Warwick church celebrates traditional music

Music has filled the medieval St Mary’s church since its first choir was founded in 1123, and the venue continues to flourish today with its award-winning choirs and many concerts.

The Warwick Summer Musical, hosted by the church from tomorrow (Thursday) to Saturday, July 7, will feature internationally acclaimed artists and talented musicians from in and around the town, who will perform chamber and orchestral music.

Thomas Corns, artistic director for St Mary’s, said: “There are few better places to celebrate wonderful music than in the beautiful and historic Collegiate Church of St Mary in Warwick.

“Here, the Warwick Summer Music Festival features acclaimed international musicians, local and young talent in concerts of orchestral, choral and chamber music.

“The festival combines several free-entry lunchtime recitals, with ticketed evening concerts showcasing both world premiere performances and much-loved classical music.”

Two world premiere performances will be heard at the festival, including Brave Guy of Warwick, by Howard Skempton, performed by the acclaimed mezzo-soprano Ksynia Loeffler and pianist Jan Loeffler on Wednesday June 27, at 7.30pm.

The choirs of St Mary’s Collegiate Church give the world’s first performance of Gaudeamus omnes by David Briggs on Saturday June 23, at 7.30pm, a work based on music found in the 14th century stained glass of the church’s Beauchamp Chapel.

The festival also features late night candlelit concerts.

This Friday (June 22) at 10pm, the harpsichordist Timothy Uglow gives a recital including J S Bach’s French Suite No. 5, and on Friday June 29, at 10pm, the gentlemen of the Choir of St Mary’s Collegiate church will perform choral music at the chapel.

Entry to the Friday lunchtime concerts and Saturday lunchtime organ recitals is free.

For full details, see the festival brochure or visit www.stmaryswarwick.org.uk