Winter 2023
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Season poster for the Winter 2023 series of Spotlight Chamber Concerts
Season poster for the Winter 2023 series of Spotlight Chamber Concerts
3 November 2023, 18:30
Benjamin Grosvenor & Hyeyoon Park
The series opens with pianist Benjamin Grosvenor and his duo partner, violinist Hyeyoon Park in Vaughan Williams’ Lark Ascending (originally for piano and violin), alongside Debussy's sumptuous Violin Sonata, Takemitsu’s Distance de fée and Grieg’s fiery Violin Sonata No. 3.
Since winning the Keyboard section of the BBC Young Musician of the Year competition aged 11, Benjamin Grosvenor has become ‘a world class performer’ (The Guardian), described as ‘a genius who has reached the height of his interpretative powers in his early thirties and intends to stay there’ (The Spectator). Hyeyoon Park’s playing is ‘breathtaking’ (Süddeutsche Zeitung) and as a duo their performances are ‘flawless’ and ‘spine-tingling’ (The Guardian).
11 November 2023, 18:30
Steven Osborne
The ‘most thoughtful and questing of British pianists’ (Telegraph), Steven Osborne will perform Schubert’s Six moments musicaux and the late Sonata in A, D. 959, separated by a short Beethoven Bagatelle, Op. 33 No. 4. It is ten years since he was declared Instrumentalist of the Year by the Royal Philharmonic Society, but he remains one of Britain’s finest musicians, and a recent Wigmore Hall concert celebrating Rachmaninov’s 150th birthday received 5 stars in The Guardian and The Independent.
19 November 2023, 18:30
Maxwell String Quartet & Anthony Friend
Clarinettist and Artistic Director Anthony Friend, praised for his ‘delicious’ playing (The Times) and the ‘vision and intensity’ of his performances (Observer) joins regular collaborators the Maxwell String Quartet, noted for their ‘wit, charisma and a sense of adventure’ (New York Times) and ‘fresh, unaffected playing’ (Gramophone). Following two albums pairing of Scottish folk music with Haydn, here they present their EP Gather, a ‘musical foraging project’ of Scots folk music, alongside Brahms’ profound and folk-influenced Clarinet Quintet.
26 November 2023, 18:30
Emmanuel Despax
Pianist Emmanuel Despax performs Chopin’s Préludes and the monumental Bach-Busoni Chaconne in D minor. His Chopin is ‘dreamy, entrancing and fresh’ (The Times) whilst his recording of the Préludes left France’s Diapson ‘speechless’. His recent recording of Chopin's Piano Concertos in chamber versions was Album of the Week for both The Times and Classic FM.
10 December 2023, 18:30
Solem Quartet
Finally, a return to Spotlight Chamber Concerts for the Solem Quartet, known for their ‘immaculate precision and spirit’ (The Strad) and ‘cultured tone’ (Arts Desk). They play Beethoven’s sublime Quartet in A minor, Op. 132 and give the London première of a new quartet based on the Beethoven, Devotions by composer Edmund Finnis, who ‘seems to make the very air shimmer with his music’ (The Times).
Wine partner:
Provisions
Wine for this series will be provided by Provisions, an importer with two shops on Holloway Rd and Hackney Rd specialising in raw milk cheese, natural wine and artisan food products. Ticket holders will be offered access to exclusive events featuring wine tasting with live music, and discounts at Provisions’ online shop.
FAQ's
What are the timings for the concerts?
All the concerts start at 18:30, and doors open at 18:00. Each concert will last approx. 60-75 minutes with no interval.
Is there a dress code?
There is no dress code.
Are there any age restrictions?
These concerts are not ideal for young children, but if you think your child is capable of sitting quietly for the duration of the performance you are most welcome to bring them.
Where can I find out about all the performers and pieces?
Programme booklets will be on sale at the concerts, including detailed programme notes about the music being performed and information about the performers. In addition, information about the concerts and performers can be found at www.spotlightchamberconcerts.com
What should I bring with me?
Please have your PDF tickets ready on your phone or printed out, and a payment card in case you would like to buy a drink or programme booklet.
Where can I find out about future Spotlight Chamber Concerts?
You can subscribe to the mailing list on the home page of www.spotlightchamberconcerts.com or follow us on @SpotlightChamberConcerts
How do I get to St John’s Waterloo?
The nearest station is Waterloo or Waterloo East, which is served by national rail, London Underground and bus networks.
Parking:
Parking is available in Exton Street on pay bays, Monday to Friday from 8.30am till 6.30pm & Saturday 8.30am till 1.30pm at £5.40 per hour. Payment must be made by phone or app, details can be found on signs along Exton Street.
After 6.30pm (1.30pm on Saturday) parking is free within the bays and on single yellow lines.
There are no disabled bays along Exton Street.
Parking is also available in car parks in York Road and Cornwall Road, details for both can be found online."