Summer Music in City Churches
Summer Music in City Churches at St Giles Cripplegate Church, London
About the show
Set in the heart of London’s historic Square Mile, Kestrel Music’s nine-day festival, Summer Music in City Churches, returns with a world-class roster of artists taking a musical voyage ‘Around the World’. Hosted across five atmospheric, acoustically rich churches, this year’s theme explores music inspired by cities, landscapes and traditions. From traditional song and jazz arrangements, to lush choral harmonies and orchestral favourites, the programme celebrates sounds of town and country, both at home and abroad.
Join the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra for an electric start to this year’s festival in the stunning medieval church of St Giles Cripplegate.
Conducted by Gergely Madaras, the evening’s programme evokes the sights and sounds of Spain and Italy, from Rossini’s sizzling Overture to The Barber of Seville to Ravel’s nostalgic Pavane pour une infante défunte.
The orchestra will be joined by solo guitarist Jack Hancher for Rodrigo’s hauntingly beautiful Concierto de Aranjuez, closing the night with Mendelssohn’s joyous Symphony No. 4, 'Italian', inspired by the German composer’s travels through Italy.
ROSSINI Overture: The Barber of SevilleRAVEL Pavane pour une infante défunte
RODRIGO Concierto de Aranjuez
MENDELSSOHN Symphony No. 4, 'Italian'
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Jack Hancher, guitar
Gergely Madaras, conductor
Doors open half an hour before the concert starts. There will be an interval of 20 mins.
Photo, Ben Wright
Featuring - Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO)
Founded in 1946 by Sir Thomas Beecham and described by the Daily Telegraph as 'a true premier league orchestra'. Acknowledged as one of the UK's most prestigious orchestras, the RPO enjoys an international reputation for first-class performances.
Jack Hancher
Described by Gramophone Magazine as a guitarist with “youthful intensity tempered by sophisticated musical intelligence”.