Our resident string quartet The Billroth Quartet (Thomas Leate and Christian Halstead, violins, Simon Ballard, viola, James Greenfield, cello) perform free monthly concerts with a wide-ranging programme. This month they perform music by Dimitri Shostakovich, together with contemporary works by modern composers.
The year’s concert series concludes with a lively programme including Brahms’ Quartet in A Minor.
If you are over 55 (or thereabouts) and the very mention of computers bring you out in a cold sweat,
Coffee & Computers is for you.
We hold informal one-to-one computer familiarisation sessions over a cup of coffee on the last Friday of the month.
No need to bring anything, just yourself.
“The computer has given me a new life” says 69 year old Coffee & Computers visitor.
So come along and have a play!
We look forward to seeing you
Friends of Highgate Library present a dress rehearsal of Valerie Doulton’s Live Literature Co’s “Twelfth Night in One Hour”
Beethoven’s Sonata in E major Op.109 Nocturnes Op. 15 N.1 and Op.27 N.1
Chopin’s Scherzo Op.39 N.3
and a selection from Albeniz’s The Iberia Suite
St. Michael’s welcomes Alexander in a break from his busy schedule as an internationally renowned soloist and chamber musician, to bring us this special event as part of our Stewardship Campaign.
About Alexander-
Appreciated for the sensitivity and integrity of his interpretations,
Alexander Boyd enjoys a busy career as both soloist and chamber
Born in 1972 he made his Concerto debut in 1983 with the BBC Scottish
Symphony Orchestra, and since his London Wigmore Hall debut in 2001
he has frequently performed at the UK and Australia’s leading recital
halls, as well as giving concerts and appearing in international music
festivals in the US, Canada and throughout Europe.
Recordings include works by Chopin, Debussy and Schumann for the
Abbas and Chartreuse record labels and more recently a recording of
the Iberia Suite by Albeniz for Claudio Records and Naxos, due to be
released in late 2015. He has also broadcast on numerous occasions for
ABC and BBC Radio amongst others.
2015/16 includes recital engagements in the UK, Australia and the USA
as well as performances with cellist and brother Nathaniel Boyd, cellist
Richard Jenkinson, and the Navarra String Quartet.
Alexander is also passionate about teaching and is on the staff at the
Guildhall School of Music and Drama and is a visiting lecturer at the
University of Birmingham.
World class chamber music in the heart of North London! With the theme ‘Ode to Joy!’ this year’s festival focuses on the positive sides of human nature including Humour, Love, Gifts,Youthful energy and Celebrations. This concert includes works by Clara Schumann, Janáček and Dvořák’s wonderful Piano Quintet No.2 in A major, Op.81.
Highgate Choral Society‘s annual Christmas concert invites the whole community to join us, with the St Michael’s School junior choir and also the New London Children’s Choir and make merry. Carols and music will include some old favourites as well as some you may not know. It’s just the event to begin the run up to Christmas, so join us!
12th to 21st May
Jacksons Lane Theatre, Archway Rd, Highgate
Director – Simon Iorio
Musical Director – Oliver John Ruthven
With period orchestra Musica Poetica
Claudio Monteverdi’s L’Incoronazione di Poppea, the third of his three surviving operas, rightly occupies an elevated position in the history of the genre. It is a masterpiece of text setting and musical invention, at a time when opera as we know it today was very new, and certainly not performed in anything like the same way. Monteverdi was blessed to be able to set a particularly fine libretto, written Giovanni Busenello, perhaps the first great opera librettist, and Da Ponte’s literary forefather.
For HGO, performing this wonderful work is a very important milestone, particularly given that we coincide with the 450th anniversary of Monteverdi’s birth. Indeed, we will be performing it on Monteverdi’s exact birthday, Thursday 18th May. This production also marks the first time that HGO will perform an opera in its original language (other than English), together with the first time that we will perform with surtitles. This is an indication of our pledge as a training opera company to give our singers a complete experience of performing opera, as well as giving our audiences a presentation of this work with not only the authentic music, but also the authentic text.
HGO will be joined by an array of period instruments for Poppea; two harpsichords, chamber organ, two theorbos, viola da gamba, violone and violins. This promises to be a vibrant and exciting production of one of the greatest works of art of the seventeenth century, and one not to be missed.
12th to 21st May
Jacksons Lane Theatre, Archway Rd, Highgate
Director – Simon Iorio
Musical Director – Oliver John Ruthven
With period orchestra Musica Poetica
Claudio Monteverdi’s L’Incoronazione di Poppea, the third of his three surviving operas, rightly occupies an elevated position in the history of the genre. It is a masterpiece of text setting and musical invention, at a time when opera as we know it today was very new, and certainly not performed in anything like the same way. Monteverdi was blessed to be able to set a particularly fine libretto, written Giovanni Busenello, perhaps the first great opera librettist, and Da Ponte’s literary forefather.
For HGO, performing this wonderful work is a very important milestone, particularly given that we coincide with the 450th anniversary of Monteverdi’s birth. Indeed, we will be performing it on Monteverdi’s exact birthday, Thursday 18th May. This production also marks the first time that HGO will perform an opera in its original language (other than English), together with the first time that we will perform with surtitles. This is an indication of our pledge as a training opera company to give our singers a complete experience of performing opera, as well as giving our audiences a presentation of this work with not only the authentic music, but also the authentic text.
HGO will be joined by an array of period instruments for Poppea; two harpsichords, chamber organ, two theorbos, viola da gamba, violone and violins. This promises to be a vibrant and exciting production of one of the greatest works of art of the seventeenth century, and one not to be missed.
12th to 21st May
Jacksons Lane Theatre, Archway Rd, Highgate
Director – Simon Iorio
Musical Director – Oliver John Ruthven
With period orchestra Musica Poetica
Claudio Monteverdi’s L’Incoronazione di Poppea, the third of his three surviving operas, rightly occupies an elevated position in the history of the genre. It is a masterpiece of text setting and musical invention, at a time when opera as we know it today was very new, and certainly not performed in anything like the same way. Monteverdi was blessed to be able to set a particularly fine libretto, written Giovanni Busenello, perhaps the first great opera librettist, and Da Ponte’s literary forefather.
For HGO, performing this wonderful work is a very important milestone, particularly given that we coincide with the 450th anniversary of Monteverdi’s birth. Indeed, we will be performing it on Monteverdi’s exact birthday, Thursday 18th May. This production also marks the first time that HGO will perform an opera in its original language (other than English), together with the first time that we will perform with surtitles. This is an indication of our pledge as a training opera company to give our singers a complete experience of performing opera, as well as giving our audiences a presentation of this work with not only the authentic music, but also the authentic text.
HGO will be joined by an array of period instruments for Poppea; two harpsichords, chamber organ, two theorbos, viola da gamba, violone and violins. This promises to be a vibrant and exciting production of one of the greatest works of art of the seventeenth century, and one not to be missed.
12th to 21st May
Jacksons Lane Theatre, Archway Rd, Highgate
Director – Simon Iorio
Musical Director – Oliver John Ruthven
With period orchestra Musica Poetica
Claudio Monteverdi’s L’Incoronazione di Poppea, the third of his three surviving operas, rightly occupies an elevated position in the history of the genre. It is a masterpiece of text setting and musical invention, at a time when opera as we know it today was very new, and certainly not performed in anything like the same way. Monteverdi was blessed to be able to set a particularly fine libretto, written Giovanni Busenello, perhaps the first great opera librettist, and Da Ponte’s literary forefather.
For HGO, performing this wonderful work is a very important milestone, particularly given that we coincide with the 450th anniversary of Monteverdi’s birth. Indeed, we will be performing it on Monteverdi’s exact birthday, Thursday 18th May. This production also marks the first time that HGO will perform an opera in its original language (other than English), together with the first time that we will perform with surtitles. This is an indication of our pledge as a training opera company to give our singers a complete experience of performing opera, as well as giving our audiences a presentation of this work with not only the authentic music, but also the authentic text.
HGO will be joined by an array of period instruments for Poppea; two harpsichords, chamber organ, two theorbos, viola da gamba, violone and violins. This promises to be a vibrant and exciting production of one of the greatest works of art of the seventeenth century, and one not to be missed.
12th to 21st May
Jacksons Lane Theatre, Archway Rd, Highgate
Director – Simon Iorio
Musical Director – Oliver John Ruthven
With period orchestra Musica Poetica
Claudio Monteverdi’s L’Incoronazione di Poppea, the third of his three surviving operas, rightly occupies an elevated position in the history of the genre. It is a masterpiece of text setting and musical invention, at a time when opera as we know it today was very new, and certainly not performed in anything like the same way. Monteverdi was blessed to be able to set a particularly fine libretto, written Giovanni Busenello, perhaps the first great opera librettist, and Da Ponte’s literary forefather.
For HGO, performing this wonderful work is a very important milestone, particularly given that we coincide with the 450th anniversary of Monteverdi’s birth. Indeed, we will be performing it on Monteverdi’s exact birthday, Thursday 18th May. This production also marks the first time that HGO will perform an opera in its original language (other than English), together with the first time that we will perform with surtitles. This is an indication of our pledge as a training opera company to give our singers a complete experience of performing opera, as well as giving our audiences a presentation of this work with not only the authentic music, but also the authentic text.
HGO will be joined by an array of period instruments for Poppea; two harpsichords, chamber organ, two theorbos, viola da gamba, violone and violins. This promises to be a vibrant and exciting production of one of the greatest works of art of the seventeenth century, and one not to be missed.
12th to 21st May
Jacksons Lane Theatre, Archway Rd, Highgate
Director – Simon Iorio
Musical Director – Oliver John Ruthven
With period orchestra Musica Poetica
Claudio Monteverdi’s L’Incoronazione di Poppea, the third of his three surviving operas, rightly occupies an elevated position in the history of the genre. It is a masterpiece of text setting and musical invention, at a time when opera as we know it today was very new, and certainly not performed in anything like the same way. Monteverdi was blessed to be able to set a particularly fine libretto, written Giovanni Busenello, perhaps the first great opera librettist, and Da Ponte’s literary forefather.
For HGO, performing this wonderful work is a very important milestone, particularly given that we coincide with the 450th anniversary of Monteverdi’s birth. Indeed, we will be performing it on Monteverdi’s exact birthday, Thursday 18th May. This production also marks the first time that HGO will perform an opera in its original language (other than English), together with the first time that we will perform with surtitles. This is an indication of our pledge as a training opera company to give our singers a complete experience of performing opera, as well as giving our audiences a presentation of this work with not only the authentic music, but also the authentic text.
HGO will be joined by an array of period instruments for Poppea; two harpsichords, chamber organ, two theorbos, viola da gamba, violone and violins. This promises to be a vibrant and exciting production of one of the greatest works of art of the seventeenth century, and one not to be missed.
12th to 21st May
Jacksons Lane Theatre, Archway Rd, Highgate
Director – Simon Iorio
Musical Director – Oliver John Ruthven
With period orchestra Musica Poetica
Claudio Monteverdi’s L’Incoronazione di Poppea, the third of his three surviving operas, rightly occupies an elevated position in the history of the genre. It is a masterpiece of text setting and musical invention, at a time when opera as we know it today was very new, and certainly not performed in anything like the same way. Monteverdi was blessed to be able to set a particularly fine libretto, written Giovanni Busenello, perhaps the first great opera librettist, and Da Ponte’s literary forefather.
For HGO, performing this wonderful work is a very important milestone, particularly given that we coincide with the 450th anniversary of Monteverdi’s birth. Indeed, we will be performing it on Monteverdi’s exact birthday, Thursday 18th May. This production also marks the first time that HGO will perform an opera in its original language (other than English), together with the first time that we will perform with surtitles. This is an indication of our pledge as a training opera company to give our singers a complete experience of performing opera, as well as giving our audiences a presentation of this work with not only the authentic music, but also the authentic text.
HGO will be joined by an array of period instruments for Poppea; two harpsichords, chamber organ, two theorbos, viola da gamba, violone and violins. This promises to be a vibrant and exciting production of one of the greatest works of art of the seventeenth century, and one not to be missed.
12th to 21st May
Jacksons Lane Theatre, Archway Rd, Highgate
Director – Simon Iorio
Musical Director – Oliver John Ruthven
With period orchestra Musica Poetica
Claudio Monteverdi’s L’Incoronazione di Poppea, the third of his three surviving operas, rightly occupies an elevated position in the history of the genre. It is a masterpiece of text setting and musical invention, at a time when opera as we know it today was very new, and certainly not performed in anything like the same way. Monteverdi was blessed to be able to set a particularly fine libretto, written Giovanni Busenello, perhaps the first great opera librettist, and Da Ponte’s literary forefather.
For HGO, performing this wonderful work is a very important milestone, particularly given that we coincide with the 450th anniversary of Monteverdi’s birth. Indeed, we will be performing it on Monteverdi’s exact birthday, Thursday 18th May. This production also marks the first time that HGO will perform an opera in its original language (other than English), together with the first time that we will perform with surtitles. This is an indication of our pledge as a training opera company to give our singers a complete experience of performing opera, as well as giving our audiences a presentation of this work with not only the authentic music, but also the authentic text.
HGO will be joined by an array of period instruments for Poppea; two harpsichords, chamber organ, two theorbos, viola da gamba, violone and violins. This promises to be a vibrant and exciting production of one of the greatest works of art of the seventeenth century, and one not to be missed.
12th to 21st May
Jacksons Lane Theatre, Archway Rd, Highgate
Director – Simon Iorio
Musical Director – Oliver John Ruthven
With period orchestra Musica Poetica
Claudio Monteverdi’s L’Incoronazione di Poppea, the third of his three surviving operas, rightly occupies an elevated position in the history of the genre. It is a masterpiece of text setting and musical invention, at a time when opera as we know it today was very new, and certainly not performed in anything like the same way. Monteverdi was blessed to be able to set a particularly fine libretto, written Giovanni Busenello, perhaps the first great opera librettist, and Da Ponte’s literary forefather.
For HGO, performing this wonderful work is a very important milestone, particularly given that we coincide with the 450th anniversary of Monteverdi’s birth. Indeed, we will be performing it on Monteverdi’s exact birthday, Thursday 18th May. This production also marks the first time that HGO will perform an opera in its original language (other than English), together with the first time that we will perform with surtitles. This is an indication of our pledge as a training opera company to give our singers a complete experience of performing opera, as well as giving our audiences a presentation of this work with not only the authentic music, but also the authentic text.
HGO will be joined by an array of period instruments for Poppea; two harpsichords, chamber organ, two theorbos, viola da gamba, violone and violins. This promises to be a vibrant and exciting production of one of the greatest works of art of the seventeenth century, and one not to be missed.
The Moeran Quartet take their name from the composer Ernest John Moeran (1894 – 1950). Recently there has been a growing interest in the works of this most underrated of British composers. A student of John Ireland and great friend of Peter Warlock, he was known for his collection of Norfolk folk songs and his talent for the lyrical capturing of Britain and Ireland’s rural landscapes.
The four members of the quartet are experienced chamber musicians with a passion for the championing of British music. They lead diverse musical careers by playing regularly with orchestras such as the Hanover Band, Urban Soul Orchestra, Orchestra of St. Paul’s and Opera Holland Park. Between them they have studied at the Royal Academy of Music, Trinity Laban Conservatoire and Royal College of Music.
Studying at this latter establishment is not the only link with the eponymous composer. James Greenfield, a cellist and past member of the Billroth Quartet, also attended the same boarding school, Uppingham; a school Moeran later returned to as a professor of music.
They look forward to bringing their passion for music to Lauderdale House where they begin a residency in 2017.
The Moeran Quartet:
Tom Leate Violin
Charlotte Fairbairn Violin
Helen Sanders-Hewett Viola
James Greenfield Cello
Join the Godwine Choir for stunning a cappella works to celebrate International Women’s Day. Featuring music and poetry by female writers across seven centuries, this programme is guaranteed to uplift and inspire at the start of Spring. St. Michael’s Church is a magnificent venue, conveniently located just a few minutes walk from Archway or Highgate Northern line stations.
2018 marks the centenary of the birth of composer, conductor, author, music lecturer and pianist Leonard Bernstein, whose most famous scores include West Side Story, On the Town, Candide and On the Waterfront.
Commissioned from Bernstein by the Dean of Chichester Cathedral for the 1965 Southern Cathedrals Festival, the Chichester Psalms received its UK premiere on 31st July 1965 and has gone on to become a highly popular staple of choral societies to this day. Consisting of three short movements, the Chichester Psalms is sung in Hebrew.
Our programme of 20th- and 21st-century compositions is completed with choral works by Janacek, Morten Lauridsen and Vaughan Williams.
Free lunchtime concerts at Lauderdale House! Ease back in the warm sunlight while listening to dulcet pieces from ages past.
Programme to be announced soon for the concert 19 June.
Upcoming free lunchtime concerts:
- 15 May – piano recital
- 5 June – chamber ensemble
- 19 June – piano recital
- 3 July – chamber ensemble
On 2 – 4 November, the Highgate Literary and Scientific Institution & the Highgate Gallery will throw open its doors to welcome 30 highly skilled designer/makers, exhibiting and selling their unique creations. As ever Handmade In Highgate is passionate about those who are passionate about making and creating their own unique work.
The Institute and gallery offer the perfect location and the perfect opportunity for visitors to meet, chat with and buy from the some of the most talented and prolific artist/designer/makers working in the UK today.
For more information on the amazing designer/maker/artists participating in this year’s Handmade In Highgate, please see:
www.hand-made-in-highgate.com/exhibitors/
Friday 2nd November 5-9pm
Saturday 3rd November 10am-6pm
Sunday 4th November 11am-5pm
On 2 – 4 November, the Highgate Literary and Scientific Institution & the Highgate Gallery will throw open its doors to welcome 30 highly skilled designer/makers, exhibiting and selling their unique creations. As ever Handmade In Highgate is passionate about those who are passionate about making and creating their own unique work.
The Institute and gallery offer the perfect location and the perfect opportunity for visitors to meet, chat with and buy from the some of the most talented and prolific artist/designer/makers working in the UK today.
For more information on the amazing designer/maker/artists participating in this year’s Handmade In Highgate, please see:
www.hand-made-in-highgate.com/exhibitors/
Friday 2nd November 5-9pm
Saturday 3rd November 10am-6pm
Sunday 4th November 11am-5pm
A festive selection of carols and music to get you in the mood for Christmas. The award winning Highgate Choral Society Choir will be joined by New London Children’s Choir and New London Performing Arts Centre.
Edward Batting on the organ and Alexander Wells will be accompanying on the piano all conducted by the illustrious Ronald Corp OBE.
Meera Maharaj (flute) and Dominic Degavino (piano) present a recital of music by Vitali, Karg-Elert, Scott and Jongen as part of St Michael’s Saturdays at Six concert series. Refreshments are available. Entry by donation.
Paul Dean (Director of Music, St Michael’s, Highgate) presents an organ recital of music by J. S. Bach as part of St Michael’s Saturdays at Six concert series. Refreshments are available. Entry by donation.
Join us to share your hopes and dreams for a future world by getting involved in a craft project with a difference. Inspired by the Dare to Dream Project by Sarah Corbett, Craftivist Collective, we will be using their Dream-making Kit as a basis for the workshop. All clouds will become part of a group mobile installation at Aladdin’s Cafe before being returned to crafters in December.
Please RSVP to book. Email: sujan.nandanwar@gmail.com
Come at 1pm for lunch and a chat about your recent ‘makes’ or at 2pm for coffee and crafting. All materials included or BYO fabric to upcycle. Sessions FREE on purchase of food or drink from our host, Aladdin’s Cafe, 1 Hazellville Road, N19 3LW.
Website: www.instagram.com/communitycrafternoons/
Find out more about the Dare to Dream Project: https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/blog/a-cuppa-with-a-craftivist-in-conversation-with-sarah-corbett (Photo courtesy of Craftivist Collective)
Tuesday 28th January, 2-4 pmJoin Community Crafternoons on Tuesday for our second bookbinding workshop. We will be using a single ‘signature’ technique. You will also embroider the cover with a personalised design.
If you have an image idea in mind please bring an A5 sized photocopy of this with you!
Crafternoons are FREE on purchase of any food or drink from Aladdin’s cafe. If you wish to have a meal, please arrive at 1pm. Adults of all ages are welcome and workshops are suitable for beginners. All materials and tools provided. Please bring your own to use if you wish.
Aladdin’s Vintage Furniture and Cafe,
1 Hazellville Road, N19 3LW.
Buses 41, 210 and 91 stop close by.
Parking nearby roads. Free after 2pm.
Community Crafternoons
www.instagram.com/communitycrafternoons
#communitycrafternoons
Blog: Sujan Nandanwar
Bookbinding illustration above courtesy of http://amyrobison.studio/book-binding-tutorial/.
MATERIALS
– Plain paper A4, 2-3 sheets, eg junk mail with one plain side
– Colour magazines, newspapers, wrapping paper scraps (NOT foil based), coloured craft paper
– PVA glue or Pritt Stick
– Scissors/Safety Scissors
– Black Sharpie Pen/Marker Pen/Felt Tips
PLEASE NOTE: Requires use of scissors. Children should be supervised at home.
BOOK DIRECT on Meetup link http://meetu.ps/e/Jqhs8/JFhjn/a
OR by email for Zoom link to sujan.nandanwar@gmail.com.
Follow Community Crafternoons: https://instagram.com/communitycrafternoons
https://www.facebook.com/sujan.nandanwar
Community Crafternoons, Craft for Wellbeing, Art for All.
MATERIALS
– Plain paper A4, 2-3 sheets, eg junk mail with one plain side
– Colour magazines, newspapers, wrapping paper scraps (NOT foil based), coloured craft paper
– PVA glue or Pritt Stick
– Scissors/Safety Scissors
– Black Sharpie Pen/Marker Pen/Felt Tips
PLEASE NOTE: Requires use of scissors. Children should be supervised at home.
BOOK DIRECT on Meetup link http://meetu.ps/e/Jqhs8/JFhjn/a
OR by email for Zoom link to sujan.nandanwar@gmail.com.
Follow Community Crafternoons: https://instagram.com/communitycrafternoons
https://www.facebook.com/sujan.nandanwar
Community Crafternoons, Craft for Wellbeing, Art for All.
Chamber choir Voxcetera returns to St. Michael’s, Highgate, for a thrilling concert featuring Camille Saint-Saëns’ Requiem and four pieces by one of the best-loved and most distinctive composers of the 20th century, Benjamin Britten.
Saint-Saëns’ compelling and accessibly beautiful 1878 Requiem moves from quiet simplicity to unearthly fortissimi to shake you to the core. Originally scored for a vast orchestra, this version arranged for harp, strings and organ maintains Saint-Saëns’ heightened expression and heartfelt sincerity, but with the intimacy of chamber music. The performance features soprano Angela Henckel who has performed with notable ensembles all over the world, and in UK venues including the Wigmore Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall, St. Martin’s-in-the Fields and Symphony Hall, Birmingham, as well as on Radio 3.
Britten wrote in 1945, “One of my chief aims is to try to restore to the musical setting of the English Language a brilliance, freedom and vitality that have been curiously rare since the death of Purcell”. That vitality is abundant in his extraordinary cantata Rejoice in the Lamb, by turns as mad and as beautiful as the religious poems by Christopher Smart from which Britten took the text. Other short works on the menu are the joyful Jubilate Deo, the dramatic Missa Brevis in D, and Festival Te Deum which sets ethereal Gregorian chant against a progression of shifting organ chords.
A bar will be open before the concert and during the interval.