the Florin Ensemble – a dynamic trio of musicians drawn from many of London’s leading orchestras including the OAE and BBC Concert Orchestra. www.florinensemble.co.uk Concert promoted by St John’s Smith Square
36
300th Anniversary Year
Friday 28 November | 7pm
Dulwich College Winter Concert Richard Mayo, Robin Smith, Alan Quadros, David Eno, Lesley Larkum, Dan Ludford –Thomas, conductors Eric Whitacre Cloudburst Matthew Hindson Technologic 1 – 2 Peter Warlock Capriol Suite Saucedo Chorale & Presto Ravel Bolero Paul Jarman Turn of the Open Sea Dulwich College gives its annual Winter Concert at St John’s Smith Square. The programme concludes with a performance of Paul Jarman’s Song Cycle “Turn of the Open Sea” by the College’s 180-strong Concert Choir. www.dulwich.org.uk £13 (concessions £10), £10 Concert promoted by Dulwich College
Monday 1 December | 8pm
Orchestra of St John’s OSJ Voices John Lubbock, conductor Handel Messiah Handel’s majestic oratorio opens December in style at St John’s. www.osj.org.uk £26, £20, £15, £10 Concert promoted by Orchestra of St John’s
Book online: www.sjss.org.uk
Call the box office: 020 7222 1061
Wednesday 3 December | 1.05pm
London Mozart Players Howard Shelley, piano
Mozart Piano Concerto No. 9 in E flat major, K 271 ‘Jeunehomme’ The London Mozart Players and Howard Shelley continue their series of lunchtime concerts exploring the great piano concertos of Mozart with the Jeunehomme. Written when Mozart was just 21 years old, this piece is an absolute masterwork of classical form and style. Each concert will commence with a brief introduction to the music, illustrating the principle themes and showing how the piece has been written. www.londonmozartplayers.com £10 Concert promoted by the London Mozart Players
Wednesday 3 December | 7.30pm
A Westminster Christmas Parliament Choir Simon Over, conductor Oliver Patrick, percussion Join the Parliament Choir for its annual, fun evening of festive choral works, seasonal readings and audience carols, including London Chamber Brass and special guest readers from government. The programme will include a selection of traditional carols, instrumental pieces and readings, involving choir, orchestra and audience. www.parliamentchoir.org.uk £25, £17, £10 Concert promoted by the Parliament Choir
Photo of London Mozart Players: ® MatthewAndrews
38
300th Anniversary Year
Thursday 4 December | 1.05pm
Zelkova Quartet
Mozart String Quartet in E flat major, K 428 Debussy String Quartet in G minor In the first of our lunchtime concerts showcasing the talented members of our Young Artists’ Programme, the Zelkova Quartet present masterpieces of the medium that, whilst inhabiting two very different musical worlds, nevertheless share a pioneering approach to harmonic colour. www.zelkovaquartet.co.uk £10 Concert promoted by St John’s Smith Square
Thursday 4 December | 7.30pm
Andrey Lebedev
Leo Brouwer Sonata No. 5: Ars Combinatoria J S Bach Chaconne from Partita in D minor, BWV 1003 Harrison Birtwistle Construction with Guitar Player Takemitsu In the Woods Berio Sequenza XI for Guitar Ginastera Sonata, Op. 47 Disregarding the more traditional guitar programmes that have been in currency for many years, The Julian Bream Trust which has been set up to support young musicians seeks to explore a largely different repertoire. This particular concert has the unusual inclusion of two distinguished World Premieres by Harrison Birtwistle and Leo Brouwer. www.andreylebedev.com £20, £15, £10 Concert promoted by The Julian Bream Trust
Pre-concert drinks and tempting postshow mezze – available most evenings Photo of Andrey Lebedev: Shannon Morris
Book online: www.sjss.org.uk
Call the box office: 020 7222 1061
Friday 5 December | 7.30pm
Solomon’s Knot Handel Messiah
Now an Aldeburgh Music Open Space ensemble, Solomon’s Knot Baroque Collective return to St John’s with their daring and electric version of Messiah: 2-to-apart, without conductor and from memory. www.solomonsknotcollective.com £30, £25, £20, £15 (students £10) Concert promoted by Solomon’s Knot
40
300th Anniversary Year
Saturday 6 December | 7.30pm
New Lamps for Old Chapelle du Roi Chant Puer natus est nobis Robert Hugill Puer natus est nobis Palestrina O Magnum Mysterium Victoria Ave Maria Guerrero Alma Redemptoris Tallis Nunc Dimittis Christmas has inspired composers for more than five hundred years. The legacy of English and continental composers from the Renaissance is rich and varied. In recent years a ‘Second English Renaissance’ has seen contemporary composers taking inspiration from plainchant, secular carols and polyphonic masterworks of the sixteenth century. A new tradition of Renaissance-inspired music flourishes in the hands of contemporary English composers. In this programme Chapelle du Roi explores the links between works by Tallis, Sheppard, Palestrina and Guerrero and contemporary English composers. www.chapelleduroi.com £25, £20, £15, £10
Sunday 7 December | 6.30pm
Carols by Candlelight City of London Choir Hilary Davan Wetton, conductor Stephen Farr, organ ‘A carol concert with bells on’ (the Guardian) – the City of London choir’s much-loved annual celebration of Christmas, with audience participation. For all the family (recommended minimum age 7). www.cityoflondonchoir.org £28, £22, £18, £14 (children under 16 50% £14, £11, £9, £7; concessions £25.20, £19.80, £16.20, £12.60) Concert promoted by the City of London Choir
Book online: www.sjss.org.uk
Call the box office: 020 7222 1061
Monday 8 December | 7.30pm
Tuesday 9 December | 7.30pm
Choir of Christ’s College, Cambridge Thames Chamber Orchestra Rhiannon Llewellyn, soprano Keith Marshall, conductor David Rowland, director
Kelly Lovelady, conductor Jayson Gillham, piano Elena Xanthoudakis, soprano Xenia Deviatkina-Loh, violin Adam Szabo, cello Yelian He, cello Benjamin Mellefont, clarinet Nicola Crowe, flute
Glory of Christmas
Bach Christians Be Joyful from the Christmas Oratorio Mozart Exsultate Jubilate K 165 Handel Christmas Music from Messiah Handel Worthy is the Lamb from Messiah Handel Hallelujah Chorus from Messiah A magnificent evening of Christmas music and poems to celebrate the start of the festive season. www.oraclecancertrust.org £45, £30, £25, £10 Concert promoted by Oracle Cancer Trust
Tait Winter Prom
Grainger Handel in the Strand Mozart Piano Concerto No.14 in E flat, K 449 Vaughan Williams The Lark Ascending Mozart Ch'io mi scordi di te? Non temer, amato bene. K 505 Giovanni Sollima Violoncelles Vibrez! Penkin New work Copland Appalachian Spring The Tait Memorial Trust proudly support young Australian performing artists studying in the UK. Join us as we celebrate these talented Australian musicians in a concert of classical favourites. www.taitmemorialtrust.org £35, £28, £22, £15 Concert promoted by Tait Memorial
42
300th Anniversary Year
Thursday 10 December | 7.30pm
Artur Pizarro
The complete Rachmaninoff Piano Cycle Rachmaninoff Four Pieces (c. 1887 – 1891) Études-Tableaux Op. 33 Piano Sonata No. 1 Op. 28 This concert concludes Artur Pizarro’s explorations of Rachmaninoff’s complete piano music. www.arturpizarro.pt £20, £15, £10 Concert co-promoted by Artur Pizarro and St John’s Smith Square
Thursday 11 December | 1.05pm
Organ Recital Martin Sturm, organ
Winner of the prestigious Tournemire Prize at the 2013 St Albans International Organ Festival, Martin Sturm is one of Germany’s finest young organists. In a programme of works from the 18th and 19th centuries which will conclude with improvisations for which he is renowned. £10 Concert promoted by St John’s Smith Square Photo: © Sven Arsntein
Book online: www.sjss.org.uk
Call the box office: 020 7222 1061
Thursday 11 December | 7.30pm
La Création du Monde European Union Baroque Orchestra Lars Ulrik Mortensen, director & harpsichord Rebel Les Elémens (including Le Cahos) Muffat Concerto Grosso XII in G Propitia Sydera Rebel Les Caractères de la Danse Rameau Suite of dances La Création du Monde The ‘infectiously joyful’ musicians of EUBO perform French baroque music of astonishing force and intensity with charismatic director Lars Ulrik Mortensen. The programme begins with one of the most shocking movements in the entire repertoire of baroque music. www.eubo.eu £25, £20, £15, £10 (concessions £22.50, £18, £13.50, £9) Concert co-promoted by the European Union Baroque Orchestra and St John’s Smith Square in association with Christmas Festival London
44
300th Anniversary Year
Friday 12 December | 7.30pm
Spem In Alium
Choir of King’s College, London David Trendell, director Frank Martin Mass Pierre Villette Hymne a la vierge Attende Domine Orlande de Lassus Missa Bel’ amfitrit’ altera Alma redeptoris mater Omnes de Saba Thomas Tallis Spem in alium The Choir of King’s College London return to St John’s Smith Square with a rich programme featuring Tallis’s 40-part motet Spem in alium and Masses by Lassus and Frank Martin. www.kcl.ac.uk/aboutkings/principal/dean/choir/ £25, £20, £15, £10 (concessions £22.50, £18, £13.50, £9) Concert promoted by Choir of King’s College, London in association with Christmas Festival London
Book online: www.sjss.org.uk
Call the box office: 020 7222 1061
Saturday 13 December | 7.30pm
Lux de caelo: Music for Christmas Choir of Clare College, Cambridge Dmitri Ensemble Graham Ross, director Tanya Houghton, harp Bach Brich an, o schönes Morgenlicht from Weihnachtsoratorium BWV 248 Mendelssohn Frohlocket ihr Völker auf Erden Op. 79, No. 1 Praetorius Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern Es ist ein Ros entsprungen Quem pastores laudavere Trad. Arr. Reginald Jacques Away in a manger Trad. Gloucestershire arr. Walford Davies The Holly and the Ivy Trad. Herefordshire arr. Ralph Vaughan Williams The truth from above Britten arr. Julous Harrison A Ceremony of Carols Trad. Spanish arr. Graham Ross Riù, Riù, Chiù Trad. Finish arr. John Rutter Personent hodie William Mathias A babe is born Trad. French arr. David Willcocks Quelle est cette odeur agréable? Trad. Italian arr. Graham Ross Tu scendi dale stelle Berlioz L’adieu des bergers Webern Dormi, Jesu Giles Swayne Coventry Carol Op. 77 No. 4 Trad. arr. David Willcocks The Infant King Trad. Austrian Carol arr. Graham Ross Still, Still, Still Schoenberg Friede auf Erden www.clarecollegechoir.com £30, £25, £20, £10 (concessions £27, £22.50, £18, £9) Concert promoted by Choir of Clare College, Cambridge in association with Christmas Festival London
Photo of Graham Ross: © B Ealovega, Photo of Choir of Clare College: © N Rutter
46
300th Anniversary Year
Sunday 14 December | 7.30pm
An English Christmas London Mozart Players Voce Chamber Choir Ora, London Youth Choir Scholars Suzi Digby OBE, conductor David Wilson-Johnson, baritone Nick Sharratt, tenor Alexander Campkin New Commission Boyce Symphony No. 4 Frank Bridge Sir Roger Coverley (A Christmas Dance) Vaughan Williams Fantasia upon Christmas Carols Britten St Nicolas Featuring two very different seasonal offerings by two of England’s greatest twentieth century composers. This programme opens with the world premiére of a new work for choir and orchestra by Alexander Campkin. The evening’s English feel is further enhanced by readings from Thomas Hardy and the 4th Symphony by the eighteenth century composer, William Boyce. www.londonmozartplayers.com £26, £20, £15, £10 Concert promoted by London Mozart Players
Book online: www.sjss.org.uk
Call the box office: 020 7222 1061
Monday 15 December | 7.30pm
In nativitatem Domini canticum – A French Baroque Christmas Oxford Baroque Jeremy Summerly, director Charpentier Messe de Minuit Noëls sur les instruments In nativitatem Domini canticum Following the success of their debut recording of Marc-Antoine Charpentier’s sacred music, Oxford Baroque return to the Festival for a third successive year, with a suitably festive French baroque programme. www.oxfordbaroque.com £25, £20, £15, £10 Concert promoted by Oxford Baroque in association with Christmas Festival London
48
300th Anniversary Year
Tuesday 16 December | 7.30pm
Christmas Music by Candlelight Ex Cathedra Jeffrey Skidmore, director Gaspar Fernandes Xicochi conetzintle 17th century Brazil Matais de Incêndios Lobo de Mesquita Padre nosso Franz Gruber Stille Nacht Samuel Barber Twelfth Night Joaquin Rodrigo Pastorcito Santo Roxanna Panufnik The Call Sally Beamish In the stillness James MacMillan And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them Alec Roth Child of Son With a sequence of Christmas music both old and new, and readings to make you smile – and reflect – Ex Cathedra’s popular Christmas concert is a uniquely magical way to begin your festive season. www.excathedra.co.uk £35, £28, £22, £14 Promoted by Ex Cathedra in association in association with Christmas Festival London Photo of Ex Cathedra: Neil Pugh
Book online: www.sjss.org.uk
Call the box office: 020 7222 1061
Wednesday 17 December | 7.30pm
A Celebration of Christmas Choir of Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford Stephen Darlington, director Clive Driskill-Smith, organ Alexander Pott, organ Traditional Once in Royal David’s City Pearsall In dulci jubilo Poston Jesus Christ the Apple tree arr. Willcocks Quelle est cette odeur Tchaikovsky Piano duet: Nutcracker Suite – March, Sugar Plum Fairy, Waltz of the Flowers Walton Make we joy now in this fest Howells Spotless rose Holst Lullay myn liking Poulenc Hodie Christus Darke In the bleak midwinter Spanish traditional Fum, fum, fum Canteloube Que frappe ici? Goodall I am Christmas Day Prokoviev arr. Brison Piano duet: Troika Ride from Lieutenant Kijé Anderson arr. Edwards Piano duet: Sleigh Ride Gardner Tomorrow shall be my dancing day Warlock Bethlehem Down Chilcott The twelve days of Christmas
The Choir of Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford, was founded just under 500 years ago by Thomas Wolsey and Henry VIII. Now world famous in its own right for the excellence and versatility of its singing, the Choir tours worldwide and undertakes a prodigious recording schedule as well as singing daily in the cathedral. Additionally, the Choir collaborates with a number of orchestras, recently recording Goodall’s Eternal Light: A Requiem for EMI, which won a Classical Brit Award. What better way to get into the festive spirit than with this programme of some of the most loved and beautiful Christmas music ever written, performed by one of the greatest cathedral choirs in the world. The concert is presented by Howard Goodall in informative and entertaining festive form. www.chchchoir.org £25, £20, £15, £10 Concert promoted by Choir of Christ Church Cathedral in association with Christmas Festival London
Photo of Christ Church: KT Bruce
50
300th Anniversary Year
Thursday 18 December | 1.05pm
Liam Byrne with Vladimir Waltham, viol
Liam Byrne spends most of his time playing either very old or very new music on the viol. He has been praised in The Times for his “nuanced and expressive, stylish virtuosity” and by The Guardian for his “glittering performance”. He is joined here by Vladimir Waltham for an eclectic programme that features the elegant and finessed sound world of Ed Finnis’ Lines Curved Rivers Mirrored (2014) alongside pieces by Marais, Muhly, Gibbons and Sainte-Colombe. www.liambyrne.net www.vladimirwaltham.com £10 Concert promoted by St John’s Smith Square
If you’re booking tickets for one of our Christmas concerts, what better way to complete your evening then enjoying a delicious pre-concert dinner or post-concert supper in our atmospheric Crypt restaurant? To book a table call our catering partners, Leafi, on 020 7222 2779.
Photo of Vladimir Waltham: Samuele Bottega
Book online: www.sjss.org.uk
Call the box office: 020 7222 1061
Thursday 18 December | 7.30pm
What Sweeter Music Tenebrae Consort Nigel Short, conductor Plainsong O come, O come Emmanuel Adrian Peacock Venite, Gaudete! Plainsong O radix Jesse Herbert Howells A spotless rose Peter Wishart Alleluya Anonymous Angelus ad virginem Francisco Guerrero Gentil señora Richard Pygott Quid petis O fili William Byrd Lullaby – my sweet little Orlando di Lasso Resonet in Laudibus Francis Poulenc Quatre motets pour le temps de Noël O magnum mysterium Quem vidistis pastores Videntes stellam Hodie Christus natus est Ralph Vaughan Williams The Wassail Song Gustav Holst In the bleak midwinter Peter Warlock Benedicamus Domino John Rutter What sweeter music arr. Andrew Carter I wonder as I wander arr. Nigel Short Quem pastores Bob Chilcott The Bethlehem star Bob Chilcott There’s a rose in the middle of winter Bob Chilcott The heart-in-waiting Will Todd My Lord has come John Rutter Nativity trad. arr. Jonathan Rathbone Silent night trad. arr. David Willcocks Tomorrow shall be my dancing day trad. arr. Nigel Short Away in a manger trad. arr. Ian Humphris The twelve days of Christmas The repertoire for this programme falls into three categories; traditional carols arrangements, original pieces composed for Christmas and some lighter close-harmony arrangements of Christmas favourites. From the scene-setting simplicity of the Plainsong O come, O come Emmanuel to stark beauty of Poulenc’s Quatre motets pour Noël, this selection of music captures the true spirit of Christmas in all its various guises. www.tenebrae-choir.com/tenebraeconsort £25, £20, £15, £10 Photo of Tenebrae Consort: Aoife Daly
52
Concert promoted by Tenebrae Consort in association with Christmas Festival London
300th Anniversary Year
Friday 19 December | 12.30pm
Lunchtime Talk
Join us at St John’s as our monthly series of topical debate continues hosted by the Reverend Graham Buckle. Please see our website for this month’s special guest. Free admission Event promoted by St John’s Smith Square
Friday 19 December | 6pm
Renaissance Ben Rowarth, director
Rowarth Matins Responsory Byrd Ecce Virgo Concepiet Tallis Videte miraculum Anon. There is no rose Tavener Hymn to the mother of God Byrd O Admirabile commertium Leighton Coventry Carol Byrd Ad Dominum Anon. Coventry Carol Jaques Away in a Manger Allain Coventry Carol Leighton A Hymn of the Nativity Free ticketed event Event promoted by St John’s Smith Square
Book online: www.sjss.org.uk
Call the box office: 020 7222 1061
Friday 19 December | 7.30pm
The Tallis Scholars Peter Phillips, director Taverner Magnificat a 5 Byrd Mass for Five Voices Taverner Ave Dei Patris Filia Byrd Laetentur Caeli Nunc Dimittis Ave Verum Turges Magnificat This seasonal programme contains one of the most loved mass settings of the 16th century – Byrd for Five Voices – alongside some spectacular Marian music. This all-English celebration begins and ends with two breathtakingly virtuosic Magnificats and includes Taverner's equally elaborate Ave Dei Patris Filia. In between The Tallis Scholars will sing some further gems by Byrd. www.thetallisscholars.co.uk £35, £28, £22, £14 Concert promoted by The Tallis Scholars in association with Christmas Festival London Photo: Eric Richmond
54
300th Anniversary Year
Saturday 20 December | 7.30pm
From Spain to Eternity Ensemble Plus Ultra Morales O magnum mysterium de Tejeda Rex autem David Lobo Missa prudentes virgines Guerrero Prudentes virgines The award winning Ensemble Plus Ultra make their St John’s Smith Square debut with a programme of music from the “Siglo de Oro”. With works from their new album on Deutsche Grammophon, marking the 400th anniversary of El Greco’s death, they perform music from the Primatial Cathedral in Toledo, composed during the years El Greco lived and worked in that city, by Cristóbal de Morales, Alonso Lobo and Alonso de Tejeda. Ensemble Plus Ultra was formed in 2001 and has become one of the world’s leading exponents of the music of Renaissance Spain. They have toured widely in Europe and North America, and their 10-disc box set of music by Tomás Luis de Victoria won the Gramophone Award for early music. www.ensembleplusultra.com £25, £20, £15, £10 (concessions £22.50, £18, £13.50, £9) Concert promoted Ensemble Plus Ultra in association with Christmas Festival London
Book online: www.sjss.org.uk
Call the box office: 020 7222 1061
Sunday 21 December | 7.30pm
National Youth Music Theatre presents A Winter Wonderland NYMT members and alumni join together to celebrate the Christmas message in words and music, song and dance. www.nymt.org.uk £25, £20, £15, £10 (concessions £22.50, £18, £13.50, £9)
‘ NYMT is the finest youth music theatre in the world’
Concert promoted by National Youth Music Theatre in association with Christmas Festival London
– Andrew Lloyd Webber
56
300th Anniversary Year
Monday 22 December | 7.30pm
Choir of Trinity College, Cambridge Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment Katherine Watson, soprano Iestyn Davies, countertenor Gwilym Bowen, tenor Neal Davies, bass Stephen Layton, conductor Bach Mass in B minor After the sell-out success of its recent Festival performances, the Choir again joins forces with the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, this time for the B Minor Mass one of Bach’s greatest choral works. www.trinitycollegechoir.com £30, £25, £20, £10 (concessions £27, £23.50, £18, £9) Concert promoted Choir of Trinity College, Cambridge in association with Christmas Festival London Photo of Stephen Layton: Keith Saunders
Book online: www.sjss.org.uk
Call the box office: 020 7222 1061
Tuesday 23 December | 7.30pm
Polyphony
Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment Katherine Watson, soprano Iestyn Davies, countertenor Gwilym Bowen, tenor Neal Davies, bass Stephen Layton, conductor Handel Messiah This year sees the 20th anniversary of the first performance of Messiah at St John’s Smith Square by Stephen Layton and Polyphony. We are immensely proud that this annual performance is considered to be one of the superlative interpretations. A formidable line-up of soloists join Stephen Layton and the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment for what promises to be an exhilarating performance. www.stephenlayton.com/polyphony £55, £48, £39, £19 Concert promoted by Polyphony in association with Christmas Festival London
We serve freshly-made, seasonal salads and light lunch options every week day
58
300th Anniversary Year
Announcing the St John’s Smith Square Young Artists’ Programme Ever since it’s reinvention as a concert hall St John’s has played a pivotal role in supporting the most promising young musical talent. Simon Rattle, Steven Isserlis, Nigel Kennedy and Daniel Harding are just a few of the musicians who performed here before going on to begin internationallyrenowned careers. Throughout our 2014/15 season we will be offering a number of emerging soloists and ensembles a platform to showcase their talents, fostering relationships between them and the most skilled artists who regularly perform here. This year’s young artists are:
Quintet’ have been Associate Artists in Residence at the Birmingham Conservatoire, where they regularly perform and coach chamber music.
award this year. Laura is now starting her Masters Degree at the Royal College of Music, where she is an RCM scholar studying with Julian Bream.
Anna plays Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto with the Chartwell Sinfonia on 8th November.
Hear Laura in a free recital of Bach, Berkeley and Downs at 6pm on 15 September.
Aurea Quartet
Zelkova Quartet
Laura Snowden
The Zelkova Quartet perform Mozart and Debussy in a lunchtime concert on 4 December.
Recent winners of the St Martin in the Fields Chamber Music Competition, this Glasgowbased quartet, achieved joint first prize at the 2011 Cavatina Intercollegiate Quartet Competition in London. They gave their Wigmore Hall debut in February 2012. Later that year, they were finalists in the first Sándor Végh International String Quartet Competition in Budapest.
Anna Hashimoto
A prize-winning clarinettist, Anna studied at the Royal Academy of Music with the world–renowned soloist Michael Collins. There she was awarded a full Associated Board Scholarship and numerous prizes including the Leverhulme Scholarship, Buffet Crampon Clarinet Prize, and Regency Award on graduation. She was awarded a Meaker Fellowship in 2011, and since 2012 her ensemble the ‘Atea
Book online: www.sjss.org.uk
A winner of numerous national and international awards, Laura Snowden is an exciting young classical guitarist. Her music, as heard recently on BBC Radio 3, will feature on the debut album from her folk ensemble Tir Eolas, recipients of a City Music Foundation
The quartet was founded at the Royal Northern College of Music under the guidance of Petr Prause, cellist of the Talich Quartet, in 2010. The quartet are European Chamber Music Academy associates and have attended sessions in Paris, Vienna, Manchester and Oslo. They were also one of four quartets selected internationally to participate in the Trondheim International String Quartet Academy 2012 and attended the Britten Pears Young Artist Programme in September 2013.
If you are interested in supporting the Young Artists’ Programme please contact Richard Heason: richard@ sjss.org.uk, Tel: 020 7222 2168
Call the box office: 020 7222 1061
Sundays at St John’s Come and join us for our new regular Sunday afternoon concert series. Why not enjoy Sunday lunch before the concert or afternoon tea afterwards? All concerts start at 3pm. Book for more than one concert at the same time and receive a 20% discount on the tickets you have purchased.
Sunday 21 September
Sunday 2 November
Sunday 28 September
Sunday 9 November
Sunday 5 October
Sunday 16 November
Songsmiths
The Brook Street Band A Dream of Germany
Sunday 12 October
Werther Ensemble: Piano Quartets
Sunday 19 October
Songsmiths
London Piano Trio
London Soloists Ensemble – Sunday Transformations
Sunday 23 November Lucy Parham – Composers in Love
Lucy Parham – Composers in Love
St John’s Lunchtime Concert series
Thursday 11 September
All concerts begin at 1.05pm.
Lana Trotovšek, violin Yoko Misumi, piano
The Wu Quartet
Thursday 18 September
Thursday 25 September Organ recital
Thursday 2 October Claire Wickes, flute Joe Houston, piano
Thursday 16 October
Duncan Rock, baritone Joseph Middleton, piano
Thursday 23 October Organ recital
Thursday 6 November Erebus Ensemble
Thursday 12 November Organ recital
Thursday 20 November Rachel Roberts, viola Lars Vogt, piano
Thursday 27 November Florin Trio
Thursday 4 December Zelkova Quartet
Thursday 11 December Organ Recital
Thursday 18 December Liam Byrne, viol with Vladimir Waltham, viol
Thursday 30 October Ellis Ensemble
60
300th Anniversary Year
Find Your Voice Do you sing and would you like to take part in concerts at St John’s? Our newly formed ‘Smith Square Voices’, conducted by our Director Richard Heason, is looking for participants to take part in two concerts this autumn, singing Stephen Montague’s Requiem with Orchestra Vitae on Thursday 16th October and then on Saturday 8th November performing Mozart’s Requiem with the Chartwell Sinfonia. Alternatively, on Saturday 11th October there is an opportunity to join the Three Choirs Festival Come and Sing choir to perform Mendelssohn’s Elijah. Details of how to subscribe for all these events can be found on the participation pages of our website at www.sjss.org.uk.
How you can help We receive no public subsidy and so we are entirely reliant on the revenue generated through hall hires, Box Office, catering and of course the generosity of people who support our work. Become a Friend or Send a Donation There are a number of ways your kind donation will be used: • Sponsor
a concert a place on the Young Artists’ Scheme for a Year • Help towards our running costs • Fund
If you would like further information about how you can support us then please head to our website www.sjss.org.uk or contact Richard Heason at richard@sjss.org.uk For information about joining our Friends scheme please turn to page 3.
Book online: www.sjss.org.uk
Call the box office: 020 7222 1061
A venue with a difference
Private parties, album launches, fashion shows, corporate receptions, rehearsal space, location filming… If you’re looking for a uniquely atmospheric location (with a top notch catering team) for your special event, St John’s could be just the place. We are pleased to accommodate private events on days when we do not have a public concert and our restaurant partner, Leafi, can provide bespoke catering packages for any occasion. Our café and restaurant serves a range of tempting treats and meals to complement your concert experience. Our chefs bake a delicious range of cakes and pastries every day and we serve freshly-made seasonal salads and light lunches as well as a full buffet and a la carte menu every week day. Are you looking for a special place for that breakfast meeting? Our restaurant opens for breakfast every weekday from 8am. For further details on hire packages please see our website www.sjss.org.uk. To book a table in our restaurant please call us on 020 7222 2779 or email stjohns@leafi.co.uk Photography: Matthew Andrews
62
300th Anniversary Year
Booking tickets Phone: 020 7222 1061 (£2 booking fee applies; £1.50 to Friends of St John’s). Online: www.sjss.org.uk (£1.50 booking fee). Post: Box Office, St John’s Smith Square, London SW1P 3HA. Please enclose a stamped addressed envelope. Cheques should be made payable to St John’s Smith Square. In person: Monday to Saturday 10am – 5pm (until 6pm on public concert days). The Box office opens one hour before the start of Sunday and bank holiday concerts. Concessions and reductions: are available for many of our concerts to senior citizens, full-time students, registered unemployed, schoolchildren (under 16) and people who are registered disabled. Westminster City Save card holders are entitled to a 10% discount on a pair of tickets for any public concert. Parties of 10 or more qualify for a 10% discount. Friends of St John’s are entitled to a week’s priority booking and 10% discount on a pair of tickets for any public concert. Talk to one of our Box Office staff or visit www.sjss.org.uk for more information about our Friends scheme.
Accessibility
Our building is accessible to wheelchair and mobility scooter users. We have a lift that serves the Box Office and Restaurant level, and the Hall, and there is an adapted lavatory in the crypt. We have an induction loop system to benefit hearing-aid users; assistance dogs are welcome in all our public spaces. There are two parking bays in Smith Square reserved for disabled badge-holders. If you have access requirements, please let our Box Office staff know when booking your tickets to help us provide you with the best possible service and choice of seats. We allocate an additional seat free of charge to disabled patrons who require a carer to accompany them. Please note: We may need to substitute artists and to vary our concert programmes from the published information without warning. Latecomers are admitted only at a suitable pause in the concert, as advised by the concert promoter. Please note that tickets may not be exchanged or refunded.
Booking opens: Friends of St John’s from Monday 14 July
General Public Monday 21 July
Book online: www.sjss.org.uk
Call the box office: 020 7222 1061
How to find us St John’s is just off Millbank between Westminster and Lambeth Bridges, close to the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey, and a short walk from Westminster tube station. Tube: Westminster, St James’s Park, Victoria. Buses: 3 and 87 to Millbank; C10 and 507 (limited hours) to Horseferry Road; 88 to Marsham Street; 11, 211, 148 and 24 to Westminster Abbey.
St John’s Smith Square Charitable Trust Registered office: St John’s Smith Square, London SW1P 3HA. Registered in England Company number: 3028678. Registered Charity number 1045390 Front cover photography by Matthew Andrews Brochure design by thirdperson.co.uk Printed by Fuller Davies 64
Rail: Victoria, Waterloo, Vauxhall and Charing Cross. Car Parking: St John’s is within the congestion charging zone. Parking meters are in operation during the day Monday – Saturday until 6:30pm. In the evenings and at weekends there is usually ample space locally. There is Westminster City Council car parking on Great College Street and Arneway Street.