World-class music returns to Glossop this December, as Glossop Music Festival begin their 2024-25 season with their ‘Moonlight by Candlelight’ Christmas Concert. Featuring sublime seasonal classics in a candlelit setting performed by Katie Stillman, violin, Viv McLean, piano and other guests, this concert promises a wonderful beginning to the festive period.
Claire Surman, leader of Glossop Music Festival's artistic team enthuses, “Everyone is welcome to come and hear classical masterpieces performed by these world-class musicians in the beautiful setting of Old Glossop’s Parish Church. The church will be lit by candlelight which, together with its glorious acoustics, will provide a hugely atmospheric backdrop to this magical Christmas concert!”
Viv McLean, the Festival’s president who has been lauded internationally for his wonderful musicianship and spectacular pianism, returns to Glossop to open the concert with Beethoven's magical Moonlight Sonata. Viv will also perform a selection of intimate Mazurkas and Waltzes by Chopin on a beautiful Steinway piano. Friend of the Festival, virtuoso violinist Katie Stillman - newly appointed leader of the Orchestra of Opera North - will perform works by Mozart and Gershwin.
The concert will also feature other wonderful pieces that take their inspiration from Christmas, including selections from Liszt's Christmas Tree Suite for piano duet - when Viv will be joined by Glossop's own acclaimed concert pianist, Benjamin Powell - and Percy Grainger's moving arrangement of The Sussex Mummer's Carol.
Everyone is welcome with no tickets available - and people can simply turn up on the night. Donations will be sought at the end of the concert, and the audience is asked to donate as generously as possible, according to their means. The money raised will help fund the Festival’s week-long Summer Festival, comprising a variety of concerts, events and an extensive education programme available to all the primary schools across Glossopdale and the High Peak.
Seating for the Christmas Concert will be unreserved, and available on a first-come, first-served basis. The bar will be serving mulled wine and mince pies, and a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
Friday 6 December, 2024 at 7pm (doors open at 6.30pm), Glossop Parish Church, Church St South, Glossop SK13 7RU. Please message or email friends@glossopmusicfestival.org.uk for further information.
