St John's Smith Square Spring 2014

CONCERT PROGRAMME Easter – July 2014 300th Anniversary Year

www.sjss.org.uk @StJohnsSmithSq

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Featuring the

ufthansa Festival L of Baroque Music

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Patron: HRH The Duchess of Cornwall

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300th Anniversary Year

Spring is in the air… and there’s a spring in our step. Our 300th anniversary year is well underway, long-term plans are afoot to improve our facilities for artists and audiences, and this season we celebrate firm musical friendships, new collaborations and a range of special ‘firsts’ for St John’s.

On Easter Monday the Tallis Scholars launch our inaugural London International A Cappella Choir Competition. This is closely followed by concerts from Artur Pizarro, who continues his complete Rachmaninoff piano series, the wonderful Apollo’s Fire with Sandrine Piau, and the renowned Austrian pianist Paul Badura-Skoda.

Opening with a majestic all-Handel programme from The Sixteen, this year’s 30th anniversary Lufthansa Festival of Baroque Music is centred on a feast of German and Anglo-German music. There is more Handel in June as Stephen Layton conducts the Holst Singers and Brook Street Band in the epic Israel in Egypt.

Leading the charge for contemporary classical music at the end of May is composer pianist Rolf Hind, curator of our Occupy the Pianos festival.

In June we welcome international talent with the spirited strings of Interpreti Veneziani and star soprano Danielle De Niese.

There is more vocal magic from the choirs of Worcester College Oxford and New College Cambridge, and an evening of Mozart arias from Classical Opera, and we welcome back our friends from Orchestra Vitae, Orchestra of St John’s, London Mozart Players, Young Musicians Symphony Orchestra, London Piano Trio and the Smith Quartet.

A rich and diverse season of music making lies ahead and I hope to see you at St John’s over the coming months.

Richard Heason Director

Booking for the new season concerts in this brochure opens: Monday 10 March to Friends of St John’s Monday 17 March to the general public All photography on these pages by Matthew Andrews

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.

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.

Dine in style before the concert with our daily à la carte dinner menu

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300th Anniversary Year

London International A Cappella Choir Competition It has long been a dream of mine to host an international choir competition in London. When some of the Trustees of St John’s Smith Square asked me for ideas to headline their 300th anniversary celebrations, I realised that this was the perfect venue and occasion with which to launch my dream. And we have already been immensely lucky to have attracted, in this our inaugural year, choirs from all over the world. We set them difficult repertoire – featuring the music of the late Sir John Tavener – and they have all taken up the challenge magnificently.

In addition to taking part in the competition itself, and attending a masterclass with me, we are offering the participating choirs a lunchtime concert in a city church. I have always regretted that London is one of the most difficult cities in the world for outside choirs to find concert venues, and it was my intention from the start that our competition should help them. What with this unusual opportunity, the chance to sing in front of and receive feedback from some of the most experienced choral experts in the country, and to perform in the lovely surroundings of St John’s, these choirs will surely be taken to new levels.

Do join us. We think we are in for a unique and fascinating week.

Peter Phillips, Director of The Tallis Scholars and Chair of the judging panel Photo by Albert Roosenburg

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London International A Cappella Choir Competition This, the first in what we hope will be an annual competition, is staged in memory of Sir John Tavener, who had hoped to join us as a judge for the grand final.

The competition will feature a range of Sir John’s exquisite choral music, from which each choir will make a selection, alongside that of other modern composers including Jonathan Harvey, Arvo Pärt and Howard Skempton, gorgeous Renaissance polyphony from Byrd, L’Héritier and Palestrina, and one piece in their native language. And the competition is truly international; stepping into the musical ring are: Byrd Ensemble from Seattle, USA Constanzo Porta from Cremona, Italy Coro ‘El León de Oro’ from Luanco, Spain Dysonans Chamber Choir from Poznan, Poland Erebus Ensemble from Bristol, UK Jinggaswara ITENAS Choir from Bandung, West Java, Indonesia New Dublin Voices from Dublin, Ireland Renaissance from Durham, UK Reverie from London, UK Siglo de Oro from London, UK Voces Musicales from Tallinn, Estonia Vox Ludensis from Lund, Sweden

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300th Anniversary Year

Monday 21 April | 7.30pm Peter Phillips, director

Tuesday 22, Wednesday 23, Thursday 24 and Friday 25 April | 7.30pm The Heats

The opening concert of our competition week

£5 per Heat

The Tallis Scholars Gibbons Hosanna to the son of David Gibbons O clap your hands Parsons O bone Jesu Tallis Suscipe quaeso Tye Peccavimus Tavener Funeral Ikos Victoria Vidi speciosam Tavener The Lamb Victoria Vadam et circuibo Tavener As one who has slept Vivanco Veni, dilecte mi

Saturday 26 April | 7.30pm The Grand Final Joining Peter Phillips for the final judging will be soprano Emma Kirkby, Organist and Master of the Choristers of Westminster Abbey James O’Donnell, and Director of Music at Jesus College Cambridge Mark Williams. We are honoured that Lady Tavener will present the prizes. £20, £15, £10, £5

£25, £20, £15, £10

Please pick up a leaflet or visit our website www.sjss.org.uk for a detailed itinerary of all the Competition events.

London International A Cappella Choir Competition is sponsored by Burberry and Daniel Cobb Estate Agents.

Photo by Eric Richmond

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Thursday lunchtime concerts All tickets £10 (free to Friends of St John’s) All concerts start at 1.05pm

24 April

Royal Academy of Music Organ Showcase A programme of solo and ensemble works to include Petr Eben’s Two Invocations for organ and trombone.

1 May

Andrew Brownell, piano Beethoven Sonata in D minor, op. 31 No. 2 (Tempest) Clementi Sonata in G minor, op. 34 No. 2 Ravel Le tombeau de Couperin 8 May

Joe Townsend, violin Kieran Lennard, bodhran/percussion Dave Malkin, guitar Ben Davis, cello Joe is joined by a group of sensational performers for something Celtic, something Gypsy and something jazz.

29 May

Royal College of Music Organ Showcase A varied programme of solo organ works.

We serve freshly-made, seasonal salads and light lunch options every week day

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5 June

Julian Jacobson & Mariko Brown, piano four hands Schubert Rondo in A, D. 951 Debussy Marche Ecossaise Ravel Two pieces from ‘L’Enfant et les Sortilèges’, arranged by Lucien Garban: Danse des Rainettes, Five O’Clock (Fox-trot) Gershwin Second Rhapsody, arranged by Julian Jacobson (First performance) 12 June

Jonathan McGovern, baritone Chris Hopkins, piano In the Silence of the Secret Night A bewitching programme of song from Britten, Brahms, Debussy, Schubert, Strauss, Parry, Rachmaninoff and more.

19 June

Stephen Disley, organ The closing concert of our organ season, from one of the best known organists of his generation.

26 June

The Topping Tooters of the Town The City Musick Music of the London Waits 1550 – 1700 Cornets, sackbuts, dulcian, recorders and bagpipes combine in a celebration of the music of the ‘waits’ – famed in London for artistry and skill on a par with Court musicians. The concert includes music for ceremony, civic procession, masque and theatre, as well as popular dance and song for the tavern and the dance hall.

We have been delighted to work with our colleagues at the Worshipful Company of Musicians on the development of our lunchtime concert series.

All images are supplied courtesy of the artists unless otherwise indicated.

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Song at St John’s

The Dawood and Tanner Chamber Recital Series Wednesday 30 April | 7.30pm

Ruby Hughes, soprano Lawrence Power, viola James Cheung, piano

The harmony of voice, viola and piano is explored in familiar works by Brahms and Bridge, lesser-known gems by Strauss and Loeffler, Lieder by Schubert and Mahler, and chamber music by Britten and York Bowen.

Monday 30 June | 7.30pm Joan Rodgers, soprano James Cheung, piano

This second recital includes works by Rachmaninoff, Tchaikovsky, Canteloube, Schubert and Strauss.

Prices for each concert: £16 (concessions £10)

Pre-concert drinks and tempting post-show mezze – available most evenings Photo of Ruby Hughes by Alejandra Hernandez

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Thursday 1 May | 7.30pm

Orchestra Vitae Michael Cobb, conductor Maciek O’Shea, baritone Ives The Unanswered Question John Adams The Wound-dresser Vaughan Williams Symphony No. 4 in F Minor This dynamic ensemble returns to St John’s in the year of the World War I centenary and the Commonwealth Games. The Orchestra will explore themes of peace and conflict, focusing on composers who have either experienced war or addressed themes of world peace. £16, £14, £10, £8

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Friday 2 May | 7.30pm

Worcester College, Oxford Tercentenary Concert Worcester College Chapel Choir with Charivari Agréable Period Instrument Orchestra Nicholas Cleobury and Nicholas Freestone, conductors Simon Desbruslais, trumpet Robyn Allegra Parton, soprano Anna Crookes, soprano Gwendolen Martin, soprano Anna Harvey, mezzo-soprano Adam Smith, tenor Robert Lomax, tenor Matthew Cheung-Salisbury, bass Jonathan Arnold, bass Deborah Pritchard Benedicite (world premiere) Handel Dixit Dominus Robert Saxton At the Round Earth’s Imagined Corners Haydn Missa in Angustiis, ‘Nelson Mass’ Nicholas Cleobury conducts great large-scale choral masterpieces by Handel and Haydn, with Nicholas Freestone conducting the current chapel choir in music by Saxton and the world premiere of a new commission for the choir by Worcester alumna Deborah Pritchard, one of the most exciting young composers in Britain today. £20, £15, £10 (concessions 20% off)

All images on these pages are supplied courtesy of the artists unless otherwise indicated

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300th Anniversary Year

‘ played with silkytoned elegance… extraordinary unanimity.

The London Concertante members, fine chamber musicians that they are, played with an uncanny clarity of texture… quite exquisite’

Saturday 3 May | 7.30pm

London Concertante Mostly Mozart

Rebecca Woolcock, piano Mozart Divertimento in D, K. 136 Mozart Piano Concerto No. 12 in A, K. 414 Chopin Intermezzo from Piano Concerto No. 2 Saint-Saëns Wedding Cake Valse-Caprice, op. 76 Mozart Eine kleine Nachtmusik, K. 525 London Concertante is one of the finest chamber ensembles in the country, with a reputation for inspired programming, thrilling performances and the unique rapport it builds with its audience. £25, £22, £17

The Strad

Tuesday 6 May | 1.05pm

Choral Eucharist Cantandum Gilly French, director Victoria O quam gloriosum Choral Eucharist to celebrate the feast of St John the Evangelist before the latin gate. Free admission, all welcome

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Tuesday 6 May | 7.30pm

Artur Pizarro The complete Rachmaninoff piano cycle

‘ Pizarro proved himself the equal of the keyboard giants.’

The Guardian

The internationally celebrated pianist Artur Pizarro performs the third concert of his epic, passionate series.

3 Pieces (1917) 7 Morceaux de Salon, op. 10 13 Preludes, op. 32 The series continues throughout 2014 with concerts on Wednesday 24 September, 19 November and 10 December.

Booking now open £20, £15, £10

Photo by Sven Arsntein

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300th Anniversary Year

Book online: www.sjss.org.uk

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300th Anniversary Year

Thursday 8 May | 7.30pm

Apollo’s Fire and Sandrine Piau

The Power of Love: Fireworks from Handel & Vivaldi Jeannette Sorrell, director Vivaldi/arr. Sorrell Allegro from Concerto Grosso in D, RV. 511 Vivaldi Concerto for 2 cellos in G minor, RV. 531 Rameau ‘Viens, Hymen’ from Les Indes Galantes Rameau ‘Règne, Amour’ from Anacreon Handel ‘Piangerò’ from Giulio Cesare Handel ‘Da tempeste’ from Giulio Cesare Vivaldi ‘Alma opressa da sorte crudele’ from La Fida Ninfa Handel ‘Ah mio cor! Schernito sei’ from Alcina Vivaldi Concerto in A minor for Two Violins, op. 3 No. 8, RV. 522 Vivaldi/arr. Sorrell La Folia (Madness) In this, an undoubted highlight of the season, we are thrilled to present Apollo’s Fire, under the inspired leadership of Jeannette Sorrell, on their return to Europe – this time with award-winning French soprano Sandrine Piau.

‘The USA’s hottest baroque band.’

‘Expressive subtlety, exuberance and passion.’

Classical Music Magazine

£45, £32, £15, £10 Photo of Sandrine Piau by Antoine Le Grand

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Saturday 10 May | 7.30pm

Paul Badura-Skoda Chopin Waltz No. 2 in C sharp minor, op. 64 Nocturne No. 20 in C sharp minor, op. posth.

4 Mazurkas, op. 30 Barcarolle in F sharp major, op. 60 Schubert Impromptu in B flat major, op. 142, No. 3 Rosamunde Variations, D. 935 Sonata in B flat major, D. 960 A rare opportunity to enjoy the exceptional playing of renowned Austrian pianist Paul Badura-Skoda – protégé of both Wilhelm Furtwängler and Herbert von Karajan, whose numerous acclaimed recordings run the musical gamut from Bach to Frank Martin. £30, £25, £17, £10

Dine in style before the concert with our daily à la carte dinner menu

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300th Anniversary Year

‘ I sat there entranced with the sheer beauty of his playing’ Bill Newman

Photo by Irène Zandel

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Lufthansa Festival of Baroque Music 2014 The Year 1714 If you wanted extra reason to attend the Lufthansa Festival of Baroque Music, this year by George we think we’ve got it. Not only is it the 300th anniversary of the founding of our much-loved venue, St John’s, it is also our own 30th! And another momentous event from 300 years ago has given us the main inspiration for our programming: 1714 was the year in which Georg, Elector of Hanover, acceded to the throne of Great Britain and Ireland as George I, ushering in the Georgian age.

One of George’s court composers in Hanover was Handel, a working relationship which continued after both made London their home, so it is only natural that Handel is at the heart of this year’s Festival. We open with The Sixteen performing the four magnificent choral anthems (the famous Zadok the Priest among them) that he wrote for the coronation of George II; our annual choral concert in Westminster Abbey features a Te Deum written to celebrate a military victory in which George II took part; and our closing concert presents the stirring oratorio Joshua in collaboration with the Göttingen International Handel Festival.

Elsewhere we throw light on other Anglo-German connections, from music for chamber and theatre by some of the many German composers who, like Handel, lived and worked in London, to a double-bill of achingly beautiful funeral music by two towering 17th-century geniuses, Schütz and Purcell, performed by award-winning Belgian vocal ensemble Vox Luminis.

Even after this, we have found room to mark one last ‘300th’ – that of JS Bach’s talented son Carl Philipp Emanuel, a major 18th Century figure, whose music we celebrate alongside that of his father in concerts by the Helsinki Baroque Orchestra and harpsichordist Carole Cerasi.

As you can see, we have invited some of the world’s finest musicians to perform for us in this most beautiful and inspiring of London's Baroque venues. Do join us.

Lindsay Kemp Artistic Director, Lufthansa Festival of Baroque Music dpa Picture-Alliance; The crown of King George I, unrestored

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300th Anniversary Year

Friday 16 May | 7.30pm

The Sixteen

The King Shall Have Pleasure Harry Christophers, conductor Handel Arrival of the Queen of Sheba (from Solomon) Coronation Anthem – My heart is inditing Harp Concerto in B flat major, op. 4 No.6 Coronation Anthem – Zadok the Priest Coronation Anthem – The King shall rejoice Overture to Jephtha Coronation Anthem – Let thy hand be strengthened Worthy is the Lamb & Amen (from Messiah) Handel was the ultimate ‘Anglo-German’ and embodiment of the Hanoverian influence in England. His stirring Coronation Anthems – which include the iconic Zadok the Priest – were composed for the coronation of George II in 1727, the same year Handel himself became a British citizen. ‘ In a programme centred around the four Coronation Anthems, the choir sang with the same combination of talent and unbridled joy that has earned them worldwide fame.’ The Guardian £45, £35, £25, £15 All images on these pages are supplied courtesy of the Lufthansa Festival of Baroque Music unless otherwise indicated

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Saturday 17 May | 4pm | St Peter’s Eaton Square

Dorothee Oberlinger, recorder Peter Kofler, harpsichord ‘The Pleasant Companion’

English and German Baroque Music for the Recorder in London Parcham Solo in G Finger Ground in G minor (from The Division Flute) Corelli Sonata in C, op. 5 No. 3 Babell Suite in G major for harpsichord (from Handel’s Rinaldo) Purcell A New Ground in E minor Schickhardt Sonata in B minor, op. 30 No. 4 Telemann Sonata in E minor, TWV41:e2 (from Sonate metodiche)

‘ Oberlinger plays with dazzling virtuosity and sportive caprice which lend charm to each and every one of the pieces.’

Few instruments were as popular with gentleman musicians in England in the years around 1700 as the recorder. German virtuoso Dorothee Oberlinger and harpsichordist Peter Kofler explore the repertory those enthusiasts would have known, spanning a colourfully cosmopolitan mix of English, German and Italian masters familiar and unfamiliar.

Please note that this concert takes place at St Peter’s Eaton Square. £15 (unreserved)

BBC Music Magazine

Saturday 17 May | 6.15pm

The Lufthansa Lecture – Tess Knighton Flying the Flag: 30 years of Baroque Music in London In this anniversary year, we are delighted that the Festival’s sixth annual lecture will be given by its founding Artistic Director and former Editor of Early Music magazine, Tess Knighton.

Free ticketed event

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300th Anniversary Year

Saturday 17 May | 7.45pm

Rachel Podger, violin Arte dei Suonatori

The Year 1714 (Part I): Theatre and Concert Room Aureliusz Goliński, violin & director Handel Overture and Suite from Rinaldo F. M. Veracini Violin Sonata in E minor, op. 1 No. 6 Geminiani Concerto grosso in D major (after Corelli’s op. 5 No.1) Corelli Concerto grosso in F major, op. 6 No. 6 Handel Concerto grosso in A major, op. 6 No. 11 Vivaldi Violin Concerto in D minor, op. 4 No. 8, RV. 249 Expert Polish orchestra Arte dei Suonatori have won widespread critical acclaim for their performances of Vivaldi with star violinist Rachel Podger. Here they perform a programme of orchestral and instrumental works by five leading European composers. £35, £25, £18, £15

Sunday 18 May | 4.30pm

QuintEssential Sackbut and Cornett Ensemble Banchetto Musicale

Daniel Auchincloss, tenor Richard Thomas, cornett & director

‘ The splendid young sackbut and cornett ensemble QuintEssential… purring like a Rolls-Royce engine no less.’

Scheidt Canzon ad imitationem Bergamasca anglica (from Ludi musici) Rosenmüller Vulnera Jesu Christi J R Ahle Exaudi, Domine, clamantem Schein Christ, unser Herr, zum Jordan kam J R Ahle Gehe aus auf die Landstrassen J P Krieger Giaconna Schütz Anima mea liquefacta est (from Symphoniae sacrae) Vierdanck Sonata No. 31 ‘Als ich einmal Lust bekam’ (from Capricci, Canzoni und Sonaten) Hammerschmidt Schaffe in mir, Gott, ein reines Herz £15 (unreserved)

Early Music Today

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Sunday 18 May | 7.30pm

Vox Luminis QuintEssential Sackbut and Cornett Ensemble Funerals for a Prince and a Queen Lionel Meunier, director Schütz Musicalische Exequien Purcell Hear my prayer, O Lord, Z. 15 Purcell & Morley Music for the Funeral of Queen Mary Purcell Funeral Sentences Sensational winners of Gramophone’s overall Recording of the Year award in 2012, Belgian vocal ensemble Vox Luminis has quickly won a reputation for its deeply expressive and meticulously prepared performances. Here they perform funeral music of profound nobility and beauty by two of the greatest masters of the 17th century: Heinrich Schütz, the father of German Baroque music; and ‘English Orpheus’ Henry Purcell.

‘Warm and resonant… they sing this 300-year-old music with the freshness and ardour of true believers.’ The Independent £35, £25, £18, £15

Tuesday 20 May | 7.30pm

L’Avventura London

The Year 1714 (Part II): Stage and Song Mary Bevan, soprano Anthony Gregory, tenor Žak Osmo, archlute & director This fast-rising ensemble brings us the sounds of London’s theatres in 1714, from the ‘high art’ of Corelli concerti and opera arias by Scarlatti and Bononcini, to the ‘low’ songs of Henry Carey and Thomas D’Urfey and the newest popular ballads from Scotland and Ireland. ‘ errifically animated, wonderful energy… gorgeous!’

BBC Radio 3

£28, £22, £15, £10

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300th Anniversary Year

Wednesday 21 May | 7.30pm

Pierre Hantaï, harpsichord Aapo Häkkinen, harpsichord Helsinki Baroque Orchestra Key Relationship

JS Bach Concerto for 2 harpsichords in C minor, BWV. 1062 JS Bach Concerto for 2 harpsichords in C, BWV. 1061 CPE Bach Harpsichord Concerto in G minor, Wq. 6 JS Bach Concerto for 2 harpsichords in C minor, BWV. 1060 One of Europe’s most talented young Baroque orchestras is joined by one of the world’s supreme harpsichordists in this rare opportunity to hear all three of JS Bach’s superb concertos for two harpsichords and orchestra, along with a concerto by his gifted son Carl Philipp Emanuel, born in our all-important year of 1714.

‘Red-blooded performances… full of sinewy joyfulness.’ Gramophone £28, £22, £15, £10

Thursday 22 May | 7pm | Westminster Abbey

The Choir of Westminster Abbey & St James’s Baroque Eternal source of light divine Ruby Hughes, soprano Iestyn Davies, counter-tenor Matthew Brook, bass James O’Donnell, conductor Boyce Symphony No.5 in D major (Overture to Ode for St Cecilia’s Day) Handel Ode for the Birthday of Queen Anne Handel ‘Dettingen’ Te Deum Handel composed his rousing ‘Dettingen’ Te Deum to celebrate the victory (led by George II) by British and Hanoverian forces at the Battle of Dettingen in 1743. 30 years earlier he had supplied a more intimate ode for the birthday of his first royal patron, Queen Anne, opening with the sublime aria for alto and trumpet that was still making an impression when performed at the opening of the 2012 Paralympic Games.

Please note that this concert takes place at Westminster Abbey £45*, £35, £25, £18, £15 (restricted view), £10 (no view) *(very limited availability) Book online: www.sjss.org.uk

Call the box office: 020 7222 1061

Friday 23 May | 7pm

La Risonanza

The admirable Abate Steffani María Hinojosa Montenegro, soprano Martin Oro, counter-tenor Fabio Bonizzoni, harpsichord & director Handel Trio Sonata in G major, op. 5 No. 4 Steffani Duet ‘Occhi, perchè piangete?’

Steffani Duet ‘Inquieto mio cor’ Steffani Scherzo ‘Guardati, o core’ Handel Duet ‘Tanti strali al sen’ Handel Duet ‘A mirarvi io son contento’ Pepusch Trio Sonata in C Pepusch Duet ‘Conqu’ring heroes fam’d in story’ (from ‘The Union of the Three Sister Arts’) Steffani’s sensitive and exquisite duets influenced Handel’s own vocal chamber music, and this concert offers a chance to hear both composers side by side, performed by an ensemble famed for its skill in bringing this repertoire to life. The programme rounds off with music by another distinguished ‘London German’, Johann Christoph Pepusch.

‘Bonizzoni can take risks where others can’t, owing to the brilliance of his musicianship matched with intellect that plumbs the depths of the score.’ BBC Music Magazine £28, £22, £15, £10

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300th Anniversary Year

Friday 23 May | 9.30pm

The Hilliard Ensemble Morimur

Kati Debretzeni, violin Monika Mauch, soprano David James, counter-tenor Steven Harrold, tenor Gordon Jones, baritone Bach’s famous Chaconne for solo violin is brought audibly and hauntingly to life in a beautiful realisation by one of Europe’s most distinguished soloists and concertmasters, in collaboration with the world-famous Hilliard Ensemble, currently celebrating its 40th-anniversary season.

‘The world’s foremost vocal quartet, with a sound exquisitely attuned to Renaissance music but increasingly attractive to living composers.’

The Daily Telegraph

£15 (unreserved)

Saturday 24 May | 4pm | St Peter’s Eaton Square

Carole Cerasi, harpsichord & fortepiano Like one inspired…

CPE Bach Sonata in G major, Wq. 65/48 CPE Bach Fantasia in F sharp minor, Wq. 67 CPE Bach Sonata in G minor, Wq. 65/17 JS Bach English Suite No. 6 in D minor, BWV. 811

‘ A player of taste and superb technique.’

Gramophone

Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach was one of the most important figures of the 18th century, with feet in both the Baroque and Classical camps and a master of a deeply modern and expressive new style that profoundly influenced Haydn and Beethoven. Appropriately, pre-eminent keyboardplayer Carole Cerasi uses both harpsichord and fortepiano as we celebrate CPE’s 300th anniversary.

Please note that this concert takes place at St Peter’s Eaton Square £15 (unreserved)

Book online: www.sjss.org.uk

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Saturday 24 May | 7pm

Handel – Joshua Anna Dennis, soprano Renata Pokupic, mezzo-soprano Kenneth Tarver, tenor Tobias Berndt, baritone NDR Choir (Hamburg) FestspielOrchester Göttingen Laurence Cummings, conductor Handel’s biblical oratorio of 1748 is one of his most stirring and vividly imaginative. In a unique collaboration with the Göttingen International Handel Festival, Europe’s oldest festival of Baroque music, this performance brings together performers from England and Germany under the direction of one of Handel’s finest modern-day interpreters.

‘It is often hard not to stand up and dance. The orchestra is superb. This is both musical discovery and pure joy; this is how Handel should be.’ Financial Times £45, £35, £25, £15

All images on these pages are supplied courtesy of the artists unless otherwise indicated

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300th Anniversary Year

Wednesday 28 May | 7.30pm

London Mozart Players Gérard Korsten, conductor Angela Hewitt, piano Tippett Divertimento on Sellinger’s Round Mozart Piano Concerto No. 17 in G major, K. 453 Beethoven Symphony No. 2 in D major, op. 36 A favourite with St John’s audiences, the London Mozart Players return, under the accomplished baton of Gérard Korsten and joined for the first time by piano star Angela Hewitt, performing one of Mozart’s most popular piano concertos. The programme is completed by Beethoven’s evocative Second Symphony. £26, £20, £15, £10

Photo of London Mozart Players by Matthew Andrews

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Thursday 29 May | 7.30pm

Orchestra of St John’s John Lubbock, conductor Dmitry Sitkovetsky, violin Julia Sitkovetsky, soprano Handel Arrival of the Queen of Sheba Alec Roth Departure of the Queen of Sheba Mozart Violin Concerto No. 5 in A major, K. 219 Mozart Arias for soprano and violin obbligato: ‘L’amero, sero constante’ from II Re Pastore K. 208 Mia speranza adorata K. 416 Mozart Symphony No. 29 in A major, K. 201 Led by its inimitable founder, John Lubbock, OSJ has been inspiring audiences for over 40 years. For this, its fifth concert at St John’s this year, the Orchestra is joined by father and daughter Dimitri and Julia Sitkovetsky for a mainly Mozartian programme. £26, £20, £15, £10

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300th Anniversary Year

Friday 30 May – Sunday 1 June

Occupy the Pianos

I was delighted to be asked to curate this extraordinary weekend as part of St John’s 300th anniversary celebrations.

Artists from Switzerland, Sweden, Australia, the US and the UK join forces for a weekend of piano-playing: music for two, four and eight hands. Classics of the repertoire rub shoulders with radical neglected work to create a portrait of the possibilities of the instrument. From incisive, dancing Bartók, to Crumb’s magical crepuscular evocations and Messiaen’s awe-inspiring statement of faith; from the subtle singular beauty of Tenney (for pianos a quarter-tone apart!), to Eastman’s radical defiance in the face of being black and gay in the 80s – no areas of expression are out of bounds.

The festival celebrates two British composers whose recent deaths left a massive hole in our musical life: Steve Martland, whose monolithic Drill is represented, and Jonathan Harvey, with his exquisite Tombeau de Messiaen, and to whom my new work, based on Buddhist texts, is dedicated.

Brilliant young pianists take on monumental matutinal classics: Beethoven’s Hammerklavier and Charles Ives’ Concord Sonata.

There is theatre in the works of Vinko Globokar and beautiful images from filmmaker Nat Urazmetova late into the night.

Come and join the occupation.

Rolf Hind, Curator

Photo by Škel Nicolau

Book online: www.sjss.org.uk

Call the box office: 020 7222 1061

Friday 30 May – Sunday 1 June

Occupy the Pianos

‘ Come and be surprised, delighted and confounded at the possibilities the piano offers – past, present and future’ Rolf Hind, Curator, Occupy the Pianos

‘ Just how many hands does Rolf Hind have?’

The Daily Telegraph

Occupy the Pianos is generously supported by: Fidelio Charitable Trust, The Hinrichsen Foundation, The Holst Foundation, RVW Trust Photo by Škel Nicolau

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300th Anniversary Year

Friday 30 May 7.30pm

Rolf Hind, Richard Uttley and Françoise-Green Duo Varèse Amériques (version for two pianos 8 hands arr. Varèse) Julius Eastman Gay Guerrilla Messiaen Visions de l’Amen

Saturday 31 May 1pm

Martin Sturfält solo recital Beethoven Sonata in B flat major, op.

106 ‘Hammerklavier’

3pm

Siwan Rhys, piano George Barton, percussion Stockhausen Kontakte

5pm

Rolf Hind solo recital Webern Variations, op. 27 Vinko Globokar Notes Rolf Hind Thus Have I Heard (world premiere)

Sunday 1 June 1pm

Siwan Rhys solo recital Ives Concord Sonata

3pm

7.30pm

James Kreiling and Janneke Brits, pianos George Barton and Craig Apps, percussion Bartók Sonata for Two Pianos and Percussion Françoise-Green Duo Serge Vuille and Julien Mégroz, percussion Crumb Music for a Summer Evening – Makrokosmos Volume III

10pm

Richard Uttley solo recital

7.30pm

Eliza McCarthy Harvey Tombeau de Messiaen for piano and tape

Workshop Featuring a number of new compositions for piano or piano duo

Rolf Hind and Richard Uttley

5pm

Rolf Hind and Sarah Nicolls

Zubin Kanga and Rolf Hind – two pianos tuned a quarter-tone apart James Tenney Flocking George Haas Hommage à György Ligeti Ives Three Quarter-Tone Pieces

Stravinsky Rite of Spring – version for piano four hands arr. Stravinsky Martland Drill Françoise-Green Duo Ruaidhri Mannion Occupy the Pianos for two pianos and electronics (UK premiere)

Individual events: £7 (concessions £5, students £4) Festival tickets: £40 (concessions £35, students £15) Book online: www.sjss.org.uk

Call the box office: 020 7222 1061

Wednesday 4 June | 7.30pm

Classical Opera Moto di gioia

Louise Alder, soprano Eleanor Dennis, soprano Stuart Jackson, tenor David Shipley, bass The Orchestra of Classical Opera Ian Page, conductor Mozart ‘Un moto di gioia’, K. 579 ‘Va, dal furor portata’, K. 21 ‘O temerario Arbace… Per quel paterno amplesso’, K. 79 ‘Clarice cara mia sposa’, K. 256 ‘Basta vincesti… Ah, non lasciarmi, no’, K. 486a ‘Alcandro, lo confesso… Non sò d’onde viene’, K. 512 ‘Misera, dove son!… Ah! non son io che parlo’, K. 369 ‘Vorrei spiegarvi, oh Dio!’, K. 418 ‘Così dunque tradisci… Aspri rimorsi atroci’, K. 432 ‘Misero! O sogno… Aura che intorno spiri’, K. 431 ‘Bella mia fiamma… Resta, o cara’, K. 528 ‘Un bacio di mano’, K. 541 ‘Un moto di gioia’, K. 579 Classical Opera has an outstanding reputation and track record for discovering and nurturing world-class young singers, and this exquisite programme of Mozart concert arias showcases four of the UK’s most exciting emerging artists. £32, £26, £18, £12

‘ You would have thought it was almost impossible to shed new light on Mozart. Then again, if the Classical Opera can’t bring fresh insights to their core repertory, who can?’

The Times All images on these pages are supplied courtesy of the artists unless otherwise indicated

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300th Anniversary Year

Sunday 8 June | 5pm

Morley Accordion Orchestra and the Nuremberg Accordion Orchestra Ian Watson, conductor Stefan Hippe, conductor Jason Carr, piano Toby Kelly, saxophone Programme to include: Ian Watson St. John’s Overture (world premiere) Gershwin Rhapsody in Blue Morricone Gabriel’s Oboe Holst movements from ‘The Planets’ Elgar movements from ‘Enigma Variations’ Stefan Hippe Adagio Two acclaimed orchestras join forces for a rousing concert of massed accordion magic. £18, £14, £10 (concessions 20% off)

Book online: www.sjss.org.uk

Call the box office: 020 7222 1061

Monday 9 June | 7.30pm

Angel

Patrick Hawes with Grace Davidson, soprano The Choir of New College Oxford Royal Philharmonic Orchestra The world premiere performance of exquisite music from Angel, the new Decca release by composer Patrick Hawes, together with angel-related music from Renaissance and Baroque composers including De Monte, Lassus and Handel. Patrick performs alongside Edward Higginbottom and the Choir of New College Oxford and the RPO. Grace Davidson sings soprano solo along with other guest soloists in an evening of beautiful music to heal the soul. £28, £22, £16, £10 (concessions 10% off)

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300th Anniversary Year

Tuesday 10 June | 7.30pm

Joyful Company of Singers Gala Concert

Introduced by Brian Kay

‘ undoubtedly one of the great choirs of the world’ Jonathan Harvey

Peter Broadbent, director Lucy Hall, soprano Marta Fontanals-Simmons, mezzo-soprano Frederick Long, bass Richard Strauss Deutsche Motette, op. 62 Schoenberg Friede auf Erden Brahms Warum ist das Licht gegeben?

Elgar Two Choral Songs Judith Bingham Distant Thunder Stanford Songs of Farewell Alexander Campkin New commission Brian Kay will chair a free pre-concert discussion with Alexander Campkin and other composers from 6.30pm. £20 (concessions £17, £13), £16, £14, £10

Pre-concert drinks and tempting postshow mezze – available most evenings

Book online: www.sjss.org.uk

Call the box office: 020 7222 1061

‘ tremendous élan and rhythmic vitality… absolutely first-class’ Musical Opinion

Richard Strauss 150 Years Birthday Series London International Players Boasting a roster of distinguished young virtuosi, London International Players present Strauss’s great chamber works in a three concert birthday celebration.

Wednesday 11 June | 7.30pm

Strauss Metamorphosen for String Sextet Wagner Wesendonck-Lieder Schoenberg Verklärte Nacht, op. 4 Strauss Till Eulenspiegel Einmal Anders!

Friday 27 June | 7.30pm

Debussy Trio Sonata Strauss Violin Sonata, op. 18 Hindemith Viola Sonata No. 4, op. 11 Reger Serenade for Flute, Violin and Viola in G, op. 141a Strauss Four pieces for Piano Quartet TrV 169

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Tuesday 8 July | 7.30pm

Strauss Sextet ‘Capriccio’ Strauss Piano Quartet in C minor, op. 13 Mahler Piano Quartet in A minor Korngold String Sextet in D major, op. 10 Prices for each concert: £16 (concessions £10) Book all three concerts in one transaction for £40 (concessions £25)

300th Anniversary Year

Saturday 14 June | 7.30pm

Interpreti Veneziani Vivaldi The Four Seasons, op. 8 Vivaldi Sinfonia for strings and harpsichord, RV. 127, ‘The Paris Concerts’ Vivaldi Concerto for 2 violins, strings and harpsichord, RV. 523 Marin Marais Folies d’Espagne for cello and strings Pablo de Sarasate Introduzione e Tarantella for violin and strings In 1987 Interpreti Veneziani made their first appearances on the Italian and International concert scene and immediately gained a reputation for their exuberance and all Italian brio. This concert marks their UK debut. £25, £20, £15

Sunday 15 June | 3pm

Royal Orchestral Society Orlando Jopling, conductor Alexandra Dariescu, piano Britten Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra Shostakovich Piano Concerto no.2 Bernstein Symphonic Dances from West Side Story Royal Orchestral Society returns with an accessible programme ideal for family audiences. £10 (£5 children up to the age of 16, £20 family ticket for 2 adults and 2 children)

Why not treat yourself to Sunday lunch in our restaurant before the concert?

Book online: www.sjss.org.uk

Call the box office: 020 7222 1061

Wednesday 18 June | 7.30pm

Young Musicians Symphony Orchestra James Blair, conductor Rimsky-Korsakov Capriccio Espagnol Shostakovich Cello Concerto No. 1, op. 107 Prokofiev Romeo and Juliet YMSO returns to St Johns with a programme of virtuosic Russian music. These young players, who are about to enter the profession, give vitality and exuberance in their performances – always accomplished, always a treat. £18, £14, £10 (concessions 20% off)

Photo by Matthew Andrews

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300th Anniversary Year

Thursday 19 June | 7.30pm

Handel – Israel in Egypt The Holst Singers The Brook Street Band Stephen Layton, conductor Elin Manahan Thomas, soprano Rachel Ambrose Evans, soprano Chris Lowrey, countertenor Gwilym Bowen, tenor Gareth John, bass Ashley Riches, bass

‘ Layton’s performances inspire the soul as they break the heart with their intense beauty.’

American Record Guide

This concert marks the beginning of a major new initiative for St John’s, launched in this our 300th anniversary year in collaboration with Stephen Layton, to present the complete oratorios of Handel over the next seven years.

From the Israelites suffering in bondage, to the great plagues visited upon Pharaoh; from the flight of the Israelites out of Egypt, to the parting of the Red Sea and their triumphant salvation, Handel’s masterpiece tells one of the most dramatic of all Old Testament stories.

Conducted by the masterful Stephen Layton, and performed by artists at the top of their game, Israel in Egypt promises to be a gold standard concert. £45, £35, £25, £15

Photo of Ashley Richards by Debbie Scanlon & Ben Cole

Book online: www.sjss.org.uk

Call the box office: 020 7222 1061

Sunday 22 June | 3pm

Magali Goimard and Annabelle Bertomé-Reynolds Tribute to Gabriel Fauré

The spirited young French duo present music for violin and piano

by Fauré and his pupils, Louis Aubert, Gabriel Grovlez, Paul Ladmirault and Maurice Ravel.

Aubert Esquisse sur le nom de Fauré Aubert Sonata for violin and piano Fauré Berceuse Fauré Après un rêve Fauré La fileuse Ladmirault Fantaisie Grovlez Improvisations sur Londres – 1: Westminster Abbey – 3: Soir de dimanche sur les bords de la Tamise Grovlez Berceuse Ravel Sonata No. 2 in G major Ravel Berceuse sur le nom de Gabriel Fauré. £20, £16, £12

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300th Anniversary Year

Tuesday 24 June | 7.30pm

Danielle de Niese Cameron Stowe, pianist A varied recital from the Decca artist, described by New York Times Magazine as ‘Opera’s coolest soprano’.

Danielle is performing in aid of the Sohana Research Fund £35, £30, £15 VIP tickets are available for £100 and include a postconcert reception with champagne and canapés in the St John’s Smith Square restaurant and the opportunity to meet Danielle. Please note that these tickets are not available through the St John’s Box Office; email sharmila@sohanaresearchfund.org or call 07786 805874 for further information

Copyright Decca/Chris Dunlop

Book online: www.sjss.org.uk

Call the box office: 020 7222 1061

Friday 20 June | 7.30pm

The Bach Choir With children from The Bach Choir’s Outreach Project Philip Scriven, conductor Horovitz Captain Noah and his Floating Zoo Songs of the Sea A firm favourite with young, and not so young audiences, Noah’s watery tale is given rousing shape by the Bach Choir and their primary school partners. £10 (students £5)

Wednesday 25 June | 7.30pm

Salomon Orchestra Robin Newton, conductor Stravinsky Fireworks Panufnik Sinfonia Sacra Dvořák Symphony No. 8 in G major, op. 88 Stravinsky’s Fireworks, a present for Rimsky-Korsakov’s daughter’s wedding, precedes Panufnik’s emotional tribute to Poland’s Millennium of Christianity and Statehood. Dvořák dedicated his ‘8th’ to the Bohemian Academy on his election. £15, £12 (concessions £12)

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300th Anniversary Year

Monday 23 June | 7.30pm

Kensington Symphony Orchestra Russell Keable, conductor Tchaikovsky Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture Kodály Dances of Galánta Nielsen Symphony No. 2, ‘The Four Temperaments’ Ever popular with St John’s audiences, KSO concerts always deliver on personality and impeccable musicianship.

‘Kensington Symphony Orchestra once again scores over most professional orchestras.’ Classical Source £16, £12 (concessions £12)

Photo by Sim Cannety-Clarke

Book online: www.sjss.org.uk

Call the box office: 020 7222 1061

Saturday 28 June | 7.30pm

London Orpheus Choir and Symphony Orchestra Richard Jenkinson, conductor George Clifford, leader Beethoven Coriolan Overture, op. 62 Choral Fantasia, op. 80 Mass in C, op. 86 Founded in the City in 1945, London Orpheus Choir is made up of individuals from all walks of life – both from this country and abroad. £24, £22, £18, £15

Sunday 29 June | 7.30pm

Kensington Chamber Orchestra The Elysian Singers Sam Laughton and Tom Seligman, conductors Stravinsky Mass Strauss Der Abend Beethoven Symphony No. 9 in D minor, op. 125, ‘Choral’ The acclaimed Elysian Singers join Kensington Chamber Orchestra for the joyous culmination of its Beethoven Symphony cycle. £20, £15, £10 (concessions 10% off £15 tickets only) Buy four tickets, get the fifth free (top two ticket prices only)

All images on these pages are supplied courtesy of the artists unless otherwise indicated

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300th Anniversary Year

Wednesday 9 July | 7.30pm

Varna International presents Albuquerque Festival Singers Bradley Ellingboe, conductor The London Bulgarian Choir, led by Dessislava Stefanova Mixolydian London Ensemble A beguiling concert of traditional and ancient Bulgarian folk songs, sung in a complex and unique vocal style combining dissonant harmonies, exotic scales, compelling rhythms, exuberant trills and… hiccups! £15 (concessions £12)

Friday 11 July | 7pm

Cyprus Sinfonia Made in America

Presented by Anglia Ruskin University Michael Thorne, conductor Elaine McKrill, Soprano Bernstein Candide Overture Copland El Salón México Britten Les Illuminations Michael Torke Bright Blue Music Copland Four Dance Episodes from Rodeo £15 (concessions £10)

Book online: www.sjss.org.uk

Call the box office: 020 7222 1061

Saturday 5 July | 7.30pm

London Piano Trio Stars of the Silver Screen Robert Atchison, violin Olga Dudnik, piano David Jones, cello Sakamoto 1919 Christopher Gunning Piano Trio No. 1 (World Premiere) Korngold Piano Trio in D major, op. 1 ‘Join us as we celebrate three composers who successfully wrote music for both the concert hall and the screen. We start with Sakamoto’s ground breaking 1919, which features music to the movie ‘Merry Christmas Mr Lawrence’. The middle work is an exciting new commission by us of a trio by Christopher Gunning.

Christopher’s film and TV work is extensive indeed, but he is most famous for writing the music for the hit series ‘Poirot’.

Our concert finishes with Korngold’s only piano trio. Along with such composers as Max Steiner and Alfred Newman, he is considered an early pioneer of film music. Korngold’s 1938 Academy Award for his score to ‘The Adventures of Robin Hood’ marked the first time an Oscar was awarded to the composer rather than the head of the studio music department.’

Robert Atchinson

£15 (concessions £12.50) Photo by London Piano Trio

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300th Anniversary Year

Thursday 10 July | 7.30pm

Smith Quartet and Joby Burgess Ian Humphries and Rick Koster, violins Nic Pendlebury, viola Deirdre Cooper, cello Joby Burgess, percussion Programme to include: Steve Martland Starry Night for String Quartet and Marimba Graham Fitkin New Work for String Quartet and Percussion (London premiere)* St John’s Associate Artists the Smith Quartet join forces with the insanely talented British percussionist Joby Burgess to showcase the underexplored yet astonishingly fascinating format of chamber music for string quartet and percussion. Including Steve Martland’s joyful Starry Night and the London premiere of a new work commissioned for St John’s by the always exuberant, genre-busting Graham Fitkin! ‘…Burgess’ blend of virtuosity, good humour and taste… combining rigorous attention to complex musical detail with a sincere passion for the rhythms of dance music.’ Bachtrack Commissioned with support from the PRS for Music Foundation

*

£15 (concessions £12)

Photo of Smith Quartet by Hugo Glendinning

Book online: www.sjss.org.uk

Call the box office: 020 7222 1061

Schools, Universities and Youth Groups

Sunday 27 April | 6pm

James Allen’s Girls’ School Choral and Orchestral Concert Peter Gritton, conductor Elinor Corp, conductor Mozart Il Seraglio Overture Saint-Saëns Cello Concerto Tallis Spem in alium Borodin Polovtsian Dances Brahms Symphony No. 3 in F op. 30 III ‘Poco Allegretto’ £10, £8 (concessions £8, £6)

Monday 5 May | 6pm

Alleyn’s School

Orchestral, Choral & Jazz Concert Joanna Doley, Barry Graham, Tim Kermode, conductors Chlöe Meade, violin Jacob Rowe, horn Bruch Violin Concerto No.1 in G minor, op. 26 Strauss Horn Concerto in E flat, op. 11 Borodin String Quartet No. 2 – Nocturne (arr. for String Orchestra) Taylor Brass Machine Hagen Harlem Nocturne Gershwin (arr Nestico) Porgy and Bess Suite Music for Chamber Choir (various)

Wednesday 7 May | 7.30pm

Trinity Boys Choir

A Celebration of Contemporary British Choral Music David Swinson, conductor Richard Evans, piano Patrizia Meier, harp Chris Nall, marimba Bernard Hughes Lux aeterna Richard Peat Three pieces: Melody, O Melody, Mourning, The Remorseful Day Tom Harrold From Dreams Graham Lack Petersiliensommer (World premiere) David de Warrenne English folksong arrangements Grayston Ives On a Summer’s Morn (World premiere)

£20, £15, £10

£9, £7, £5.50 (concessions £5.50), £5.50 (unreserved)

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300th Anniversary Year

Sunday 6 July | 6.30pm

Stoneleigh Youth Orchestra Robert Hodge, musical director Dan Shilladay, viola

Walton Spitfire Prelude and Fugue Walton Viola Concerto Dvořák Symphony No. 8 in G major op. 88 £10 (concessions £5)

Saturday 12 July | 7.30pm

Hillingdon Music Services Encore: a celebration of music

Featuring the bands, choirs and orchestras of the Hillingdon Music Service. £10 (concessions £8)

Sunday 13 July | 7.30pm

Royal College of Music Junior Department Chamber and Symphony Orchestras and Concert Choir Chris Hirons and Richard Dickins, conductors

Britten Welcome Ode, op. 95 Respighi Ancient Airs and Dances Suite 3 (chamber orchestra) Shostakovich Symphony No. 5 in D minor, op. 47 £20 (concessions £10)

We serve freshly-made, seasonal salads and light lunch options every week day All images are supplied courtesy of the featured groups unless otherwise stated.

Book online: www.sjss.org.uk

Call the box office: 020 7222 1061

Dine in style before the concert with our daily Ă la carte dinner menu

Why not treat yourself to Sunday lunch in our restaurant before the concert?

We serve freshlymade, seasonal salads and light lunch options every week day

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300th Anniversary Year

Our chefs bake a delicious range of cakes and pastries every day

Delicious side orders Our cafĂŠ and restaurant serves a range of tempting treats to complement your concert-going.

Visit www.sjss.org.uk for more information about eating and drinking at St John’s, our opening times and examples of our current menus.

To book a table, please call us on 020 7222 2779 or email stjohns@leafi.co.uk

All photography on these pages by Matthew Andrews

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 a range of tastes and budgets.

Visit www.sjss.org.uk for more information about hiring St John’s.

Photography by Matthew Andrews

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300th Anniversary Year

Stop press

Booking ahead Saturday 10 August | 2.30pm

Sunday 11 May | 9.30am to 1.30pm and 2.30pm to 6.00pm

Choir of the Year 2014 London auditions

Join choirs from across London for the first round of the UK’s biggest amateur choir competition. There will be something for all tastes – from Bach to Barbershop and Gospel to Glee clubs. Leading young conductor Greg Beardsell hosts.

Tickets for each audition session: £5 (free to under 5s)

National Youth Wind Orchestra of Great Britain

Information about this concert will be available on our website, www.sjss.org.uk Tickets from £12

Booking now open

Sheaffer© Sunday Matinees 2014 With Lucy Parham, piano Lucy’s Composers in Love series concludes with two further concerts: Reverie, featuring Simon Russell Beale, evoking Claude Debussy’s complex emotional life (Sunday 19 October) and Nocturne, featuring Juliet Stevenson and Alex Jennings, which tells of Frederic Chopin’s relationship with the novelist George Sand (Sunday 23 November).

Both concerts at 3pm, tickets per concert £25 or £35 for a pair (concessions £15, £25).

Booking now open

Book online: www.sjss.org.uk

Call the box office: 020 7222 1061

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 The Graphic Design House

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300th Anniversary Year

CONCERT CALENDAR Easter – July 2014 300th Anniversary Year

www.sjss.org.uk @StJohnsSmithSq

Featuring the

ufthansa Festival L of Baroque Music

Patron: HRH The Duchess of Cornwall

April Mon 21

Choir Competition 7.30pm p7 heat 1 Wed 23 Choir Competition 7.30pm p7 heat 2 1.05pm p8 Thurs 24 Royal Academy of Music Organ Showcase

Sat 26 Sun 27 Wed 30

Choir Competition heat 3 Choir Competition heat 4 Choir Competition Grand Final James Allen’s Girls’ School Song at St John’s

7.30pm p7

Andrew Brownell, piano Orchestra Vitae

1.05pm p8

May Thurs 1

7.30pm p7 6pm

7.30pm p10

7.30pm p11

Tues 6

Artur Pizarro

7.30pm p14

Choral Eucharist

1.05pm p13

Trinity Boys Choir

7.30pm p54

Wed 7

Events calendar key: • London International A Cappella Choir Competition • Thursday Lunchtime concert • Schools, Universities and Youth Groups • Lufthansa Festival of Baroque Music • Occupy the Pianos • Richard Strauss 150 celebrations

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Sat 17

4pm Dorothee Oberlinger & Peter Kofler*

Sun 18

p54

Mon 5

Sat 3

The Sixteen

7.30pm p7

Choir of Worcester 7.30pm p12 College, Oxford 7.30pm p13 London Concertante 6pm Alleyn’s School p54

Fri 2

Fri 16

The Tallis Scholars 7.30pm p7

Tues 22

Fri 25

Sat 10

Joe Townsend and 1.05pm p8 friends, folk 7.30pm p16 Apollo’s Fire & Sandrine Piau Paul Badura-Skoda 7.30pm p18

Thurs 8

7.30pm p21 p22

The Lufthansa Lecture Rachel Podger & Arte dei Suonatori

6.15pm p22

Vox Luminis

7.30pm p24

7.45pm p23

4.30pm p23 QuintEssential Sackbut & Cornett Ensemble

Tues 20

L’Avventura London7.30pm p24

Wed 21

Pierre Hantaï, Aapo Häkkinen& Helsinki Baroque Orchestra

7pm

p25

7pm María Hinojosa Montenegro, Martin Oro & La Risonanza

p26

Thurs 22 Choir of Westminster Abbey** Fri 23

Sat 24 Wed 28

The Hilliard Ensemble Carole Cerasi*

9.30pm p27 4pm

p27

Handel – Joshua

7pm

p28

London Mozart Players Thurs 29 Royal College of Music Organ Showcase

Fri 30

7.30pm p25

7.30pm p29 1.05pm p8

7.30pm p30 Orchestra of St John’s 7.30pm p36 Richard Uttley, Rolf Hind, James Kreiling & Janneke Brits 300th Anniversary Year

Sat 31

Martin Sturfält

1pm

p36

Siwan Rhys & George Barton Rolf Hind

3pm

p36

5pm

p36

James Kreiling, Janneke Brits, George Barton & Françoise-Green Duo

7.30pm p36

Richard Uttley

June

10pm

p36

Thurs 19 Stephen Disley, organ Handel – Israel in Egypt

1.05pm p9 7.30pm p45 7.30pm p48

Fri 20

The Bach Choir

Sun 22 Mon 23

3pm Goimard & p46 Bertomé-Reynolds 7.30pm p49 Kensington Symphony Orchestra

Tues 24

Danielle de Niese

Wed 25

Salomon Orchestra 7.30pm p48

7.30pm p47

Siwan Rhys

1pm

p37

Thurs 26 The City Musick

1.05pm p9

Workshop

3pm

p37

Fri 27

7.30pm p42

Zubin Kanga & Rolf Hind Closing concert

5pm

p37

Wed 4

Classical Opera

7.30pm p38

Thurs 5

Julian Jacobson & Mariko Brown Morley & Nuremberg Accordion Orchestras Choir of New College, Cambridge Joyful Company of Singers

1.05pm p9

Sun 1

Sun 8

Mon 9 Tues 10 Wed 11

London International Players

7.30pm p37

5pm

p39

Sun 29 Mon 30

July

7.30pm p50 London Orpheus Choir 7.30pm p50 Kensington Chamber Orchestra Song at St John’s 7.30pm p10

Sat 5

London Piano Trio 7.30pm p52

7.30pm p40

Sun 6

6.30pm p55

7.30pm p41

Tues 8

Stoneleigh Youth Orchestra London International Players

Hillingdon Music Services Royal College of Music Juniors

7.30pm p55

7.30pm p42

1.05pm p9 Thurs 12 Jonathan McGovern & Chris Hopkins Sat 14

Interpreti Veneziani 7.30pm p43

Sun 15

Royal Orchestral Society Young Musicians Symphony Orchestra

Wed 18

Sat 28

London International Players

4pm

p43

7.30pm p44

7.30pm p42

7.30pm p51 Albuquerque Festival Singers & London Bulgarian Choir 7.30pm p53 Thurs 10 Smith Quartet & Joby Burgess 7pm Fri 11 Cyprus Sinfonia p51 Wed 9

Sat 12 Sun 13

7.30pm p55

* Please note that these concerts take place at St Peter’s Eaton Square ** Please note that this concert takes place at Westminster Abbey

Book online: www.sjss.org.uk

Call the box office: 020 7222 1061

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.

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.

Friends of St John’s are entitled to a week’s Latecomers are admitted only at a suitable priority booking and 10% discount on a pair of tickets for any public concert. Talk to one of pause in the concert, as advised by the our Box Office staff or visit www.sjss.org.uk for concert promoter. more information about our Friends scheme.

Please note that tickets may not be exchanged or refunded.

Booking for the new season concerts in this brochure opens: Monday 10 March to Friends of St John’s Monday 17 March to the general public

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300th Anniversary Year