Purcell Abdelazar Suite Z. 570
Handel Concerto Grosso in B-flat major Op.6 No.7
JS Bach Concerto for Two Violins in D minor BWV 1043
Vivaldi The Four Seasons
Simon Blendis director
Our season is brought to a close in a feast of Baroque works featuring the string players of our Orchestra-in-Residence, the London Mozart Players.
Purcell composed his Adbelazar Suite to accompany performances of a revenge tragedy of the same name by the English dramatist Aphra Behn. It dates from 1695, the last year of the composer’s life. Handel’s elegant Concerto Grosso No 11 has delighted audiences since 1739, while Bach’s effervescent and energetic Concerto for Two Violins was composed in around 1730. The evening ends with Vivaldi’s ever-popular Four Seasons, from 1718-20.
Expect an evening of superb playing, in an uplifting programme of joyous period music.
‘LMP possess an unfailing professionalism, artistry, and commitment to music’ John Suchet
This concert is produced in association with Orchestras Live.
Mozart March in D Major, K.335 No. 2
Mozart Symphony No 1 in Eb Major K.16
R. Strauss Horn Concerto No. 1 in E flat Major, Op. 11
Warlock Capriol Suite (version for strings)
Beethoven Symphony No. 4 in B flat Major, Op. 60
Ben Hoffnung conductor
Amadea Dazeley-Gaist horn
Mozart Le Nozze di Figaro, Overture
Beethoven Violin Concerto in D major
Mozart Symphony No 41 in C major ‘Jupiter’
Jonathan Bloxham conductor
Charlotte Saluste-Bridoux violin
To open our 2025 summer season we welcome back the full forces of our Orchestra-in-Residence, the London Mozart Players, who join with rising-star violinist Charlotte Saluste-Bridoux in Beethoven’s monumental and game-changing violin concerto. Charlotte has been part of Thaxted Festival’s Developing Artists Programme over recent years, and we are delighted to feature her as the soloist in this central and challenging work of the violin repertoire. Mozart’s uplifting overture to The Marriage of Figaro opens the concert, which ends with the joyful ‘Jupiter’– his last, and probably his most popular symphony.
Experience the excitement of a major orchestra and virtuoso soloist in the magnificent acoustics of Thaxted Parish Church, with these popular and accessible works from the classical repertoire. Find out more about Charlotte Saluste-Bridoux here: ycat.co.uk/charlotte-saluste-bridoux
During the festival, members of London Mozart Players will be working with pupils from Thaxted Primary School and other local schools to enable the children to develop and perform their own pieces of music. Thaxted Festival is very grateful for the funding support it has received from a number of sources, including local charities, to support this education programme.
‘Salouste-Bridoux [brings] lyrical flow and tonal beauty to even the most complex passages of multiple-stopping.’ Tim Homfray, The Strad review of Charlotte’s debut solo album, ‘Ostinata’.
This concert is supported by a generous donation from Gareth and Pauline Stainer in memory of John R Stainer OBE, organist and composer, who was Registrar of the Royal College of Music from 1959 to 1976. The concert is produced in association with Orchestras Live.
Beethoven Coriolan Overture, Op.62
Stephen McNeff Violin Concerto
Interval
Beethoven Symphony No.3 in E flat Major Op.55, ‘Eroica’
Fenella Humphreys violin
Jonathan Bloxham conductor
Ruth Rogers leader
In a tale worthy of a Pulitzer Prize, Beethoven’s Third Symphony is enshrouded in a story of betrayal and defiance as the composer battled through personal and political strife.
As the promise of liberty in the French Revolution emerged, Beethoven dedicated his symphony to Napoleon in the hope of a better future. When scandal erupted and Napoleon betrayed his way to the top, Beethoven furiously tore out the dedication and renamed the Symphony ‘Eroica’.
Grappling with his worsening deafness and political turmoil, Beethoven refused to write music for music’s sake. Instead, ‘Eroica’ shattered expectations and produced a radical vision of real-life heroism. ‘Eroica’ wasn’t just music; it was revolution.
The spirit of bold innovation continues to shape music today. Paired with ‘Eroica’ in this concert is the world-premiere of Stephen Mcneff’s Violin Concerto, performed by Fenella Humphreys. Drawing from Baroque influences, Mcneff’s Concerto fuses historical ideas with modern sounds, creating something entirely new – music that pushes boundaries, just like ‘Eroica’ did.
Bach Brandenburg Concerto No.3 in G Major, BWV 1048
Bach Orchestral Suite No.2 in B minor, BWV 1067
Bach Brandenburg Concerto No.2 in F Major, BWV 1047
Bach Brandenburg Concerto No.5 in D Major, BWV 1050.2
Michael Cox flute
Gareth Hulse oboe
Simon Blendis director/violin
David Blackadder natural trumpet
David Wright harpsichord
SDNA lighting design and projection
In 1977, the Voyager spacecraft launched into the cosmos carrying some particularly precious cargo: two vinyl records designed to showcase Earth’s rich musical heritage to any curious extraterrestrials who might stumble across them. Among the selections was Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No.5.
The Brandenburg Concertos are a series of six groundbreaking works, three of which we will bring to life in this concert. Ever the visionary, Bach pushed the boundaries of the Baroque, experimenting with unique instrumental pairings and daring combinations that had never been heard. Combined with on-the-edge-of-your-seat flashy solo passages, the Brandenburgs have remained as some of Bach’s most popular music. All-in-all, quite deserving of a space on what can only be described as planet earth’s greatest hits.
To enhance your listening experience, St Martin’s will be transformed into a digital gallery in true cosmic fashion as bespoke, live projections fill the walls as the orchestra plays.
Mozart ‘Overture’ from Don Giovanni, K.527
Mozart ‘In quali eccessi…Mi tradí quell’alma ingrata’ from Don Giovanni, K.527
Mozart Al desio, di chi t’adora K.577
Mozart Ballet Music from Idomeneo, K.367
Mozart ‘L’amerò sarò costante’ from Il re pastore, K.208
Mozart ‘Parto, parto, ma tu ben mio’ from La Clemenza di Tito, K.621
Interval
Mozart Symphony No.40 in G minor, K.550
Danielle de Niese soprano
Jonathan Bloxham conductor
Ruth Rogers leader
Never one to shy away from the spotlight, Mozart knew how to bring the drama.
As a master of opera, he had a knack for storytelling, bringing his characters to (larger-than) life through outrageous tales of love, loss, deception and even assassination. Danielle de Niese (‘Opera’s coolest opera singer’, New York Times Magazine) shows off Mozart’s theatrical skills with a selection of arias from his most-loved operas including Don Giovanni and Idomeneo.
Mozart’s love for drama didn’t just stop at opera. If turmoil had a soundtrack, it would undoubtably be his Symphony No.40. Oozing with anguish, the symphony shows Mozart to be in touch with his emotional side as he challenges the orchestra to battle through 35 minutes of pure angst. Though that all might sounds a bit miserable, it makes for an action-packed listening experience – there’s a reason it holds its place as one of Mozart’s most popular pieces.
LMP Friends annual summer event, with music and a three-course meal.
Caroline Shaw Entr’acte (2014 version for string orchestra)
Barber Canzonetta for Oboe and String Orchestra, Op. 48
Vaughan Williams Concerto for Oboe and Strings
Barber Adagio for Strings
Tchaikovsky Serenade for Strings, Op. 48
Nicholas Daniel oboe
Rebecca Miller conductor
Proms at St Jude’s often takes place during Pride Month, and tonight − nearly 55 years to the day since the first Pride marches in June 1970, following the 1969 Stonewall Uprising − we celebrate three LGBTQ+ composers and the immense contribution they have made in the history of classical music. Caroline Shaw is the youngest winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Music and described Entr’acte as ‘like a minuet and trio, riffing on that classical form but taking it a little further; [it] suddenly takes you to the other side of Alice’s looking glass, in a kind of absurd, subtle, technicolor transition’. American Samuel Barber’s Adagio for Strings is one of the most recognisable pieces of classical music in the world – it was used at Franklin Roosevelt’s funeral and after JFK’s assassination − and Tchaikovsky’s heartfelt Serenade for Strings is considered to be one of the late Romantic era’s definitive compositions.
Nicholas Daniel OBE is one of the world’s great oboists and one of Britain’s best-known musicians. He won the BBC Young Musician of the Year award in 1980 with the Vaughan Williams Oboe Concerto and has made several award-winning recordings of it over the years. Mr Daniel will also perform a second piece by Barber − an oboe Canzonetta − the middle movement of an unfinished concerto, his final work.
Mozart Divertimento in F major K.138
Bottesini Gran Duo Concertante
Barber Adagio for Strings op.11 in B flat minor
Tchaikovsky Serenade for Strings in C Op. 48
Levi Andreassen double bass
Elfida Su Turan violin
Simon Blendis director
Set up over 75 years ago by Harry Blech to perform the works of Mozart and Haydn, LMP’s mission has evolved into creating bold, ambitious and accessible musical experiences for all. LMP are proud to be at the forefront of embedding arts and culture into the life of communities across the UK and beyond, performing both new works and music that stays true to their roots.
LMP are based at Fairfield Halls in Croydon and have residencies at St John’s, Upper Norwood, Thaxted Festival and Grayshott Concerts. Collaborating with many of the world’s greatest soloists and conductors, LMP’s work is made in Croydon and celebrated across the globe.
Ishani Bhoola, violinist and leader of The Waverley Ensemble, launched the Haslemere International String Competition in 2017 to give talented young string players a chance to gain significant solo concert exposure. Originally aimed at students living in the counties around London, it has since greatly expanded its reach and now draws talented young performers from all over the world. It is open to string players aged 11-22 and takes place every two years.
Jason Chapman (author) Stan and Mabel and the Race for Space
Music by Paul Rissmann
Featuring music by Mozart, Elgar and Tomlinson.
Simon Blendis director
Polly Ives narrator
Psssst parents – are you looking for an affordable day out for the whole family? Join our dog and cat friends, Stan and Mabel, on a musical adventure as they discover the orchestra!
Music-loving dog and cat Stan and Mabel are back. This time, they’re joined by a whole carnival of animals as they escape from the School for Wild and Dangerous Animals in search of a safe place to call home.
This fun-packed interactive concert for children aged 3+, features highly engaging music by composer Paul Rissmann, storytelling by Polly Ives and projected illustrations from Jason Chapman’s original book. This is a perfect introduction to the orchestra with music also by Mozart, Elgar and Tomlinson.
Jessie Montgomery Strum
James Macmillan Saxophone Concerto
Vaughan Williams Fantasia on Greensleeves
Dowland Flow my tears
Bartok Romanian Folk Dances
John Harle RANT!
Tchaikovsky Serenade for Strings, Op. 48
Jess Gillam saxophone
Ruth Rogers leader
Jonathan Bloxham conductor
A concert full of memorable tunes and toe-tapping dances with the electrifying saxophonist Jess Gillam bringing folk-inspired music for strings to life.
From the Scottish Isles in Macmillan’s punchy saxophone concerto to the idyllic English countryside of Vaughan Williams’ Fantasia on Greensleeves, the evening showcases the rich variety of folk-influenced classical music. As well as spanning the globe, tonight’s music also traverses time, transporting you from the Renaissance with Dowland’s Flow My Tears to now, with Jessie Montgomery’s spiky Strum.
Jess Gillam, known for her warm and charismatic presenting style on BBC Radio 3, will guide you through the programme with engaging spoken introductions.
Jessie Montgomery Strum
James Macmillan Saxophone Concerto
Vaughan Williams Fantasia on Greensleeves
Dowland Flow my tears
Bartok Romanian Folk Dances
John Harle RANT!
Tchaikovsky Serenade for Strings, Op. 48
Jess Gillam saxophone
Ruth Rogers leader
Jonathan Bloxham conductor
Join us for an exhilarating evening as Jess Gillam, the brilliant saxophonist hailed for her dynamic and joyful performances, makes her Grayshott Concerts debut. Known for her infectious energy and unique style, Jess has been enchanting audiences worldwide and breaking new ground for the saxophone in classical music. Together with the London Mozart Players, she will guide us through a diverse programme that showcases the saxophone’s versatility, moving from classical to jazz-inspired pieces.
Dvořák Stabat Mater
Royal Choral Society
Richard Cooke conductor
Simon Blendis leader
Verity Wingate soprano
Rebecca Afonwy-Jones alto
Peter Davoren tenor
William Gaunt bass
In this intensely passionate music, whose composition was overshadowed by the deaths of three of his infant children, the greatest Czech composer pours out his most profound and heartfelt writing.
It is a work of deep beauty and pathos from the heartrending despair of its extended first movement, as Mary laments the death of her son Jesus at the foot of the cross, to the radiant hope of the final movement.
Standing alongside the Cello Concerto and the New World Symphony as one of his greatest works, Stabat Mater was also the work that cemented Dvorak’s reputation internationally. Following the success of its first London performance in December 1883, Dvořák himself was invited to conduct it with the Royal Choral Society in the Royal Albert Hall in March 1884, when the choir numbered some 800 singers. Today’s Royal Choral Society is happy to present it for the first time in many years.
Handel Concerto Grosso in B-flat major Op.6 No.7
Pachelbel Canon in D
Vivaldi The Four Seasons
Simon Blendis violin
Jessica Coleman violin
Antonia Kesel violin
Judith Busbridge viola
Sebastian Comberti cello
Beethoven Egmont Overture, Op. 84a
R. Strauss Metamorphosen
Brahms Ein deutsches Requiem, Op. 45
Ruth Rogers leader
Matthew Best Conductor
Academy Choir Wimbledon
Mayer Overture in D minor
Schubert Symphony No. 7 in B minor, D. 759 ‘Unfinished’
Beethoven Symphony No. 1 in C Major, Op. 21
Rebecca Miller Conductor
Royal Holloway Orchestral Scholars
Join us for this evening masterclass as we delve inside the orchestra with our partners, the London Mozart Players. Led by Rebecca Miller, learn about how the orchestra works from the inside-out, with conversations with members of the London Mozart Players and Orchestral Scholars at Royal Holloway, demonstrations, and short performances of classical music’s symphonic highlights.
Advanced booking is essential.