What our audiences said...

June 2025: Eternal Light

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"Summer Music in City Churches is a brilliant festival - thanks to all involved." *****

The Trout Quintet: Mark Bebbington and RPO Principals

 

"The Trout Quintet is one of my favourite chamber pieces played to perfection by Mark Beddington and top musicians from the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. I absolutely loved the Poulenc Flute Sonata. Emer McDonough was outstanding on flute. A magical evening." *****

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"Summer Music in City Churches always entertain us with excellent concerts and, whether at lunchtime or in the evening, they never disappoint. This year’s theme is Eternal Light, a very apt theme given the heavenly sunshine we are enjoying." *****

 

Beginning to See the Light – Eleanor Grant & Gus McQuade

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"What a fantastic performance by two young talented musicians/singer, Eleanor Grant and Gus McQuade (guitarist)." *****

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"The light airy space was very conducive to a relaxed appreciation of the performances. The eclectic programme and range of material was refreshing and enjoyable, the performances outstanding." ****

 

Lux Aeterna: Corvus Consort and Andrew Lumsden, organ, performing requiems by Duruflé and Morten Lauridsen 

 

"I have no hesitation in saying that one of the chief highlights of my musical year so far was Ellie Stamp's singing of the Pie Jesu in Duruflé's Requiem…The Corvus Consort, directed by Freddie Crowley, is a very fine choir in all its vocal departments and they gave us a most moving account of the incense-laden Duruflé work with its contrast of soaring sonorities and hushed mystical passages. Andrew Lumsden was a very fine organist indeed. Certainly, where I was sitting, the balance with the choir was well judged. And what a perfect acoustic! This was a truly successful concert in this summer's festival." *****

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"The combination of such beautiful singing with the masterful organ playing in, literally, such a divine setting with gorgeous acoustics moved me to tears. Thank you so much to the organisers of this concert and to the performers. This is a performance I will remember forever." *****

 

"One of the most beautiful things I've ever experienced. To hear that music - in that space - was something really, really special."  *****

 

Sunrise and Sunset: Brother Tree Sound performing string quartets by Haydn and Mendelssohn

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"An hour spent in beautiful surroundings, listening to 4 very gifted musicians was a perfect way to spend part of an afternoon." *****

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"What a sublime way to spend a lunchtime hour, in a light-filled Wren church which was the perfect setting for string quartet Brother Tree Sound’s superb performance of Haydn's magical 'Sunrise' Quartet and Mendelssohn's final work, his Sixth Quartet. I loved the contrast of the chosen pieces, the sunlight seeming to pervade Haydn’s quartet, while Mendelssohn’s quartet seemed full of deep emotion and foreboding. Truly an uplifting experience." *****

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"Superb. Smooth. Professional. Enjoyable. Absolutely brilliant." *****

Rêverie: the life and loves of Claude Debussy, devised and performed by Lucy Parham with Henry Goodman

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"The choice of music and performance was evocative and beautiful and was enhanced by the natural acoustics of the church. All the staff were very pleasant and kind." *****

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"Incredibly talented pianist and narrator who led one to believe Debussy was standing before us!" *****​

"A Lucy Parham performance is a masterclass in graceful musical interpretation. Henry Goodman was engaging as Debussy and I learnt so much about the composer's life. A marvellous pairing in a beautiful church." *****

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​"This was a wonderful evening, and I feel very privileged to have been there. The performance was perfectly structured, enacted and presented by both pianist and narrator. Thank you." *****

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"Sublime and exceptional. Debussy wonderfully performed by Lucy Parham with biographical vignettes of Debussy’s life narrated with seemingly effortless charm by Henry Goodman. I was entranced!" *****

 

​Moonlighting: Viv McLean, pianist

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"A lovely selection of pieces, beautifully performed by Viv Mclean on an impressive Bechstein piano in the wonderful acoustics of St Giles Cripplegate. A very enjoyable evening it was." *****

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"I can't recommend these summer concerts at St Giles enough. A lovely setting yes but the programmes are so varied and played by artists you won't normally see so close and playing in small groups or as soloists. We saw Viv McLean last year at the same venue and were so pleased to be able to come back to see him again this year." *****

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"Beautiful music in a beautiful space. Well organised and friendly staff. A brilliant way to spend a Wednesday evening." *****

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"I always look forward to the Summer Music in City Churches festival. This concert was very entertaining, I really enjoyed this year’s theme, and Viv McLean was a great performer." ****

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The Memory Garden: Jack Hancher, classical guitar

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"A delightful classical guitar lunchtime concert. Dreamy, almost meditative, with Debussy, Ravel, José and two beautiful pieces that Jack Hancher had commissioned for himself. This was a rare treat and I would definitely recommend Jack and his music. The acoustics were perfect. A huge thank you to all concerned." *****

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Shining Brass: Royal Philharmonic Brass and Iestyn Evans, organ

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"Such a privilege to listen to world class music in such an ancient and beautiful setting. We loved the introductions to the pieces by the various musicians which made us learn and appreciate them more. A lot of thought had gone into choosing the programme. Relaxed and informal with a glass of wine in the interval overlooking the Barbican architecture so a perfect blend of old and new." *****

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"If anyone needed to be convinced that brass instruments can sound both refined and expressive, they should have been at this splendid evening with brass players from the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra plus organist Iestyn Evans." *****

 

"I'd been looking forward to this concert all week and it didn't disappoint. There was a really lovely atmosphere created by the musicians, who genuinely seemed glad to be there… And everyone on duty was, as usual, very friendly and helpful. Thank you." *****

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"A fantastic concert! An exhilarating programme played by outstanding musicians in a beautiful venue." *****

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"A fabulous feel good rousing concert with Royal Philharmonic Brass and Iestyn Evans on the organ. Definitely recommend this combination. Loved the introductions between pieces. A thoroughly enjoyable evening. Thank you to everyone." *****