From an organ made 100 years ago to recorders made out of carrots, the late-spring bank holiday will see the return of the May Music Festival at St Mary’s Church. Festival director Alison Wells reports
I am really excited about this year’s May Music Festival programme, which features family fun with the London Vegetable Orchestra, rising stars of the Royal Opera House’s young artist scheme, music of the golden age of the guitar and a celebration of St Mary’s organ.
As usual, we’ve tried to combine the best of local talent with amazing musicians at the start of their careers. Our own Martin Wheatley – a member of the St Mary’s congregation and one of our volunteer organists, as well as being a leading jazz guitarist in the UK and abroad – will be leading a concert of popular music featuring guitars, Hawaiian guitars, banjos, ukeleles, violin and double bass… and some singing. And there will also be some rather more eccentric and fun items in this year’s programme.
The London Vegetable Orchestra certainly answers to the eccentric description, and their event on Saturday 24 May is going to be lots of fun for all ages; we’ve introduced a family ticket for that event, which is very good value. They will be showing us how to make a recorder out of vegetables – yes, really! We have lots of peppers and carrots on order! And if you need any further endorsement of this event, look no further than the King himself, who played a carrot recorder with the London Vegetable Orchestra during a reception at Windsor Castle last month. Also, we’re excited that Reuters will be filming this event for a documentary.
That evening, mezzo-soprano Ellen Pearson and baritone Sam Hird, who are about to start their Royal Opera House careers, will be presenting a lovely recital of songs and duets, showcasing their talents and their wonderful communication skills. I am honoured to be accompanying them for this performance. Both these young singers, graduates of the Royal College of Music, have already won several competitions and sung operatic roles, so don’t miss them – you can say you heard them here first!
The organ day this year is going to be a little different in that we are having other local musicians playing alongside our 100-year-old pipe organ. Susan FitzGerald will play her flute, Jane Miller her violin and our multi-talented Rector James Gilder will be bringing his euphonium. Toby Ward, conductor of award-winning Ensemble Pro Victoria, will also give a talk about the changing role of organs – bringing them out of the organ loft and using them in film is an idea composers have been latching on to.
We’ve kept ticket prices the same as last year, with concessions for under-18s and over-65s. Season tickets are available too and a bar will be operating in the churchyard before concerts and at intervals. We look forward to seeing you.
The May Music Festival will run from 24 to 26 May. For more information and to book tickets, visit wnstd.com/may25
