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Piazzolla Four Seasons of Buenos Aires
Vivaldi The Four Seasons

Ruth Rogers director/violin
SDNA lighting design and production

Vivaldi’s Four Seasons is a classical music favourite, vividly capturing nature’s drama from the freshness of spring to the crackle of a summer storm. But how would these seasons sound for a climate on the other side of the world? 

Enter Astor Piazzolla – the revolutionary Argentinian composer who transformed the tango with his blend of classical and jazz influences. His Four Seasons of Buenos Aires, written 200 years after Vivaldi’s original, reflects the city’s urban charm, with sweeping melodies and vibrant bursts of those recognisable tango dance rhythms. 

Piazzolla nods to Vivaldi in his piece, but not exactly where you might expect. Living on different continents, the two composers experienced the seasons in contrast – you might hear some piercing echoes of a Venetian winter seep into the sultry heat of a Buenos Aires summer. 

To heighten your listening experience, specially commissioned, bespoke visuals will spill across the walls of St Martin’s, transporting you across the hemispheres as you’re immersed in the seasonal changes. 

Howard Shelley piano

Programme to include
Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 1 in C Major, Op.15

Ever wondered what makes a great concerto so powerful? Get up close and personal with the most well-loved piano works at Piano Explored where Howard Shelley provides a unique window into the inner workings of the music.  

These one-hour concerts are ideal for a midday culture fix. Howard acts as your musical tour guide, starting things off by talking you through the music, sharing stories, fun facts and moments to listen out for.  

Next, it’s time to sit back and enjoy the concerto, with Howard’s world-class playing alongside a full orchestra. And with two concertos each concert, it’s a great chance to hear a long-time favourite as well as discovering something new. 

It doesn’t matter whether you’re a classical connoisseur or completely new to the genre – no prior knowledge is needed. Expect electrifying performances, fun-filled storytelling, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.  

Anyone studying or working at school or university can get an ‘Education ticket’ for £10. Please bring suitable ID with you on the day to show at the door. All tickets can be bought on the door, as well as online. 

Doors will open at 12.30pm for a concert start time of 12:45pm. Please note that you will not be able to enter the church before 12.30pm. As there is very limited space to wait indoors, we would encourage you to arrive as close to 12.30pm as possible. 

Howard Shelley piano

Programme to include
Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 3 in C Major, Op.37

Ever wondered what makes a great concerto so powerful? Get up close and personal with the most well-loved piano works at Piano Explored where Howard Shelley provides a unique window into the inner workings of the music.  

These one-hour concerts are ideal for a midday culture fix. Howard acts as your musical tour guide, starting things off by talking you through the music, sharing stories, fun facts and moments to listen out for.  

Next, it’s time to sit back and enjoy the concerto, with Howard’s world-class playing alongside a full orchestra. And with two concertos each concert, it’s a great chance to hear a long-time favourite as well as discovering something new. 

It doesn’t matter whether you’re a classical connoisseur or completely new to the genre – no prior knowledge is needed. Expect electrifying performances, fun-filled storytelling, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.  

 

Anyone studying or working at school or university can get an ‘Education ticket’ for £10. Please bring suitable ID with you on the day to show at the door. All tickets can be bought on the door, as well as online. 

Doors will open at 12.30pm for a concert start time of 12:45pm. Please note that you will not be able to enter the church before 12.30pm. As there is very limited space to wait indoors, we would encourage you to arrive as close to 12.30pm as possible. 

Howard Shelley piano

Programme to include
Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 5 in E flat Major, Op.73 ‘Emperor’

Ever wondered what makes a great concerto so powerful? Get up close and personal with the most well-loved piano works at Piano Explored where Howard Shelley provides a unique window into the inner workings of the music.  

These one-hour concerts are ideal for a midday culture fix. Howard acts as your musical tour guide, starting things off by talking you through the music, sharing stories, fun facts and moments to listen out for.  

Next, it’s time to sit back and enjoy the concerto, with Howard’s world-class playing alongside a full orchestra. And with two concertos each concert, it’s a great chance to hear a long-time favourite as well as discovering something new. 

It doesn’t matter whether you’re a classical connoisseur or completely new to the genre – no prior knowledge is needed. Expect electrifying performances, fun-filled storytelling, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.  

Anyone studying or working at school or university can get an ‘Education ticket’ for £10. Please bring suitable ID with you on the day to show at the door. All tickets can be bought on the door, as well as online. 

Doors will open at 12.30pm for a concert start time of 12:45pm. Please note that you will not be able to enter the church before 12.30pm. As there is very limited space to wait indoors, we would encourage you to arrive as close to 12.30pm as possible. 

Paul Rissmann The Duck with No Luck
Polly Ives narrator 

 This children’s story for ages 3+ is brought to life with live music and narration, all while introducing your children to the magic of music.

In partnership with Concerteenies

Simon Blendis violin/speaker
Alasdair Lawson-Dick wine expert/speaker

Tasting Notes redefines the classic wine tasting experience. Enjoy the fusion of wine and music as you’re served a selection of canapés and 5 quality wines which have been thoughtfully paired with string quartets. Whether you’re a connoisseur or a newcomer, you’ll be made to feel welcome as our wine and music experts guide you through the evening with friendly and informative spoken introductions to enhance your tasting experience. 

After the tasting – and included in the price of your ticket – you continue your evening down in the Crypt where there’s live jazz music until late.   

We all know that Rosé reigns supreme in the summer – but who says it’s the only option? A chilled red or a crisp white can be just as refreshing for those long, laid-back evenings outdoors. Expand your Summer wine repertoire with this seasonal-themed Tasting Notes, where you could well discover your new holiday tipple.  

You will be sat on tables of 10 guests. We encourage you to book all tickets at the same time in one booking if you’d like to sit together. To book a group or full table, please ring LMP direct on 020 8686 1996 to secure your space. 

Please email [email protected] after you’ve placed your order if you have any additional seating requests.

Please note that you must be over 18 to attend this event. 

 

Simon Blendis violin/speaker
Alasdair Lawson-Dick wine expert/speaker

Do something different for Valentine’s this year and treat your loved ones to a special evening of wine and music, set in the luscious and intimate surroundings of Smith Square Hall.

Enjoy the fusion of wine and music as you’re served a selection of canapés and 5 quality wines which have been thoughtfully paired with string quartets. Whether you’re a connoisseur or a newcomer, you’ll be made to feel welcome as our wine and music experts guide you through the evening with friendly and informative spoken introductions to enhance your tasting experience.

After the tastings, your night will get even sweeter as you head down to the Crypt for live jazz music, all included in the price of your ticket. 

You will be sat on tables of 10 guests. We encourage you to book all tickets at the same time in one booking if you’d like to sit together. To book a group or full table, please ring LMP direct on 020 8686 1996 to secure your space. 

Please email [email protected] after you’ve placed your order if you have any additional seating requests.

Please note that you must be over 18 to attend this event. Please note that you must be over 18 to attend this event. 

Elgar The Kingdom

Richard Cooke conductor
Simon Blendis leader
Sophie Bevan Soprano
Eleanor Minney Mezzo-soprano
Peter Hoare Tenor
Benjamin Bevan Bass

Elgar conceived The Kingdom as part of a trilogy of oratorios though he only completed two, the second being The Apostles. His oratorio The Dream of Gerontius stands apart from these two works, but the best writing in The Kingdom and The Apostles marks them as equals. The soaring soprano solo ’The sun goeth down’ is outstandingly impressive and demanding for the singer, in this performance to be sung by Sophie Bevan, returning after last singing it with CCS to great acclaim in 2011 at the outset of her prolific career.

Elgar tells the story of the development of the Christian church with choruses and solos of touching beauty together with some of his most stirring and evocative orchestral writing. A wonderful work not to be missed!