St Sepulchre without Newgate (Holy Sepulchre), known as the National Musicians’ Church, hosted the first of its new Friday Lunchtime Concert series with special guest, harpist Gabriella Jones.
The programme contained a world premiere of an adaption to work by renowned composer Judith Weir, as well as Benjamin Britten’s Suite for Harp, Spirals by Paul Patterson and Rachmaninoff’s Prelude No.4 transcribed for harp.
Holy Sepulchre had announced that the iconic church would open up for concerts and over events last year, but it is only now that the pandemic has allowed the much-awaited series of concerts to take place. The concerts are run in partnership with Park Lane Group Music Trust, which provides young artists with a platform to perform.
Holy Sepulchre will also enjoy the performances of the Brompton Quartet, EOS Piano Trio, Benjamin Tarlton and many more through to mid-March. The concerts are free to attend, with a suggested donation of £5.
The Reverend Nick Mottershead, Vicar of Holy Sepulchre, said:
“Music is central to so many places of worship, but at Holy Sepulchre it runs through the lifeblood of the church. Alongside the many stories of personal heartache and loss, it’s been saddening to see the City and its churches negatively impacted by the pandemic, but as we cautiously look to the future, I’m delighted that we’re able to hear Gabriella and so many other wonderful musicians play over the next few months.
“Holy Sepulchre has the unique opportunity to support local workers as the City starts to roar, we pray, back to life, and I’m so happy to be able to offer our church as a small sanctuary in the heart of London. I’m grateful that we’re now in a position to showcase to the public both the exceptional talents of these musicians and the beauty of Holy Sepulchre, and would encourage all who live and work nearby to join us.”
Andrew Morris, Chairman, Friends of the Musicians’ Chapel, Holy Sepulchre, commented:
“Park Lane Group Music Trust is one of the most prominent vehicles of support for young musicians in the UK. It is entirely fitting that the Trust should be featuring these young artists in the National Musicians’ Church which contains the Musicians’ Chapel. We are delighted with this development and wish the collaboration well.”
John Wolf, Park Lane Group Music Trust, said:
“We at the Park Lane Group Music Trust have long had thoughts about our Young Artists performing in Holy Sepulchre and we are delighted that the fully constructive discussions have led to the 10 Friday Lunchtimes beginning in the New Year on Friday 21 January. We know well in advance that these events will create enjoyment and appreciation for all involved.”
Gabriella Jones, harpist and opening artist for the event, said:
“I am delighted to have performed the opening concert for the new Park Lane Group Music Trust lunchtime concert series at Holy Sepulchre. After what has been a difficult couple of years it is wonderful that the National Musicians’ Church have decided to hold concerts again. Featuring the distinctive Suite for harp by Benjamin Britten, two of my original transcriptions for harp, a contemporary work by Paul Patterson, who has been a huge support to PLG and the UK harp community for many years, and a world premiere of the harp adaptation of Judith Weir’s Fragile. This programme pays homage to the Park Lane Group Music Trust and gives great insight into the harp and its limitless boundaries.”
Judith Weir, composer of Fragile, commented:
“It’s a beautiful idea to play my piano piece ‘Fragile’ on the harp, and I’m excited to hear it – in one of London’s loveliest spaces for music, Holy Sepulchre Church.”
