Saturday 10th February 2024 – 7.00pm – St Gabriel’s Church, Pimlico

Shock horror - KPO is giving a concert on a Saturday and at a different venue, namely at St. Gabriel’s Church, Warwick Square, Pimlico, SW1V. It is in fact where we rehearse every Monday. Why this change, you may ask? Well, we are celebrating the recently completed refurbishment of the organ at this marvellous Grade II listed Victorian church with its excellent acoustic, and we are delighted to welcome its long-standing organist, David King to take us on a journey through the many and surprising palette of colours and contrasts of which the new organ is capable.

We start with a gem of a piece by Elgar, a short festival composition entitled Sursum Corda (Lift Up your Hearts). Reverent and soaring sostenuto string lines are augmented by the majestic power of the organ, brass and timpani, moving from quiet devotion to an impressive Elgarian climax. Our soloist comes into his own in the Organ Symphony by Alexandre Guilmant. Who he? He was in fact a celebrated organist and prolific composer for his instrument in nineteenth century France, in the tradition of Vierne and Widor. He was fascinated by pre-1750 French composers and it is clear those strong march and pastoral rhythms resonate with him in this charming, highly tuneful piece, which allows our soloist to showcase the impressive new organ to its full.

Our second half symphony is the mighty Beethoven’s Fifth, a symphony that frankly needs no introduction, explanation nor justification. It just exists in our psyche as an unforgettable statement of intent, gloriously fusing inventive melody and drive that enchants, invigorates and fills one with the joy of being able to hear live the music of this unique genius.

Come out of your hibernation and be filled with the joy of being alive through music in the magnificent surroundings of this jewel of Victorian architecture. You know you deserve it!

Tickets are available from kpo.org.uk

Exciting future date for your diary - Brahms’s Requiem with The Civil Service Choir on Sunday March 17th at 7 pm at St. John Smiths Square.