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September’s programme of lunchtime recitals has been announced and will feature some of the UK’s most exciting young classical musicians. The Wednesday lunchtime recitals will also have a new home, moving the short distance from the Guildhall to St John’s Baptist Church in Cathedral Square.
The free weekly performances have been running since July, after being introduced by Peterborough City Council with support from St John’s Development CIC, and have proved popular with shoppers and workers. It’s hoped the move of venue will enable the classical musicians to take full advantage of the excellent acoustics offered by newly refurbished St John’s.
The recitals start on Wednesday September 7th with a performance from the Meridian String Trio, performing the music of Beethoven, Joplin and Haydn amongst others. The Trio has a growing reputation and is fast becoming recognised as one of London’s best classical string ensembles, earning them a residency at the Ritz.
Other musicians to perform during September include acclaimed pianist Christina McMaster whose programme will include the Handel, Chopin and Debussy on September 14th. A week later, sisters Alice and Harriet Murray, both graduates of the Royal Academy of Music, will perform in their string duo.
The series of recitals will conclude on September 28th with a performance from pianist Mari Kuwamura and cellist Amy Jolly. Amy has performed around the world and is co-principal in the Orchestra of St Paul’s Cathedral. Mari is currently studying at the Royal College of Music.
All performances are free and start at 12noon with refreshments available.
Clive Morton, chair of the St John’s Development CIC, said “We are so pleased to be continuing with the recitals as they have proved very popular and provide something different at lunchtime in the city centre. I’m very excited to be announcing September’s classical programme, as people will get to see some of the UK’s future classical stars…for free! It’s great to see so many people engaging with culture during their lunch hour.”
Annette Joyce Head of Commercial Operations said, “We are so pleased that St John’s has allowed us to use their church for these recitals. We were keen to move September’s programme so the musicians could really benefit from the building’s great acoustics. The recitals have gone brilliantly this year and we are keen to continue with them in the future. We’re very pleased they’ve proved such a successful addition to the events we put on in Peterborough City Centre.”
