Music News - June 2025 

The end of June marks the deadline to apply for the Michael Swindlehurst Organ Scholarship. Our current scholar, Ziyi Wang, has been an invaluable asset to the music team and she will mark the end of her tenure with a recital at St Mary’s. This will take place on Sunday 1st June, at approximately 12pm, after the morning service. Please make a note of the date and come and support her.

Other dates for the diary in June include Choral Evensong on the 8th June, after which drinks will be served. Drinks are served at no charge, although an appropriate donation will be received gratefully! There will be a Choral Eucharist at 7.30pm on the 19th June for Corpus Christi. (see also page 12)

June is indeed ‘Bustin’ out all over’ as the much-celebrated summer lunchtime recital series begins again on the 4th June. The first recital will be given by two musical giants within the community, soprano Caroline Law (Head of Music SWCHS) and her deputy, one of the finest musicians in the County, pianist Elis Reed. Lunchtime concerts commence at 1.10 pm and lunch is available from 12.30pm. There are no finer lunches available anywhere and the meal deal, still under £5 per person includes a hot drink, a choice of gourmet sandwiches and a selection of incredible cakes. Audience numbers are growing steadily, largely because of the fantastic catering provided under the critical eye of the Mary Berry of St Mary’s, Hannah Razzell.

Concerts continue every Wednesday at 1.10pm. On the 11th we have Veronica Henderson (cello) and Elizabeth Mucha (piano) and on the 25th, Arwen Newband (Violin) and Anna le Hair (piano). 

On the 18th June our Director of Music, Oliver King, will put what’s left of our organ through its paces. Oli’s recitals are always breathtaking, so please do come and support him.

Looking further ahead to July, a reminder that world-famous organist Wayne Marshall is giving a recital on the 12th July at 5pm. This concert will be followed by drinks at the back of the church. The considerable cost of this concert is being covered by SMMA fundraising and so there is no charge for tickets. This really is an incredible opportunity to hear one of the greatest organists alive today for free!

Philip Sunderland