This is London Magazine May Edition 2026 - Flipbook - Page 12
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WESTMINSTER ABBEY SUMMER
CONCERT
Tickets are on sale for the Choir of
Westminster Abbey’s summer
performance of Handel’s Alexander’s
Feast on Tuesday 16 June at 19.00.
Telling the story of a legendary
banquet of Alexander the Great, this
work exploring the emotive power of
music will be brought to life by
renowned soprano soloist Nardus
Williams and The English Concert, along
with tenor soloist Simon Wall, a Lay
Vicar in the choir.
THE ELGAR SINFONIA SUMMER
2026 CONCERT
The collaboration of the Elgar
Sinfonia and The London Chorus under
Adrian Brown has produced some
memorable concert performances of
rarely heard British compositions.
This June, the concert explores a
masterpiece, by Gerald Finzi,
his setting of the Wordsworth Poem
‘Intimations of Immortality’ for tenor
solo, chorus and full orchestra. It is
often said that very great, at times
loquacious poetry doesn’t lend itself to
choral writing but Finzi in his entire
career was a master of setting texts.
This beautiful work delves into,
illustrates and illuminates every aspect
of Wordsworth’s poem with consummate
skill. Nick Allen, a lyrical tenor, has
much experience in putting over with
vocal skill such profound words.
The Concert will begin with what will
really turn out to be a miniature Elgar
Symphony! The Organ Sonata, a fairly
early work in the Elgar canon is a
classically structured work showing
great mastery of form. Gordon Jacob
was a master craftsman with his use of
orchestra and he worked on this with
devotion producing such an interesting
orchestral work in four movements.
Classical audiences will have heard
Jacob more often than they might think.
It is his fanfare that is most commonly
played before the National Anthem on
most state occasions. The sonata has an
especially poignant slow movement so
very much in the deep melancholic vein
of the Elgar we know and love.
Elgar’s Sea Pictures are often
performed at the expense of the copious
number of songs which he composed
throughout his life. In this concert the
Elgar Sinfonia performs six songs which
he orchestrated.
Soloist is the wonderful Emily Gray, a
mezzo soprano in the long line of
tradition from Ferrier and Dame Janet
Baker. Her rich vibrant voice will fill
these songs with with meaning and love.
Concert goers can expect to be filled
with pleasure and a spirituality often
reported after the orchestra’s much-loved
concerts in St. Andrew’s, Holborn.
Novices and music lovers alike are
invited to support The Elgar Sinfonia;
explore perhaps the unknown and be
enriched by musical discoveries
unheard. The Director’s friendly way of
introducing the music will be part of a
happy afternoon.
The concert will be conducted by
Organist and Master of the Choristers
Andrew Nethsingha. Audience members
will have the exciting opportunity to tour
the Abbey during the extended concert
interval, listening to the beautiful sound
of the harp whilst exploring some of the
many impressive chapels and
monuments of Westminster Abbey.
Purchase your tickets via the website,
www.westminster-abbey.org/events
Westminster Abbey stands beside
Parliament in London, hosting royal
weddings, coronations, and burials
while displaying remarkable Gothic
architecture, historic tombs, stained
glass, and centuries of British religious
and cultural tradition.
T H I S I S L O N D O N M A G A Z I N E • T H I S I S L O N D O N O N L I N E • w w w. t i l . c o m • @ t h i s i s l o n d o n m a g
