A collection of treasured poems by authors spanning the centuries from William Shakespeare – who lived in the parish - to Mary Coleridge, all set to music by equally beloved nineteenth and twentieth century composers. The programme closes with Hubert Parry’s marvellous Blest Pair of Sirens with words by John Milton, whose 'harmonious sisters, Voice and Vers' from At a Solemn Musick give this concert its title. As the final chords fade away, spare a thought for the poet himself who lies buried in the crypt below.
Summer Music in City Churches is a fledgling festival, founded in 2018, presenting beautiful music to inspire, divert and engage, in ancient and architecturally stunning churches in London's Square Mile. Standing cheek by jowl with City offices, these churches are glorious settings in which to listen and reflect: oases of history, beauty and peace amidst the 24-7 hurly-burly of City life.
The theme for the second festival in June 2019 is Words and Music. During a week and a half of events, you will find sumptuous settings of poetry, lyrical music inspired by poetry, plays and literature, words that illuminate music with biographical insight and context, music of significance to literary heroes and heroines, and more: a lyrical celebration.