Summer Recitals
The Friday lunchtime recital series runs from the last Friday in June to the end of August.
The 2008 Friday Lunchtime Recital programme has the usual mix of local and visiting performers. Most of the recitals take place under the tower, which makes for an intimate relationship between the performer and the audience.
The series starts with an organ recital by Andrew Shaw, Head of Music at King Edward VI Grammar School in Louth and formerly Organist and Choirmaster at St James's Church, Grimsby. Andrew's recitals bring out the best of the excellent Louth organ.
Louise Salmond Smith is new to the Louth series and is, as far as we know, the first recorder player to feature. Do check out her web site and have a listen to the wonderful playing, then come along to experience it live!
Thomas Chatterton doesn't have far to travel since his home is just across the road from the Church. A former Chorister at Lincoln cathedral, he's been involved with the music at St James's for some time, assisting the organist at special services and recitals. A former pupil of Uppingham School, he is now the Organ Scholar at Christ's College, Cambridge. This is his first recital here.
John Smith and Lynn Kirk are well known on the Louth recital circuit and always give great pleasure to their audiences.
Keith Hearnshaw's main claim to fame is as the provider of the big screens for organ spectaculars, but he is also a highly accomplished performer in his own right, with an extensive list of recitals all over the country. This is his first visit to Louth as a recitalist, en route to David Briggs's recital in Bridlington Priory the next day.
Jessica Banks has a very large following in the area, and rightly so as her recitals are of an extremely high quality. She is a regular performer at the St James's recitals and her powerful soprano voice makes the most of the excellent acoustics.
James Kirby is another first for this year and, if you look at his web site, quite a catch! He is a 'local boy', however, as he originates from Grimsby. It has taken a few years to arrange for him to visit us, so make sure you come along to this rare opportunity to hear him play in the local area.
Charles Edmonsdon was, at one time, the Music Adviser for North Lincolnshire. He now lives in Cumbria and visits this part of the world every year for a series of recitals. His recitals always have a theme, so why not come along to see what this year's theme is?
Adele Dixon and Barry Whitfield have become firm favourites for the St James's audiences. Adele's characterisations bring that extra bit to her songs, and Barry's accompaniments are a delight in themselves.
The series ends with John Prior's individualistic style. John doesn't just play for his audience; he involves them in all his pieces. Ably supported by Lisa Taylor, he brings what promises to be another successful series to an enjoyable close.
The full recital programme for 2008 can be found below. All recitals start at 1:00pm and admission is free but there is a retiring collection for the church's general and music funds.
| Date | Performance |
|---|---|
| 27th June | Andrew Shaw (organ) |
| 4th July | Louise Salmond Smith (recorder) David Butler (piano) |
| 11th July | Thomas Chatterton (organ) |
| 18th July | John Smith (tenor) Lynn Kirk (piano) |
| 25th July | Keith Hearnshaw (organ) |
| 1st August | Jessica Banks (soprano) Janet McKee (piano) |
| 8th August | James Kirby (piano) |
| 15th August | Charles Edmondson (organ) |
| 22nd August | Adele Dixon (mezzo soprano) Barry Whitfield (piano) |
| 29th August | John Prior (flute) Lisa Taylor (piano) |
The coffee shop will be open before and after the recitals, and there will be a retiring collection in aid of church and choir funds.
For further details please phone (01507) 343736.