Directory: Recently Added Listings 

‘A music festival in Scotland offering beautiful music played by internationally-renowned artists in celebrated venues throughout the historic and beautiful county of East Lothian.’ Held Mid September.

‘There has been a church dedicated to St Margaret of Antioch in Lothbury, the street that runs along the north side of the Bank of England, since the 12th Century. In later centuries the parish was augmented by the incorporation of seven adjacent parishes, whose churches were lost through the Great Fire, the Second World War and the expansion of City institutions ... It is the church of five livery companies (the Armourers and Brasiers, the Glovers of London, the Tylers and Bricklayers, the Tin Plate Workers alias Wire Workers and the Scientific Instrument Makers), two Ward Clubs (Broad St. and Coleman St.) and one professional institution (the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales). It is also the parish church of the Bank of England and several local firms. Each hold special services at various times in the year ... The organ recital programme changes each week and, as well as our resident organist, features international celebrity organists.’

’Exploring baroque music together since 2014 ... London-based ensemble specialising in, but not limited to, French music of the 17th and 18th centuries ... Formed by participants of the Dartington International Summer School ... with performers from Japan, the UK, Germany and Australia.’

‘One of the area's leading choral societies, performing a variety of classical music ... We generally perform three concerts a year, mainly in the magnificent setting of the Central Hall, Grimsby ... Over the years, the Phil has treated Grimsby audiences to some of the most famous soloists of the day, such as Peter Pears, Kathleen Ferrier and Isobel Baillie, Thomas Allen and Elisabeth Schumann ... A concert of an all-Britten programme not only featured Peter Pears but also included the composer amongst the audience. The performance later prompted him to remark that he believed it to be the first concert in the country devoted solely to his music.‘

What is contemporary classical? ‘Ambient music with a meditative, serene feel to it ... Introspective and soothing with emphasis placed on repeated melodic patterns ... Accessible, captivating and powerfully cinematic ... Often gentle, slow progressing and hypnotic ... Electronic, epic - music which soars and undulates with an emotive drive ... Serene, delicate and pensive contemporary classical music which feels meditative and a pinch chaotic.’

‘J-Night is one of the leading producers of world jazz in the North of England. We’ve produced the Hull Jazz Festival (summer and winter editions) for over 25 years and we deliver a year-round festival offer in Hull, using our ability to build, maintain and develop effective partnerships with organisations including Hull Truck Theatre, Freedom Festival, Hull Music Hub, University of Hull Creative Campus and Hull City Council.’

Founded 1992: ‘We consist of approximately 30 singers.  We enjoy singing a wide range of works from the last four hundred years or so, and in recent years we have had the great pleasure of singing with small orchestras, organ, harpsichord and piano accompaniments. We give regular performances in the local area. As well as our own concerts, we have also sung by invitation at weddings, flower festivals, Christmas concerts, music festivals, assisting local churches in their acts of worship and as the entertainment at a local Dinner Club’.

‘West Dean College once again offers the celebrated International Guitar Festival in the idyllic and relaxing surroundings which make this the perfect setting for concerts, lessons, masterclasses and ensemble coaching ... We have an exciting series of evening recitals by international concert artists, specialising in both solo and duo repertoire ... Concerts are included for those taking part in the festival and can also be booked separately by the public.’ Held Late August.

‘One of London’s best brass bands! ... Formed in 1895, Fulham Brass Band has a long history of music making and strong links with the local community. We have a regular programme of concerts scheduled throughout the year, TV and film work, and frequently compete against other brass bands at venues around the country. Our friendly, sociable and accomplished ensemble always welcome brass and percussion players that are new to the London area.’

‘A windband with woodwind and brass sections ... We play marches, big band, theme tunes & classical ... We play at Village Fêtes, Town Band Stands, Gala Dinners and some Charity events, including carols in the High Street in December. We typically do around 20 Engagements a year, plus a few Carols. Members are asked to attend as many as they can in order to ensure a full-sounding band. We usually play for two hours, with a short break in the middle. These are usually weekend afternoons or evenings, although we can be asked to play weekday evenings.‘

‘Seeks to provide: * Opera to a high professional standard in Surrey, Sussex and Kent - at affordable prices; * Opportunities for young singers, directors and designers in the early stages of their careers; * The chance for young people to explore opera through workshops, collaboration and reduced ticket prices ... We stage two productions a year at a variety of venues ... We are always looking for experienced and enthusiastic chorus singers ... A short and simple audition is required. Chorus rehearsals, which are held in the Croydon area, take place on Monday evenings and also on Thursdays closer to productions.’

‘Now the only church used for regular services in the old City ... We are a very traditional church, and our services, with very few exceptions, accord to the 1662 Book of Common Prayer. Our Bible readings are exclusively from the Authorised Version, and we enjoy a very high standard of preaching from our Priest in Charge and several visiting clergy. We have an eclectic congregation who come from all parts of the City and beyond, to enjoy the dignity of our form of worship, the tradition of good preaching and music ... The organ, first mentioned in 1552 ‘has its own distinctive voice, and speaks with a definite "Old English" accent. It is perhaps fortuitous that at Christ Church, things change slowly’.

‘MCSS is a community music course held over 4 days at the Wellspring Centre, Boscombe, Bournemouth ... It encompasses all instruments, ages and abilities from grade 3 upwards. We have professional, well established tutors and conductor. We encourage an informal but, structured atmosphere with a very sociable approach. Applicants may order catering daily with home-grown produce and homemade fare.’ Held Early August.

‘South Downs Summer Music is a well established and popular classical music festival - formerly the Alfriston Summer Music Festival. Every year some of the finest international artists visit to perform in the very special village of Alfriston in the heart of the South Downs.’ Held Late July and directed by the Benyounes Quartet.

‘North Oxfordshire-based musician Chris Windass founded the Oxford Coffee Concerts series in 1986 when he booked the Holywell Music Room for four Sunday morning appearances by his own chamber music group, the Adderbury Ensemble. While that first season attracted audiences of just 35 or fewer, Chris was encouraged enough by the enthusiasm of the people who did make it to those early concerts to put on a second series. Happily, audience numbers started to grow as his group’s fame spread. The frequency of concerts soon increased from fortnightly to weekly and the Adderbury Ensemble’s recitals eventually had to be supplemented with appearances from other celebrated chamber music ensembles and soloists ... Oxford Coffee Concerts continue to take place on Sunday mornings throughout the year in the stunning setting of the Holywell Music Room, the oldest purpose-built concert venue in Europe. And every concert ticket still entitles the holder to a complimentary cup of coffee ...’

‘Warwick Folk Festival has been long established as one of the best family music festivals in the UK. With a variety of venues, including the large marquee and purpose built Theatre, safe and clean site full of craft stalls, eateries and entertainment, along with some of the world’s best music artists and a spectacular fringe festival located in the town centre, this festival continues to delight music fans of all ages and generations!’ Held Late July.

‘A listener-supported internet audio station with a focus on music of the classical organ. We maintain a growing library of music that currently contains over 21,000 tracks. Our library features classical organ music performed on pipe, electronic, and combination instruments recorded all over the world ... Organlive's broadcast is free and reaches listeners of organ music all around the globe every day. Listeners may tune in on their computers, an Internet radio, or on their Apple or Android smartphones through dedicated applications.’ A Project of the Organ Media Foundation.

‘The Cardiff Guitar Festival team is committed to inspiring a real enthusiasm for music making in guitarists young and old. With our annual festival of outstanding professional concerts, and inspiring workshops we aim to provide the best possible experience for our participants ... All participants get FREE access to each of our six outstanding professional concerts included in their festival pass.‘ Held Late July.

‘West Green House Opera is a small charity which exists to support emerging artists in a nurturing and creative environment. Our week-long Opera Season offers new productions staged by opera professionals in stunning, purpose-built Green Theatres set in the lovely gardens at West Green.’

‘A friendly, hard working choir, open to all with no audition. We rehearse on Tuesday evenings in the City and perform several times a year in beautiful venues ... All works are thoroughly rehearsed and sound files are available to help you learn the music ... If you enjoy singing, try one of our concerts, then come and give a rehearsal a try.’

‘Brainchild of local composer Robert Walker, Lord Egremont, and a group of like-minded local people, the first festival took place over a September weekend in 1979 with concerts featuring English music staged in the wonderful acoustic of Petworth’s parish church, St. Mary’s. As the Festival’s popularity and reputation grew, so the dates were changed, the current three weeks in July were established in 2000 ... Alongside a substantial outreach programme and events promoting the work of young performers, the Festival presents prestige concerts across the genres.’

‘Ensemble specialising in accessible, affordable performances of music from the 15th-18th Centuries ... While specialising in the performance of 17th Century chamber music, their repertoire extends into opera, and to the works of composers writing in the High-Late Middle Ages, often overlooked in programmes today ... As part of our aim to make Early Music as accessible as possible, to audiences and performers alike, we release editions of all our works created from manuscript sources whenever possible.‘

‘From its inception in 2010 the Festival has quickly established itself and is now recognised as a serious, yet friendly, musical competition of stature and attracts choirs from around the UK and Ireland and wherever choral singing is enjoyed and celebrated ... Although competition remains at the heart of the Festival, it is aimed at supporting and nurturing the continuance of choirs and choral groups. We also strive to include family and friends during the weekend to ensure that they too can enjoy the many unique aspects of our Island while others sing!’ Held Mid October.

‘Norbury Handbell Ringers were the first team registered with the HRGB [Handbell Ringers of Great Britain] which gives them a special place in the organisation’s history. Having started in the Church School at Norbury and then having moved base from Norbury to Poynton and now to a Methodist Church near Marple, their 140 plus bells and cupboard are well travelled ... We perform concerts in the Stockport and South Manchester Area.
The team play carols, hymns, marches, classical music, folk tunes and popular tunes from films and shows.’