Recordings

A number of recordings of The Cornerstone Choir and of Adrian Boynton can be watched on a YouTube channel.

2024

THE EPIPHANY CAROL SERVICE

Sunday 7th January 2024 6pm

Led by Revd Wendy Carey

The Cornerstone Choir

Directed by Adrian Boynton

HANDEL: MESSIAH

Sunday 21st January 2024 7.30pm

The Cornerstone Chamber Choir, Orchestra and soloists, directed by Adrian Boynton

In association with Churches Together in MK

Composed in just 24 days Handel's monumental Messiah is an inspiring and powerful work still enjoyed across the world after over 250 years. Join the Cornerstone Chamber Choir, Orchestra and soloists conducted by Adrian Boynton in our latest performance in partnership with Churches Together in Milton Keynes.

A special fund-raising performance for the Ukraine Appeal and MK Money Lifeline.

New English Singers, Castlethorpe

Sunday 14 January 2024

Cornerstone Choir

God so loved the world

Palm Sunday 24th March 2024 3.30pm

A reflection on words and music for Palm Sunday

featuring music by Weelkes, Gibbons, Bach, Purcell, Bruckner, Stainer and Boynton

The Choir of the City Church, directed by Adrian Boynton

Music for Good Friday

Good Friday 29th March 2024 7.30pm

featuring: Schutz Seven last words, Stanford Stabat Mater (Centenary tribute), Kelly Crucifixion.

The Choir of the City Church, guest soloist Ian Clarke (organ), directed by Adrian Boynton

Choral Evensong

Sunday, 14 July 2024

Claudia Gallardo (violin) & Praja Indrawati (piano)

Saturday, 27 July 2024

  • Ludwig van Beethoven - Violin Sonata No7 in C minor
  • George Gershwin/ Jascha Heifetz - 3 Preludes
  • César Franck - Sonata in A major for Violin and Piano
  • Cherly Susanti - Tentang Jarak: A poignant piece born from the COVID era, evoking themes of separation, longing, and hope. UK Premiere

 

Choral Evensong

Sunday, 11 August 2024 6 pm

Bel Canto Piano Duo: Jerry Tsui & Prajna IndrawatiBel Canto Piano Duo: Jerry Tsui & Prajna Indrawati

Saturday 7 September 2024 at 2:15 pm

  • W.A. Mozart Sonata for Two Pianos in D Major, K. 448
  • F. Schubert Fantasie in F Minor Op.103 - D.940
  • M. Ravel Ma Mère l'Oye
  • P. Dukas The Sorcerer's Apprentic for Two Pianos

Join us for an enchanting weekend of a piano journey that promises to transport you through time and emotion. Experience the sparkling elegance of Mozart, the profound lyricism of Mozart, the whimsical magic of Ravel, and the dramatic flair of Dukas. Our duo piano concert will captivate your senses and take you to the imaginative musical worlds. Don't miss this extraordinary journey through some of the most beautiful and exhilarating music ever composed!

We are privileged to have the loan of a second matching piano from the Chrysalis Theatre in Willen, part of the Camphill Community. We are hoping to make a substantial donation to Camphill's current fund-raising campaign.

The Joy of Music: illustrated talk

Wednesday 11th September at 2pm

The Oak Tree Centre, Wallinger Drive, Shenley Brook End, MK5 7GZ

The Autumn Series is entitled ENGLISH EXCELLENCE, and will celebrate the development of English music from the golden Elizabethan era (Tallis, Byrd, Gibbons, etc), through the Restoration mastery of Purcell, the Georgian brilliance of Handel, and on through the Victorian revival of Parry and Stanford to Elgar, Vaughan Williams, Holst, and the great masters of the Twentieth Century.

Choral EvensongThe Sermon on the Mount

Sunday 15 September 2024 at 6 pm

Choral Evensong for Trinity 14: The Sermon on the Mount

The Choir of Milton Keynes City Church directed by Adrian Boynton

A Piano Recital by Alexander ArdakovAlexander Ardakov

Wednesday, 18 September 2024 at 7:30 pm

Ludwig van Beethoven

  • Sonata No. 5 in C minor Op. 10 No. 1 “Little Pathetique”
  • Sonata No. 3 in C major Op. 2 No. 3
  • Sonata No. 17 in D minor Op. 31 No. 2 “Tempest”
  • Sonata No. 23 in F minor Op. 23 “Appassionata”
  • Seven Variations on theme “God Save the King” WoO 78

Emily Haig (soprano) & John Fisher (piano) with Adrian Boynton

Saturday, 5 October 2024 at 2:15 pm

Emily Haig

  • Music for a While — Purcell
  • Ophelia's Song — Maconchy
  • Take, O Take Those Lips Away — Dring / Shakespeare
  • John Fisher: Fantasie in D Minor — Mozart
  • En Prière — Fauré
  • Le Colibri — Chausson
  • John Fisher: Sonata in B flat, D960 (1st Movement) — Schubert
  • Lamour est un oiseau rebelle from Carmen (Habanera) — Bizet
  • Vissi d'Arte from Tosca — Puccini
  • John Fisher: Liebestod (Tristan and Isolde) — Wagner / Moszkowski
  • Anthem from Chess — Andersson / Rice / Ulvaeus
  • Summertime from Porgy and Bess — Gershwin / Heyward
  • Some Enchanted Evening from South Pacific — Rodgers / Hammerstein
  • John Fisher: Ondine (Gaspard de la nuit) — Ravel
  • If I Loved You / You'll Never Walk Alone from Carousel — Rodgers / Hammerstein
  • John Fisher: Irish Tune from County Derry and English Morris Dance Tune from The Cotswolds — Grainger
  • Over the Rainbow from The Wizard of Oz — Arlen
  • Caruso — Dalla

A not-to-be-missed, exclusive concert by Emily Haig, modern concert soprano, with a varied programme of opera arias and classical and musical theatre favourites, accompanied by musical director Adrian Boynton. Emily regularly headlines internationally with her own solo shows in the luxury cruise and hotel industries, always to enthusiastic and appreciative audience acclaim. Emily has performed for royalty including King Charles III, Prince William and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, Edward, and Sophie and is the UK's most popular national anthem vocalist, celebrating her 10th anniversary in this role in 2024. Performing for the nation's most high-profile sporting and commemorative events, including at the nation’s centre for remembrance, the National Memorial Arboretum, Emily has over 50 live TV broadcasts to her credit, on Sky, BBC, ITV and Channel 4. This includes 30 performances at the iconic Wembley Stadium for fixtures such as the Men’s and Women’s FA Cup Finals and twice at the heart of Formula One, Silverstone Circuit, for the British Grand Prix, live broadcast to over 400 million worldwide. Joining Emily in this special musical event is piano maestro John Fisher. Both Emily and John are true Milton Keynes citizens and delighted to be performing again in the City Church for this special one-off event, and they look forward to welcoming you.

Emily Haig   John Fisher

2023

BACH: MAGNIFICAT
TIPPETT: A CHILD OF OUR TIME

Cornerstone Chamber Choir, Orchestra & Soloists

Directed by Adrian Boynton

Sunday 22nd January 2023

Choral Evensong with the Choir of the City Church

Directed by Adrian Boynton, led by Revd Tim Norwood.

The beautiful service of Evensong from the Book of Common Prayer with fine musical settings from four centuries.

Sunday 3rd September 6pm

BEETHOVEN:Sonata in G minor for Cello & Piano, Op 5 No 2

Michael Wigram (cello) Lynn Arnold (piano)

BLOCH:Meditation Hebraique

RACHMANINOV:Sonata in G minor for Cello & Piano, Op 19

]Michael Wigram enjoys a varied career as a soloist, chamber musician and teacher. He has performed at The Barbican, Royal Festival Hall, Royal Albert Hall, Wigmore Hall, St John’s Smith Square, and has toured extensively across the UK. As a soloist he has played the Elgar, Dvorak and Shostakovich Concertos and Brahms Double Concerto. Pianist Lynn Arnold performs frequently throughout the UK and internationally as chamber musician, soloist and accompanist. Winner of numerous competitions both at University of Cambridge and the Royal Academy of Music, she has collaborated with Roderick Williams, Gabriela Demeterova and Roger Coull. The Duo’s lunchtime programme features Beethoven’s outstanding G minor Sonata, which brings true liberation to the cello as a solo instrument and, in Rachmaninov’s 150th Anniversary year, his epic G minor Sonata, one of the greatest works for this combination.

Saturday 9th September 12 noon

Dance Music Through the Ages i) From Earliest Times to Baroque

The Oak Tree Centre, Wallinger Drive, MK5 7GZ

A talk by Adrian Boynton,  illustrated with fine CD recordings

In the first of a special series we trace the history of dance music from the rituals and ceremonies of ancient times through the processional court dances (pavane and galliard) of the Middle Ages and Renaissance to the earliest ballets and ‘masquerades’ of the Seventeenth Century. We will explore the extensive use of dance styles in the orchestra and keyboard Suites of Telemann, Handel and (greatest of all) Bach.

Wednesday 20th September 1.45pm

Music in Nineteenth Century England

Exploring Music at 11 Burewelle, Two Mile Ash, MK8 8LS

Sterndale Bennett - Arthur Sullivan - Ethel Smythe

A talk by Adrian Boynton illustrated with fine CD recordings

After having the 16 year old Sterndale Bennett play his first Piano Concerto in London, Mendelssohn invited him to Leipzig where he enjoyed the close friendship of both Mendelssohn and Schumann and won the hearts of the Leipzigers with a triumphant performance of his 3rd Piano Concerto - a true masterpiece. Aside from the famous Savoy operettas, Arthur Sullivan wrote much fine orchestral music which deserves to be better known. This afternoon we enjoy his ‘Macbeth’ Overture, ‘Irish’ Symphony and beautiful Cello Concerto, as well as excerpts from his large-scale Te Deum, written for Crystal Palace in 1872. Twelve years later, at the same venue, Ethel Smythe ‘stepped out’ into the London scene with her first orchestral work, the Symphonic Serenade in D. The work was well received, and public and press alike were astonished that a woman could write such ‘muscular’ music! Today we will also hear the splendid Concerto for Violin and Horn and the overture to the operatic to her operatic masterpiece ‘The Wreckers’.

Wednesday 27th September 2.30pm

Gala Celebration Concert

HANDEL:Coronation Anthem ‘My Heart is Inditing’

BACH:Cantata 78, ‘Jesu, der du meine, Seele’

BACH:Cantata 34, ‘O ewiges Feuer’

HANDEL:Coronation Anthem ‘The King Shall Rejoice’

HAYDN:Nelson Mass

The Cornerstone Chamber Choir, Orchestra and Soloists

Leader: Philippa Barton,  Directed by Adrian Boynton

Join us for this very special evening - a joyous ‘double celebration’ to mark the granting of City status to Milton Keynes and the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla earlier this year. Our programme features two of the outstanding Anthems composed by  Handel for the Coronation of George II in 1727. Bach’s Cantata 78 is a wonderfully expressive work for Fourteenth Sunday after Trinity, featuring a succession of amazing solos and duets. Cantata 34 is a festive work for the season of Pentecost, replete with fine contrapuntal choruses and the splendour of trumpets and drums. The programme is completed with Haydn’s Nelson (Imperial) Mass, with its infectious melodies, bold textures and gripping final climaxes surely one of the greatest of all Mass settings, written when the composer was at the height of his powers. The Cornerstone Chamber Choir and Orchestra will be joined by four outstanding soloists. It promises to be an uplifting occasion and we hope that you, your family, friends and colleagues can share it with us.

Sunday 1st October 7.30pm

Choral Celebration of Creation

The Choir of the City Church Directed by Adrian Boynton

Led by Revd Wendy Carey

We offer a beautiful sequence of words and music to mark the climax of the liturgical Season of Creation, reflecting the special theme for this year, ‘Let Justice and Peace flow’.

Sunday 8th October 6pm

Dance Music Through the Ages ii) Baroque, Classical, Romantic

The Oak Tree Centre, Wallinger Drive, MK5 7GZ

A talk by Adrian Boynton illustrated with fine CD recordings

The popular dances of the Baroque era (Alemande, Courant, Sarabande, Boureé, Gigue) give way to the dominance of the Minuet in the symphonic and chamber repertoire of Haydn and Mozart. In the Romantic era, the Waltz takes centre stage, with fine examples for piano solo by Chopin and Brahms, and superb orchestral waltzes by Berlioz, Liszt, Tchaikovsky and of course the Strauss dynasty. Join us for another musical feast.

Wednesday 11th October 1.45pm

The Revival of English Music in the late 19th and early 20th century

Exploring Music at 11 Burewelle, Two Mile Ash, MK8 8LS

A talk by Adrian Boynton, illustrated with fine CD recordings

The great revival of English music at the end of the 19th Century is spear-headed by the towering figures of Parry and Stanford. Parry’s extensive output includes fine symphonies and chamber works, the beautiful ‘Songs of Farewell’ and Coronation setting of Psalm 122 ‘I was glad’, Stanford wrote two lovely Sonatas for Cello and Piano, an outstanding Clarinet Concerto, a large-scale setting of Stabat Mater, three Latin motets and a fine selection of anthems and services. Come and enjoy this very significant contribution to the development of English music.

Wednesday 25th October 2.30pm

Adrian Boynton's 'The Joy of Music' MUSIC & DANCE THROUGH THE AGES

Our musical journey today takes us from the elegant minuets of Mozart and Haydn, through the vibrant scherzi of Beethoven and Mendelssohn to some of the great waltzes of the 19th Century, by notable figures such as Berlioz, Chopin and Brahms. And we hear other dance-inspired works by Chopin, including fine mazurkas and polonaises.

The Oak Tree Centre, Wallinger Drive, Shenley Brook End, MK5 7GZ

Wednesday 8th November, 1.45pm

CHORAL REFLECTION FOR THE SEASON OF REMEMBRANCE

led by Revd Wendy Carey with The Cornerstone Choir

A beautiful service of words and music for this reflective season, with musical settings by Byrd, Stanford, Faure, Rutter, Todd and Boynton.

Sunday 12th November, 6pm

JOHN MACDOMNIC (Trumpets) ADRIAN BOYNTON (Organ & Piano)

Join us for an inspirational lunchtime programme including Handel's Water Music Suite, Sweelinck's masterful Variations 'My young life hath an end', Haydn's brilliant Concerto in E flat, Hohne's Slavish Fantasy, Piazzolla"s Oblivion and Libertango, and Arban's virtuoso 'Carnival of Venice'. Top UK trumpeter John Macdomnic will use no less than five different instruments in this great celebration of the trumpet's repertoire. An event not to be missed.

Saturday 25th November 12 noon

Exploring Music with Adrian Boynton: EDWARD ELGAR

The resurgence of English music at the end of the 19th century owes much to the towering figure of Edward Elgar. We explore some of the fine music of his early years, including the Concert Overture 'Froissart', the Serenade for Strings in E minor, the oratorio 'Light of Life', beautiful part-songs and piano solos, leading to the three masterworks which brought Elgar national and international fame - 'Sea Pictures', 'Enigma Variations' and 'Dream of Gerontius'. Do join us to enjoy this inspiring repertoire.

11, Burewelle, Two Mile Ash, MK8 8LS

Wednesday 29th November, 2.30pm

THE ADVENT CAROL SERVICE

Led by Revd George Mwaura, with The Cornerstone Choir, directed by Adrian Boynton

Join us for a wonderfully atmospheric service to begin this most special season, with beautiful readings and outstanding musical settings from five centuries.

Sunday 3rd December 6:30pm

THE CITY CENTRE CAROL SERVICE

A short service of 40 minutes

Wednesday 13th December 12.30pm

THE CORNERSTONE CAROL SERVICE

With the Cornerstone Choir and Brass

Sunday 17th December 6pm

A CHRISTMAS CRACKER

With: The New English Singers, Rosie Reed (flute), Andrew Gray (oboe)

Newport Pagnell Parish Church

Directed by Adrian Boynton

A delightful seasonal programme to begin Christmas weekend, followed by mulled wine and mince pies.

Saturday 23rd December 12 noon

2022

BACH: ST MATTHEW PASSION

Cornerstone Chamber Choir, Orchestra & Soloists

Directed by Adrian Boynton

Sunday 10th April 2022

2021

Recordings made during lock down

Here are URLs for YouTube playlists of over 100 keyboard recordings made by our Director of Music Adrian Boynton during the pandemic:

https://tinyurl.com/Boyntonmusic-preludes

https://tinyurl.com/Boyntonmusic-postludes


This is the URL for our first recorded evening service in full:



Broken down into sections:

part 1 of   Choral Evensong for the Feast of St Luke the Evangelist
Prelude - Prière à Notre-Dame - composed by Léon Boëllmann in 1895
Introit - Almighty and Everlasting God - composed by Orlando Gibbons before 1625
Welcome  by Revd Tim Norwood
Hymn - O for a thousand tongues - words by Charles Wesley from 1739


part 2 of   Choral Evensong for the Feast of St Luke the Evangelist
Preface and Confession led by Revd Tim Norwood
Preces & Responses - first part - composed by Richard Ayleward c.1661-69
Psalm 146 - 147 - chants by James Turle & Joseph Barnby from Worcester Psalter pointed


part 3 of   Choral Evensong for the Feast of St Luke the Evangelist
Old Testament: Isaiah 55 read by Revd Dr Margaret Goodall
Magnificat from William Byrd's Second Service c. 1560.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uWTdhaJtuk0


part 4 of   Choral Evensong for the Feast of St Luke the Evangelist
New Testament: Luke 10-1 read by Richard May-Miller
Nunc Dimittis from William Byrd's Second Service c. 1560.
Creed led by Revd Tim Norwood
Preces & Responses - second part - composed by Richard Ayleward c.1661-69


part 5 of   Choral Evensong for the Feast of St Luke the Evangelist
Os Justi - Gregorian chant composed by Anton Bruckner in 1879
Intercessions led by Revd Tim Norwood
Hymn - Christ’s is the world in which we move - composed by John L Bell in 1989

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dcoptUkRhtc


part 6 of   Choral Evensong for the Feast of St Luke the Evangelist
Address by Revd Tim Norwood
Hymn - We have a Gospel to proclaim - words by Edward J Burns from 1968
Blessing by Revd Tim Norwood
Sung Blessing - Go Forth into the World in Peace - composed by John Rutter in 1990


part 7 of   Choral Evensong for the Feast of St Luke the Evangelist
Postlude - Adagio from BWV 564 composed by Johann Sebastian Bach in 1710




Cornerstone Chamber Choir, Orchestra & Soloists directed by Adrian Boynton 

are pleased to present



HAYDN: THE CREATION


A concert to raise awareness of the 

UN Climate Change Conference Cop 26


on

Sunday 7th November 2021

7.30pm


at St Peter & St Paul's Church

High Street, Newport Pagnell



Tickets £20, £15 (under 18's £5) available online at https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/cornerstone-music (booking fee applies), 

Email boyntonmusic@btinternet.com   Tel/text 07961 348697, Post (S.A.E):  Cornerstone Music Box Office 11 Burewelle, Two Mile Ash, MK8 8LS



2020


Sunday 5th January        7pm (please note start time)

BACH:CHRISTMAS ORATORIO

THE CORNERSTONE CHAMBER CHOIR & ORCHESTRA

Leader:  Philippa BartonConductor:  Adrian Boynton

The Christmas Oratorio brings together six of Bach's finest 

cantatas, each one intended for performance on one of the major feast days of the Christmas period. The first part, for Christmas Day, describes the Birth of Jesus, the second (Dec 26th) the Annunciation of the Shepherds, the third (Dec 27th) the Adoration of the Shepherds, the fourth (New Year's Day) the Circumcision and Naming of Jesus, the fifth (First Sunday of the New Year) the Journey of the Magi, and the sixth (Epiphany) the Adoration of the Magi. Each cantata has thrilling choruses, coloured either by brilliant trumpet, or virtuoso horns, beautiful chorales, and glorious reflective arias, duets and trios with stunning woodwind obbligati. This remarkable work must rank as the greatest musical celebration of the Christmas story. We hope you can share it with us.

Tickets £17 (conc £16), £15 (conc £14) child £2  Available:

Online:  https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/cornerstone-music (booking fee applies), 

Post:  Cornerstone Music, 300 Saxon Gate West, Milton Keynes, MK9 2ES. Send a stamped S.A.E. & cheque payable to Cornerstone Music

Email: boyntonmusic@btinternet.com;    Phone:  01908 246486 (ans mach)/07961 348697      Tickets also available at the door


Sunday 12th January        6pm

THE EPIPHANY CAROL SERVICE    'Star of Wonder'

THE CHOIR OF THE CITY CHURCH Directed by Adrian Boynton 

Led by Revd Wendy Carey

In the third and last of our annual carol services we celebrate the 

revelation of Christ to people throughout the world, symbolised in 

the story of the Three Wise Men. Some of the most beautiful carols 

and arrangements have been inspired by this special season.  

Freewill offering


Monday 20th January        7.15pm 

MUSICAL MILESTONES:250th Anniversary Celebration

BEETHOVEN:(i)The Early Years to 1800

A talk illustrated with fine CD recordings by Adrian Boynton   

With the explosion of the genius of Beethoven at the end of the 

eighteenth century the classical era reached both a climax 

and a dissolution. Beethoven's music embodied a new dynamism 

and power which not only demanded that it be listened to in 

different ways but also symbolised the changing role of the 

composer in society - no longer its servant, required meekly to meet its needs, but its visionary, its hero figure. In the first of four sessions, we explore the early works of Beethoven the master pianist, including the first ten Piano Sonatas, the Piano Trios, Piano Quintet and the Piano Concertos in B flat and C. We also study the Op 18 String Quartets and First Symphony: works which hold the key to Beethoven's later revolution of classical form.

Admission £5 (student £1) at the door


Thursday 30th January         7.15pm 

EXPLORING MUSIC:The Romantics

LISZT: (i)The Vienna/Paris Years

A talk  illustrated with fine CD recordings by Adrian Boynton

As a pianist Liszt was among the greatest, if not the greatest, there has ever been. As a composer he was an adventurous musical thinker with ideas well ahead of his time. We trace his student years in Vienna, his earliest public concerts, his friendship with Berlioz and Chopin and his years of travel throughout Europe as a flamboyant virtuoso. We hear outstanding pieces from his 'Années de Pélerinages' (including the 'Tre Sonnetti di Patrarca' and 'Dante' Sonata), 'Consolations', 'Liebestraume', the Piano Concerto in E flat and A major and some of the great transcriptions of operatic arias by Mozart, Bellini and Donizetti.

Admission £5 (student £1) at the door



Sunday 3rd February    3pm

GALBRIELE BALDOCCI (piano)

CHOPIN:            Impromptu No 1 in A flat, Op 29

                               Impromptu No 2 in F Sharp Op 36

                               Impromptu No 3 in G flat, Op 51

                               Fantasie-Impromptu in C sharp minor, Op 66

BEETHOVEN:  Symphony No 5 in C minor, Op 67

Italian pianist Galbriele Baldocci is known worldwide as duo partner of the legendary Martha Argerich. His extensive repertoire includes a special focus on the music of Chopin, Schumann and Liszt. In 2012 he began recording and performing the complete Beethoven Symphonies, in the challenging transcriptions of Liszt. Baldocci has performed at major venues across the world, most recently the Tonhalle in Zurich, Teatro Colon in Buenos Aires and Sala Verdi in Milan. He appears at major festivals, gives masterclasses at the leading conservatoires and universities, and is a regular jury member at international competitions.

Admission by programme at the door £12 (conc £11, child £1).


Sunday 10th February       6pm

CHORAL EVENSONG FOR THE OCTAVE OF CANDLEMAS

 The Choir of the City Church Directed by Adrian Boynton

A beautiful service of Choral Evensong to reflect the pivotal season between Epiphany and the beginning of Lent.Freewill offering.


Monday 18th February   7.15pm

MUSICAL MILESTONES:     The English Revival

EDWARD ELGAR    i)   The Early Years

A talk illustrated with fine CD recordings by Adrian Boynton

Elgar was nearly 40 years of age before he began to achieve recognition as a composer with a series of large-scale cantatas which enjoyed much success among the English choral societies. A commission to write for the Birmingham Triennial Festival of 1900 resulted in the extra-ordinary and ground breaking 'Dream of Gerontius' a work which, along with the evocative 'Sea Pictures' and brilliantly scored 'Enigma Variations', established him as a composer of international standing. Other important works of the period include the overture 'Froissant' and 'Serenade for Strings' in E minor.

Admission £5 (student £1) at the door


Thursday 28th February     7.15pm

EXPLORING MUSIC:    

 SCHUMANN       (ii)     Mature Years from 1842

A talk illustrated with fine CD recordings by Adrian Boynton 

1842 was for Schumann a remarkable year of chamber music which included a Piano Quintet, Piano Quartet and three String Quartets. Several large-scale works followed - the cantata 'Paradise and the Peri', Piano Concerto, Konzertstücke for 4 Horns and Goethe's 'Faust'. Join us for a superb evening of Romantic riches.

Admission £5 (student £1) at the door


Sunday 3rd March     6pm

CHORAL EVENSONG FOR THE FEAST OF TRANSFIGURATION (Sunday next before Lent)

The Choir of the City Church Directed by Adrian Boynton

All are invited to this special service looking forward to the Lenten season, with beautiful settings by Byrd, Purcell, Rutter and Boynton.

Freewill offering


Thursday 7th March     7.15pm

EXPLORING MUSIC:SCHUMANN

ii)        Mature Years from 1842

A talk illustrated with fine CD recordings by Adrian Boynton

Please note that this talk has been rescheduled from the originally published date of 28 February to Thursday 7th March. We will be exploring Schumann's 'Dresden Years', which include the Piano Concerto, Konzertstücke for 4 Horns and a wonderful flowering of chamber music.

Admission £5 (student £1) at the door


Monday 18th March       7.15pm

MUSICAL MILESTONES:ELGAR

ii)       The Middle Years

A talk illustrated with fine CD recordings by Adrian Boynton

In this illustrated talk, we enjoy the riches of Elgar's Middle Years, including Enigma Variations, Sea Pictures, Dream Gerontius, Symphony No 1, Cockaigne Overture and Pomp and Circumstance Marches.

Admission £5 (student £1) at the door


Saturday 23rd March        11.30am

KATIE CANELL (clarinet)         MARY COTES (piano)

STANFORD:      Three Intermezzi

BOZZA:               Aria

DEBUSSY:          Petite Piece

SCHUMANN:    Fantasiestücke

SAINT-SAENS: Sonata for Clarinet and Piano

FINZI:                 Forlana and Romance

NORTON:          Clarinet Sonata

VINTER:            Song and Dances

Katie Canell read music at King's College, Cambridge followed by a Postgraduate Diploma in Performance at the Royal Northern College of Music. She studied with Anthony Pike and Nicholas Cox. Mary Cotes is well known locally as the former Ecumenical Moderator in Milton Keynes. She now has a private teaching practice of some 50 students. Both Katie and Mary are members of the Horizon Ensemble, which has performed with distinction at the City Church on several occasions.

Admission by programme at the door £9 (conc £8.50, student £1)


Sunday 31st March7.30pm

BRAHMS: REQUIEM

FAURÉ: REQUIEM

THE CORNERSTONE CHAMBER CHOIR & ORCHESTRA

Directed by Adrian Boynton

Our major choral/orchestral offering for the Lenten season is one of the great works of the Romantic era. The German Requiem is the central work of Brahms' career. It is unique in that it does not use the words of the traditional Requiem Mass but a Biblical text chosen by Brahms himself, centring round faith in the Resurrection rather than fear of the Day of Judgement. It inspired Brahms to produce some of his greatest music. Each section has its own character, emphasised by Brahms' subtle instrumentation. There are warm glowing colours of great beauty, majestic 'Handelian' fugues and powerful climaxes.

Tickets £17 (conc £16), £15 (conc £14) child £2 available online at https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/cornerstone-music (booking fee applies); by post from Cornerstone Music Tickets, 300 Saxon Gate West, Milton Keynes, MK9 2ES. Send a stamped S.A.E. and cheque payable to Cornerstone Music; telephone 01908 246486 (ans mach) or 07961 348697 or at the door.


Thursday 4th April 7.15pm

EXPLORING MUSIC: The Early Romantic Era

WEBERThe first Romantic

A talk illustrated with fine CD recordings by Adrian Boynton

Weber's place in the history of music is that of a liberator, setting German music free from Italian influence and establishing the great Romantic tradition which would lead ultimately to Wagner. He has outstanding gifts as a melodist, a rich command of orchestral colour (achieved according to Debussy, by 'scrutiny of the soul of each instrument'), and a real sense of how to convey atmosphere and drama. Tonight we explore the symphonies, piano concertos, the outstanding clarinet concertos and clarinet quintet, and the great operas 'Der Freischutz' and 'Oberon'.

Admission £5 (student £1) at the door


Sunday 7th April           6pm

GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD

A meditation in words and music for Passion Sunday

THE CHOIR OF THE CITY CHURCH Directed by Adrian Boynton

A meditation for Passiontide featuring music by Vittoria, Lassus, Purcell, Blow, Bruckner, Rutter and Boynton.

Freewill offering 


Monday, 8th April7.15pm

Exploring Music

Celebrates the greatest works of Elgar’s final years, including the overtures ‘Cockaigne’ and ‘In the South’, the Cello Concerto, Symphonies 2 and 3, the lovely ‘Music Makers’ cantatas, and the composer’s oratorio masterworks ‘The Apostles’ and ‘The Kingdom’.

Admission £5 at the door.


Good Friday 19th April    7.30pm

MUSIC FOR GOOD FRIDAY

THE CHOIR & INSTRUMENTALISTS OF THE CITY CHURCH

Directed by Adrian Boynton

BYRD: Ne Irascaris

ALLEGRI:Miserere

BOYNTON:Slow are the years of Light

STAINER:CRUCIFIXION

An opportunity to reflect on the significance of Good Friday as the Choir and Instrumentalists offer a powerful and moving sequence of words and music. (The reflection will conclude about 9pm.             Retiring collection


Sunday 28th April    6pm

EASTER CHORAL CELEBRATION

THE CHOIR OF THE CITY CHURCH  Directed by Adrian Boynton

A glorious musical celebration for the Easter Season, featuring music by Byrd, Handel, Stanford, Mascagni, Hadley and Rutter.

Freewill offering.


Sunday 12th May     6pm

CHORAL EVENSONG FOR THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER:

The Heart of Compassion

THE CHOIR OF THE CITY CHURCH  Directed by Adrian Boynton

Led by Revd Wendy Carey

This beautiful service for the season of Easter features music by Stanford, Mathias, and a glorious setting of Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis by Hugh Blair (former organist of Worcester Cathedral)

Freewill offering



Sunday 19th May     7.30pm

LYRA VOCAL ENSEMBLE:

Marina Busse (soprano)  Zlata Gogol (contralto)

Aleksander Shagun (tenor)  Alexander Urbanovitch (bass)

A programme of Russian Sacred Music, classic songs and arias and superb arrangements of Russian folk songs, featuring the music of

SCHUBERT                    GRIEG

TCHAIKOVSKY             RACHMANINOV

DARGOMYZHSKY        SVIRIDOV

SISOEV                            VILBOA

We are delighted to welcome LYRA vocal ensemble to the City Church as part of their 2019 UK tour. The four members of the group, based in St Petersburg, are among Russia's most talented and distinguished solo singers. As LYRA, they have toured the world, and won plaudits in international competitions. The first part of the groups programme ranges from traditional music of the Russian Orthodox Church, through choral masterworks of the Romantic era and Twentieth Century, to great arias and popular classics of both the Russian and European traditions. The second part of the programme features Russian folk songs in all their variety - lyrical songs and love songs. Don't miss this opportunity to hear these fine musicians.

Admission by programme at the door £10 (concession £9.50, child £1)



Monday 20th May    7.15pm

MUSICAL MILESTONES:The English Revival

HERBERT HOWELLS  (1892-1983)

A talk illustrated with fine CD recordings by Adrian Boynton

Howell's mature style is a fusion of many things English, from Parry to Walton. His early chamber works reveal both a natural poet in sound and a musician keenly alive to structure. His songs are among the finest by English composers in the Twentieth century. Outstanding church music demonstrates his love of choral texture in a resonant acoustic, with many works written for particular buildings. The crowning glory of his output are the great works for choir and orchestra, 'Stabat Mater', 'Missa Sabrinensis', and his masterpiece, 'Hymnus Paradisi', a visionary and inspired work written in response to the death of his 9 year old son from spinal meningitis.Admission £5 (student £1) at the door



Thursday 30th May       7.15pm 

EXPLORING MUSIC:

MENDELSSOHN  (i)  The Early Years to 1833

A talk illustrated with fine CD recordings by Adrian Boynton

Mendelssohn's gifts were phenomenal. He was a superb pianist, a good violinist, an exceptional organist, and an inspiring conductor, with an amazing musical memory. His genius as a composer led Bulow to describe him as the most complete master of form after Mozart. Tonight we survey the works of his teens and early twenties, including the Piano Quartets in C minor and F minor (the first of these written at the age of 13), the exhilarating Octet (his first 'mature' work, written at the age of 16), String Quartets in Eb and A minor, beautiful songs and solo piano pieces, the overtures 'A Midsummer Nights Dream' and 'The Hebrides' (Fingals Cave'), Piano Concerto in G minor and 'Reformation' Symphony.

Admission £5 (student £1) at the door


Wednesday 12th June         7.30pm

DAVID MALUSA (piano)

SCHUBERT:              Klavierstuck in Eb major, D946 n. 2

BEETHOVEN:           Sonata in Ab major, op. 110

                                      Sonata quasi una fantasia in C# minor, op. 27 n. 2

RACHMANINOV:    Etude Tableau in C minor, op. 39 n.1 

                                      Prelude in G minor, op. 23 n. 5 

CHOPIN:                    Andante Spianato et Grande Polonaise Brillante, op. 22 

                                      Fantasie Impromptu in C# minor, op. 66 

SCRIABIN:                 Etude in C# minor op. 2 

                                      Etude in B minor, op. 8 n. 3 

                                      Prelude for the left hand op. 9 

David Malusa graduated 'cum laude' from the Conservatoire Arrigo Pedrollo in Vincenza and completed the Master of Music programme and the Artist Diploma course at the Royal College of Music with distinction. He has been prizewinner at several international competitions, including first prizes at the Citta di Carrara, Citti di Cantalupa and the Jacques Samuel Intercollegiate Competition. A CD of his Wigmore Hall debut recital was highly acclaimed. Malusa returns to the City Church in an irresistible programme of classical and romantic masterworks.

Admission by programme at the door £12 (conc £11, child £1)


Monday 17th June        7.15pm

MUSICAL MILESTONES:       The English Revival

GERALD FINZI

A talk illustrated with fine CD recordings by Adrian Boynton

Finzi's refined English pastoral idiom has its roots in Elgar and Vaughan Williams but also owes much to his respect for Bach and 18th century English composers. His instrumental works - including Ecologue for Piano and Strings, Cello Concerto and the delightful Clarinet Concerto - are marked by fertile thematic inversion, tender passion and superb string textures. His spacious 'Intimations of Immortality' and 'In terra pax' make an outstanding contribution to the English choral tradition. Above all, his solo vocal works - settings of Hardy and Traherne, including the great orchestral song cycle 'Dies Natalis' - reveal his exceptional sensitivity to English verse, and mark him as a composer of true genius.

Admission £5 (student £1) at the door


Sunday 23rd June         6pm

THE GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT

THE CHOIR OF THE CITY CHURCH Directed by Adrian Boynton

Join us for a wonderful choral celebration of the season of Pentecost and the Holy Trinity, featuring music by Tallis, Gibbons, Bruckner, Mathias and Boynton, and a selection of beautiful readings.

Freewill offering 



Thursday 27th June        7.15pm

EXPLORING MUSIC: 

MENDELSSOHN      (ii)    The Mature Years  (1833-1847)

A talk illustrated with fine CD recordings by Adrian Boynton

The 1830s and early '40s saw the completion of some  of the great works for which Mendelssohn is chiefly remembered - the Italian and Scotch Symphonies, the Violin Concerto in E minor, the incidental music 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', the Piano Trios in D and C minor, the beautiful 'Song without Words' for piano solo and oratorios 'St Paul' and 'Elijah'. Some of Mendelssohn's later works may lack the spontaneity of his earlier compositions, but they demonstrate superb craftsmanship, melodic elegance, inventive orchestration and a fine blend of classical structure and romantic colour.

Admission £5 (student £1) at the door


Saturday 29th June         11.30am

SUMMER SERENADE

THE NEW ENGLISH SINGERS and SPECIAL GUESTS

Directed by Adrian Boynton

Adrian Boynton directs the New English Singers in a glorious summer programme which includes English madrigals, Victorian Partsongs, Brazilian and Venezuelan folk songs, beautiful settings of Stanford, Finzi and Vaughan Williams, and a touch of Gershwin and Porter. Special guests instrumentalists add richness and colour to the wonderful tapestry of sounds. Do join us to savour the aural delights and bring your friends. The afterwards, linger for awhile to enjoy Summer Cup and convivial company.

Admission £10 (conc £9.50, child £1) by programme at the door


Sunday 7th July          7.30pm 

SUMMER CELEBRATION    featuring                 In aid of Advantage Africa

David Fanshawe's thrilling

AFRICAN SANCTUS

THE CORNERSTONE CHAMBER CHOIR, CORNERSTONE YOUNG VOICES, MUSIC SERVICE INTERMEDIATE CHOIR AND INSTRUMENTAL ENSEMBLE

Directed by Adrian Boynton

David Fanshawe spent much time in Africa in his mid to late twenties absorbing African culture, researching African folk music, and making a unique library of location recordings. In 1972 he wrote the extraordinary 'African Sanctus', which blends dramatically and movingly, the authentic sounds of various regions of North and East Africa with the colours, rhythms and harmonies of Twentieth century Western music. An award-winning BBC television film of the 'Sanctus', made on location, was shown in many parts of the world in the mid '70s, and since then the work has received international acclaim. Our celebration concert will include other exciting works from the African and Afro-American traditions. Special rates for parties of 10 or more available.


Tickets £17 (conc £16), £15 (conc £14) child £2 available online at 

https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/cornerstone-music (booking fee applies), by post from Cornerstone Music Tickets, 300 Saxon Gate West, Milton Keynes, MK9 2ES. Send a stamped S.A.E. and cheque payable to Cornerstone Music; telephone 01908 246486 (ans mach) or 07961 348697, email boyntonmusic@btinternet.com, 9 High Street, Olney, MK46 4EB or at the door.


Monday 15th July         7.15pm

MUSICAL MILESTONES:        The English Revival

JOHN IRELAND & CYRIL SCOTT

A talk illustrated with fine CD recordings by Adrian Boynton

Ireland established his reputation with a fine body of chamber music demonstrating on exceptionally refined understanding of the instruments involved. His orchestral tone poems and overtures are colourfully scored and his Piano Concerto, with its racy jazz interludes, is among the finest of the Twentieth Century. The great choral work 'These things shall be' is an inspirational work expressing the composer's deepest hopes for mankind. Born just one month after Ireland, Cyril Scott became known as the 'English Debussy' on account of the Impressionist style of his piano and chamber works. He also produced a fine Piano Concerto, along with other symphonic and choral works.

Admission £5 (student £1) at the door


Thursday 25th July       7.15pm

EXPLORING MUSIC:       The Early Romantics

CHOPIN      (i)   The Early Years to 1831

A talk illustrated with fine CD recordings by Adrian Boynton

Chopin, the greatest poet of the piano, used harmonic imagination and melodic invention to transform old forms and create new ones. We explore his upbringing in Warsaw, his studentship at Warsaw Conservatoire, his first tour of Germany and acclaimed visit to Vienna, and early years in Paris. The music of this period includes Sonata No 1, Piano Trio, Variations on Mozart's 'La ci darem', the two great Piano Concertos, and some fine Nocturnes, Waltzes, Mazurkas and Polonaises.

Admission £5 (student £1) at the door


Sunday 28th July         6pm 

CHORAL EVENSONG

THE CHOIR OF THE CITY CHURCH  Directed by Adrian Boynton

Freewill offering


Saturday 28th September        11.30am

THE RIDGEWAY ENSEMBLE

Judith Sheridan (soprano)Margaret Richards (cello)

Daniel King Smith (piano)William Winfield (reader)

VICTORIA & ALBERT - A MUSICAL ROMANCE

Bicentenary Celebration

MENDELSSOHN:Song Without Words, Op 109

Ich wollt' meine Lieb

Maiglockchen und die Blümlein 

BELLINI:Malinconia

ALBERT:Ein ständchen/Der Bettler

Letzten Worte eines Barden

MOZART:The Magic Flute (selection)

VIARDOT:En Mer

SCHUMANN:Er ist gekommen

ELGAR:Chanson de Matin, Op 15

SULLIVAN:The Sun whose rays

Queen Victoria and Prince Albert's mutual passion for music was at the heart of their relationship from the very beginning. An accomplished composer, Albert shared his creative process in letters to the young Queen, and, as their married life progressed, it was punctuated by concerts, private performances and audiences with the musical elite of Europe. The Ridgeway Ensemble returns to the City Church to bring to life the musical world of the royal couple, through readings from their letters and diaries, contemporary accounts and performances of composers such as Mendelssohn, Elgar and Sullivan. At the heart of the programme are songs by Prince Albert himself for voice, cello and piano, which have remained unpublished and unperformed until now. Also noteworthy is the inclusion of works by three women composers - Fanny Mendelssohn, Pauline Viardot and Clara Schumann (whose bicentenary falls this year). 

Join us for this celebration of the musical tastes and achievements of a royal couple, opening a window into the musical life of Victorian England.


Sunday 20th October         6pm

A CHORAL CELEBRATION  OF SCOTLAND

THE CHOIR OF THE CITY CHURCH 

Directed by Adrian Boynton   Led by Revd Wendy Carey

Join us for a glorious celebration of Scottish composers, hymn writers and poets, with fine examples of Scottish choral writing, old and new, beautiful arrangements, of Scottish melodies and the beautiful music of the Iona tradition. The service includes Adrian Boynton's original composition 'An Iona Blessing' his arrangement of 'A Touching Place', and music by the great Scottish composer of our day James MacMillan.

All are welcome.  Freewill offering

 

Monday 21st October        7.15pm

MUSICAL MILESTONES:The English Revival

ARNOLD BAX & GEORGE BUTTERWORTH

A talk illustrated with fine CD recordings by Adrian Boynton

Arnold Bax is one of Britain's neglected treasures. His orchestral tone poems - 'Tintagel', 'In the Faery Hills', 'The Garden of Fand', and others - are among the finest of any of the English late romantics. His seven symphonies, luxuriantly scored and full of romantic melody, contain, to quote Michael Kennedy, "far too much good music to deserve their current total neglect." His chamber works are beautifully crafted for the instruments, and there are some exquisite short choral pieces. George Butterworth demonstrated exceptional promise as a composer before his untimely death in the trenches at Pozieres in 1916. Tonight we hear his 'The Banks of Green Willow' and 'A Shropshire Lad'. 

Admission £5 (student £1) at the door


Thursday 31st October    7.15pm 

EXPLORING MUSIC:150th Anniversary Celebration

BERLIOZ: The Early Years

A talk illustrated with fine CD recordings by Adrian Boynton

Among the early Romantic masters Berlioz stands apart - a musician of extraordinary flair, grand ideas and a formidable sense of drama. Tonight we feature his early songs, the 'Messe Solenelle' (recently rediscovered after being lost for more than a century and a half), the first concert overtures, the dramatic cantata 'La Mort de Cleopatra', the epoch-making 'Symphonie Fantastique', which won him the Prix de Rome in 1831, the beautiful song cycle 'Nuits d'été' and the autobiographical symphony with viola solo 'Harold in Italy'. A feast of great music.

Admission £5 (student £1) at the door


Sunday 1st December  6pm

THE ADVENT CAROL SERVICE  'O Come, O Come, Emmanuel'

THE CHOIR OF THE CITY CHURCH Directed by Adrian Boynton

Writers and musicians down the centuries have been  

inspired by the season of Advent with its special atmosphere 

of anticipation and expectation. Join us to share this 

atmosphere in a beautiful candlelit service featuring passages 

of scripture, poetry and prose and fine musical settings reflecting a range of styles from the High Renaissance to the present day. The service will conclude at 7.20pm.

Freewill offering.


Monday 9th December        7.15pm 

MUSICAL MILESTONES:The English Revival

RUTLAND BOUGHTON & EDMUND RUBBRA

A talk illustrated with fine CD recordings by Adrian Boynton   

Tonight we consider the remarkable contribution to English music of two 'local boys'. Aylesbury-born Rutland Boughton effectively founded Glastonbury Festival - as a vehicle for Wagnerian-style choral dramas based on Arthurian legend!  Alongside major choral and theatre works, he wrote fine symphonies, concertos and chamber music. Northampton-born Edmund Rubbra's prolific output covers all musical forms except opera. His superb handling of modal harmony in a distinctively English tradition makes him a more than worthy successor to his teacher, Holst. His output includes beautiful religious choral works, outstanding chamber works and songs, and no less than eleven symphonies, whose musical substance and spiritual grandeur have still to be fully appreciated. 

Admission £5 (student £1) at the door


Tuesday 17th December      12.30pm

THE CITY CENTRE CAROL SERVICE

THE CHOIR OF THE CITY CHURCH  Directed by Boynton

Led by the Ministerial Team

Join us for this lovely lunchtime service of 45 minutes, followed by seasonal refreshments.


Thursday 19th December   7.15pm 

EXPLORING MUSIC special  

CHRISTMAS MUSIC THROUGH THE AGES  (i) Medieval to BaroqueA talk illustrated with fine CD recordings by Adrian Boynton   

In this seasonal special we trace the development of the carol from 

its origins as a medieval round dance through the homophonic 

carols and polyphonic Christmas motets of the Reformation to 

the polychoral splendours of the late Renaissance and early Baroque 

in works by Gabrieli, Monteverdi, Hassler and Schutz. Mature 

Baroque masterpieces form the culmination of our journey, and 

we end the evening with the greatest of all - Bach's Christmas Oratorio - as prelude to a performance of the work by the Cornerstone Chamber Choir and Orchestra on 5th January.

Admission £5 (student £1) at the door 


Saturday 21st December       11.30am 

A CHRISTMAS CRACKER   with

THE NEW ENGLISH SINGERS & SPECIAL GUESTS

Directed by Adrian Boynton

This is a lovely event for the whole family. The New 

English Singers capture the joy and happiness of the Christmas Season with a range of choral settings from around the world reflecting different styles and traditions with guest appearances from fine instrumental soloists, and surprises and delights at every turn, this promises to be a real 'cracker' of a Christmas concert. Following the music we invite you to linger awhile, relax and enjoy seasonal refreshments.

Admission (to include refreshments) £10 (children £1) at the door


Sunday 22nd December      6pm 

THE CORNERSTONE CAROL SERVICE  'Joy to the World'

THE CITY CHURCH CHOIR & CORNERSTONE BRASS

Directed by Adrian Boynton   Led by the Ministerial Team 

A joyful celebration of the Saviours birth in words and music, 

with familiar carols for all to sing, magnificent choral offerings 

from the choir and lively contributions from Cornerstone Brass.

Do join us and bring your friends. Freewill offering.


2018

SUNDAY 11 MARCH  6pm - 7.15pm
The Choir of Christ the Cornerstone (Milton Keynes City Church) directed by Adrian Boynton and led by Revd George Mwaura.

Seasonal words and music for Lent with congregational hymns, readings and beautiful music sung by the choir: Purcell: How long wilt thou be angry; Cruger: Ah holy Jesu; Blow: Salvator Mundi; Handel: Surely he hath born our griefs; Bruckner: Christus factus est and Stainer: God so loved the world. Retiring collection.  All welcome.

Good Friday, 30 March 7.30pm 
Join the Cornerstone Choir and instrumentalists for a Reflection in Words and Music which includes the beautiful Stabat Materof PalestrinaSchutz’s evocative ’Seven Last Words from the Cross’ and Bryan Kelly’s inspirational setting of ‘The Crucifixion’. The service includes a short reflection by Revd Wendy Carey. It promises to be a very special evening and we hope you can share it with us. Retiring collection. The reflection will end around 9pm.

Sunday 15th April6pm 
The Choir of the City Church Directed by Adrian Boynton
A Festive Celebration of Eastertide. Retiring collection. Finishes around 7.15pm.


Sunday 11 November            6pm
CHORAL EVENSONG SPECIAL
marking the centenary of the end of World War 1
The Choir of the City Church directed by Adrian Boynton 
Led by Revd Wendy Carey
A very special choral evening service on the exact centenary of the Armistice, featuring outstanding repertoire by Tallis, Parry and Rutter.            Freewill offering

Monday 12th November         7.15

MUSICAL MILESTONES:

HOLST - The Final Years

An illustrated talk by Adrian Boynton

Tonight's illustrated talk features The Planets, St Paul's Suite for Strings, the tone poem Beni Mora and the amazing Hymn of Jesus.

Admission £5 (student £1) at the door


Thursday 22nd November      7.15

EXPLORING MUSIC:

SCHUBERT - The Final Years

An illustrated talk by Adrian Boynton

We enjoy the incredible works of Schubert' last three years including Symphonies 8 and 9, Piano Sonata in B flat, String Quintet in C and the song cycles Winterreise and Schwanengesang.

Admission £5 (student £1) at the door


Sunday 2nd December                    6pm

THE ADVENT CAROL SERVICE

THE CHOIR OF THE CITY CHURCH

Directed by Adrian Boynton

A glorious sequence of music and readings to mark the beginning of the Advent Season.

Retiring Collection



Saturday 8th December                   11.30am

Young Musicians' Platform

ISLA RODGERS (piano)

BACH:Prelude and Fugue in D ('48' Book 2)

BEETHOVEN:Sonata in G, Op 14 No 2

LISZT:Liebestraum

DEBUSSY:La Cathedrele Engloutie (Prelude Book 1)

A short informal recital by talented 17 year old Isla prior to taking her ATCL examination in a few day's time.

Admission free. 



Monday 10th December                        7.15

MUSICAL MILESTONES

DELIUS - The Early Years

An illustrated talk by Adrian Boynton

A celebration of this most distinctive composer of the 'English Revival' featuring the lyrical works of the early years, influenced by his sojourns in USA and Germany.

Admission £5 (student £1) at the door



Thursday 13th December                        12.30  (please note date change)

THE CITY CENTRE CAROL SERVICE

Led by the Ministerial Team with

THE CHOIR OF THE CITY CHURCH

Directed by Adrian Boynton

A short service of 40 minutes, with a short reflection, familiar Christmas readings, wonderful choral offerings from the Cornerstone Choir and popular carols for all to sing. Followed by seasonal refreshments.

All welcome.



Saturday 15th December                        11.30

A CHRISTMAS CRACKER with

THE NEW ENGLISH SINGERS and SPECIAL GUESTS

Directed by Adrian Boynton

A wonderful sequence of choral and instrumental offerings by the New English Singers and their guests - always a real highlight of the seasonal calendar. Followed by seasonal refreshments. Do join us if you can and bring your friends.



Thursday 20th December                       7.15

EXPLORING MUSIC: SEASONAL SPECIAL

CHRISTMAS MUSIC THROUGH THE AGES

An illustrated talk by Adrian Boynton

An opportunity to savour some of the great musical settings associated with this special season from Medieval times to the present day. Join us for a great musical celebration.

Admission £5 (student £1) at the door



Sunday 23rd December                             6pm

THE CORNERSTONE CAROL SERVICE

THE CHOIR OF THE CITY CHURCH AND 

CORNERSTONE BRASS

Directed by Adrian Boynton

The great Christmas story, told in music and song, with fine choral offerings from the Cornerstone Choir and familiar carols for all to sing. Do join us, bring your family and friends. Followed by seasonal refreshments.

We look forward to seeing you.


2019


JANUARY 2019


Sunday 13th January           6pm

THE EPIPHANY CAROL SERVICE

The Choir of the City Church Directed by Adrian Boynton

Led by Wendy Carey

Fresh from singing services in Gloucester Cathedral, the Choir of the City Church offer a wonderful programme of seasonal settings by Cornelius, Warlock, Todd, Rutter and Boynton, interspersed with powerful readings by A.E. Fanthorpe, Thomas Treherne and Ann Lewin, and beautiful Epiphany hymns.

All are welcome. Freewill offering.


Monday 21st January          7.15pm

MUSICAL MILESTONES:          THE ENGLISH REVIVAL

DELIUS:   The Final Years

A talk illustrated with fine CD recordings by Adrian Boynton

The last 30 years of Delius's life, when he lived in Grez-sur-Loing near Fontainebleau, saw  the completion of some of his finest works, including the Requiem, the opera 'Fennimore and Gerda', Dance Rhapsody Nos 1 and 2, 'On Hearing the Cuckoo in Spring', 'Summer Night on the River' and the choral version of 'Appalachia'. Paralised by syphilis, he was aided by amanuensis Eric Fenby to complete the great works of his final years - 'A Song of Summer', Violin Sonata No 3, 'Songs of Farewell', 'Fantastic Dance' and 'Idyll: Once I passed through a popular city'. Join us to hear the story of this remarkable musician.

Admission £5 (student £1) at the door


Sunday 27th January          10.30am

THE HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL SERVICE

The Choir of the City Church Directed by Adrian Boynton

Led by Revd Ernesto Lozada-Uzuriaga

A powerful and thought-provoking service to mark Holocaust Memorial Day 2019, featuring special music by Purcell, Tippett, Rutter and Chilcott.

All welcome. Freewill offering


Thursday 31st January           7.15pm

EXPLORING MUSIC:     

SCHUMANN(i)      Early Years to 1841

A talk illustrated with fine CD recordings by Adrian Boynton

If a single composer had to be selected to represent the features of Romanticism, Schumann would be a splendid choice. Images of literature pervade his music, he was preoccupied with self expression, he was a miniaturist with a strong lyrical and harmonic gift, and his own life embodied romantic events in abundance. Tonight we explore the outstanding piano works of the 1830s - 'Abbegg' Variations, 'Papillons', 'Carnival', 'Fantasiestücke', 'Etudes Symphonique', 'Kreisleriana' - the great song cycles 'Frauenliebe und leben' and 'Dichterliebe', and the joyous 'Spring Symphony'.

Admission £5 (student £1) at the door


FEBRUARY 2019


Sunday 3rd February    3pm

GALBRIELE BALDOCCI (piano)

CHOPIN:            Impromptu No 1 in A flat, Op 29

                               Impromptu No 2 in F Sharp Op 36

                               Impromptu No 3 in G flat, Op 51

                               Fantasie-Impromptu in C sharp minor, Op 66

BEETHOVEN:  Symphony No 5 in C minor, Op 67

Italian pianist Galbriele Baldocci is known worldwide as duo partner of the legendary Martha Argerich. His extensive repertoire includes a special focus on the music of Chopin, Schumann and Liszt. In 2012 he began recording and performing the complete Beethoven Symphonies, in the challenging transcriptions of Liszt. Baldocci has performed at major venues across the world, most recently the Tonhalle in Zurich, Teatro Colon in Buenos Aires and Sala Verdi in Milan. He appears at major festivals, gives masterclasses at the leading conservatoires and universities, and is a regular jury member at international competitions.

Admission by programme at the door £12 (conc £11, child £1).


Sunday 10th February       6pm

CHORAL EVENSONG FOR THE OCTAVE OF CANDLEMAS

 The Choir of the City Church Directed by Adrian Boynton

A beautiful service of Choral Evensong to reflect the pivotal season between Epiphany and the beginning of Lent.Freewill offering.


Monday 18th February   7.15pm

MUSICAL MILESTONES:     The English Revival

EDWARD ELGAR    i)   The Early Years

A talk illustrated with fine CD recordings by Adrian Boynton

Elgar was nearly 40 years of age before he began to achieve recognition as a composer with a series of large-scale cantatas which enjoyed much success among the English choral societies. A commission to write for the Birmingham Triennial Festival of 1900 resulted in the extra-ordinary and ground breaking 'Dream of Gerontius' a work which, along with the evocative 'Sea Pictures' and brilliantly scored 'Enigma Variations', established him as a composer of international standing. Other important works of the period include the overture 'Froissant' and 'Serenade for Strings' in E minor.

Admission £5 (student £1) at the door


Thursday 28th February     7.15pm

EXPLORING MUSIC:    

 SCHUMANN       (ii)     Mature Years from 1842

A talk illustrated with fine CD recordings by Adrian Boynton 

1842 was for Schumann a remarkable year of chamber music which included a Piano Quintet, Piano Quartet and three String Quartets. Several large-scale works followed - the cantata 'Paradise and the Peri', Piano Concerto, Konzertstücke for 4 Horns and Goethe's 'Faust'. Join us for a superb evening of Romantic riches.

Admission £5 (student £1) at the door


MARCH 2019


Sunday 3rd March     6pm

CHORAL EVENSONG FOR THE FEAST OF TRANSFIGURATION (Sunday next before Lent)

The Choir of the City Church Directed by Adrian Boynton

All are invited to this special service looking forward to the Lenten season, with beautiful settings by Byrd, Purcell, Rutter and Boynton.

Freewill offering


Thursday 7th March     7.15pm

EXPLORING MUSIC:SCHUMANN

ii)        Mature Years from 1842

A talk illustrated with fine CD recordings by Adrian Boynton

Please note that this talk has been rescheduled from the originally published date of 28 February to Thursday 7th March. We will be exploring Schumann's 'Dresden Years', which include the Piano Concerto, Konzertstücke for 4 Horns and a wonderful flowering of chamber music.

Admission £5 (student £1) at the door


Monday 18th March       7.15pm

MUSICAL MILESTONES:ELGAR

ii)       The Middle Years

A talk illustrated with fine CD recordings by Adrian Boynton

In this illustrated talk, we enjoy the riches of Elgar's Middle Years, including Enigma Variations, Sea Pictures, Dream Gerontius, Symphony No 1, Cockaigne Overture and Pomp and Circumstance Marches.

Admission £5 (student £1) at the door


Saturday 23rd March        11.30am

KATIE CANELL (clarinet)         MARY COTES (piano)

STANFORD:      Three Intermezzi

BOZZA:               Aria

DEBUSSY:          Petite Piece

SCHUMANN:    Fantasiestücke

SAINT-SAENS: Sonata for Clarinet and Piano

FINZI:                 Forlana and Romance

NORTON:          Clarinet Sonata

VINTER:            Song and Dances

Katie Canell read music at King's College, Cambridge followed by a Postgraduate Diploma in Performance at the Royal Northern College of Music. She studied with Anthony Pike and Nicholas Cox. Mary Cotes is well known locally as the former Ecumenical Moderator in Milton Keynes. She now has a private teaching practice of some 50 students. Both Katie and Mary are members of the Horizon Ensemble, which has performed with distinction at the City Church on several occasions.

Admission by programme at the door £9 (conc £8.50, student £1)


Sunday 31st March 7.30pm

BRAHMS: REQUIEM

FAURÉ: REQUIEM

THE CORNERSTONE CHAMBER CHOIR & ORCHESTRA

Directed by Adrian Boynton

Our major choral/orchestral offering for the Lenten season is one of the great works of the Romantic era. The German Requiem is the central work of Brahms' career. It is unique in that it does not use the words of the traditional Requiem Mass but a Biblical text chosen by Brahms himself, centring round faith in the Resurrection rather than fear of the Day of Judgement. It inspired Brahms to produce some of his greatest music. Each section has its own character, emphasised by Brahms' subtle instrumentation. There are warm glowing colours of great beauty, majestic 'Handelian' fugues and powerful climaxes.

Tickets £17 (conc £16), £15 (conc £14) child £2 available online at https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/cornerstone-music (booking fee applies); by post from Cornerstone Music Tickets, 300 Saxon Gate West, Milton Keynes, MK9 2ES. Send a stamped S.A.E. and cheque payable to Cornerstone Music; telephone 01908 246486 (ans mach) or 07961 348697 or at the door.


APRIL 2019


Thursday 4th April 7.15pm

EXPLORING MUSIC: The Early Romantic Era

WEBERThe first Romantic

A talk illustrated with fine CD recordings by Adrian Boynton

Weber's place in the history of music is that of a liberator, setting German music free from Italian influence and establishing the great Romantic tradition which would lead ultimately to Wagner. He has outstanding gifts as a melodist, a rich command of orchestral colour (achieved according to Debussy, by 'scrutiny of the soul of each instrument'), and a real sense of how to convey atmosphere and drama. Tonight we explore the symphonies, piano concertos, the outstanding clarinet concertos and clarinet quintet, and the great operas 'Der Freischutz' and 'Oberon'.

Admission £5 (student £1) at the door


Sunday 7th April           6pm

GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD

A meditation in words and music for Passion Sunday

THE CHOIR OF THE CITY CHURCH Directed by Adrian Boynton

A meditation for Passiontide featuring music by Vittoria, Lassus, Purcell, Blow, Bruckner, Rutter and Boynton.

Freewill offering 


Monday, 8th April7.15pm

Exploring Music

Celebrates the greatest works of Elgar’s final years, including the overtures ‘Cockaigne’ and ‘In the South’, the Cello Concerto, Symphonies 2 and 3, the lovely ‘Music Makers’ cantatas, and the composer’s oratorio masterworks ‘The Apostles’ and ‘The Kingdom’.

Admission £5 at the door.


Good Friday 19th April    7.30pm

MUSIC FOR GOOD FRIDAY

THE CHOIR & INSTRUMENTALISTS OF THE CITY CHURCH

Directed by Adrian Boynton

BYRD: Ne Irascaris

ALLEGRI:Miserere

BOYNTON:Slow are the years of Light

STAINER:CRUCIFIXION

An opportunity to reflect on the significance of Good Friday as the Choir and Instrumentalists offer a powerful and moving sequence of words and music. (The reflection will conclude about 9pm.             Retiring collection


Sunday 28th April    6pm

EASTER CHORAL CELEBRATION

THE CHOIR OF THE CITY CHURCH  Directed by Adrian Boynton

A glorious musical celebration for the Easter Season, featuring music by Byrd, Handel, Stanford, Mascagni, Hadley and Rutter.

Freewill offering.


MAY 2019



Sunday 12th May     6pm

CHORAL EVENSONG FOR THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER:

The Heart of Compassion

THE CHOIR OF THE CITY CHURCH  Directed by Adrian Boynton

Led by Revd Wendy Carey

This beautiful service for the season of Easter features music by Stanford, Mathias, and a glorious setting of Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis by Hugh Blair (former organist of Worcester Cathedral)

Freewill offering



Sunday 19th May     7.30pm

LYRA VOCAL ENSEMBLE:

Marina Busse (soprano)  Zlata Gogol (contralto)

Aleksander Shagun (tenor)  Alexander Urbanovitch (bass)

A programme of Russian Sacred Music, classic songs and arias and superb arrangements of Russian folk songs, featuring the music of

SCHUBERT                    GRIEG

TCHAIKOVSKY             RACHMANINOV

DARGOMYZHSKY        SVIRIDOV

SISOEV                            VILBOA

We are delighted to welcome LYRA vocal ensemble to the City Church as part of their 2019 UK tour. The four members of the group, based in St Petersburg, are among Russia's most talented and distinguished solo singers. As LYRA, they have toured the world, and won plaudits in international competitions. The first part of the groups programme ranges from traditional music of the Russian Orthodox Church, through choral masterworks of the Romantic era and Twentieth Century, to great arias and popular classics of both the Russian and European traditions. The second part of the programme features Russian folk songs in all their variety - lyrical songs and love songs. Don't miss this opportunity to hear these fine musicians.

Admission by programme at the door £10 (concession £9.50, child £1)



Monday 20th May    7.15pm

MUSICAL MILESTONES:The English Revival

HERBERT HOWELLS  (1892-1983)

A talk illustrated with fine CD recordings by Adrian Boynton

Howell's mature style is a fusion of many things English, from Parry to Walton. His early chamber works reveal both a natural poet in sound and a musician keenly alive to structure. His songs are among the finest by English composers in the Twentieth century. Outstanding church music demonstrates his love of choral texture in a resonant acoustic, with many works written for particular buildings. The crowning glory of his output are the great works for choir and orchestra, 'Stabat Mater', 'Missa Sabrinensis', and his masterpiece, 'Hymnus Paradisi', a visionary and inspired work written in response to the death of his 9 year old son from spinal meningitis.Admission £5 (student £1) at the door



Thursday 30th May       7.15pm 

EXPLORING MUSIC:

MENDELSSOHN  (i)  The Early Years to 1833

A talk illustrated with fine CD recordings by Adrian Boynton

Mendelssohn's gifts were phenomenal. He was a superb pianist, a good violinist, an exceptional organist, and an inspiring conductor, with an amazing musical memory. His genius as a composer led Bulow to describe him as the most complete master of form after Mozart. Tonight we survey the works of his teens and early twenties, including the Piano Quartets in C minor and F minor (the first of these written at the age of 13), the exhilarating Octet (his first 'mature' work, written at the age of 16), String Quartets in Eb and A minor, beautiful songs and solo piano pieces, the overtures 'A Midsummer Nights Dream' and 'The Hebrides' (Fingals Cave'), Piano Concerto in G minor and 'Reformation' Symphony.

Admission £5 (student £1) at the door


JUNE 2019


Wednesday 12th June         7.30pm

DAVID MALUSA (piano)

SCHUBERT:              Klavierstuck in Eb major, D946 n. 2

BEETHOVEN:           Sonata in Ab major, op. 110

                                      Sonata quasi una fantasia in C# minor, op. 27 n. 2

RACHMANINOV:    Etude Tableau in C minor, op. 39 n.1 

                                      Prelude in G minor, op. 23 n. 5 

CHOPIN:                    Andante Spianato et Grande Polonaise Brillante, op. 22 

                                      Fantasie Impromptu in C# minor, op. 66 

SCRIABIN:                 Etude in C# minor op. 2 

                                      Etude in B minor, op. 8 n. 3 

                                      Prelude for the left hand op. 9 

David Malusa graduated 'cum laude' from the Conservatoire Arrigo Pedrollo in Vincenza and completed the Master of Music programme and the Artist Diploma course at the Royal College of Music with distinction. He has been prizewinner at several international competitions, including first prizes at the Citta di Carrara, Citti di Cantalupa and the Jacques Samuel Intercollegiate Competition. A CD of his Wigmore Hall debut recital was highly acclaimed. Malusa returns to the City Church in an irresistible programme of classical and romantic masterworks.

Admission by programme at the door £12 (conc £11, child £1)


Monday 17th June        7.15pm

MUSICAL MILESTONES:       The English Revival

GERALD FINZI

A talk illustrated with fine CD recordings by Adrian Boynton

Finzi's refined English pastoral idiom has its roots in Elgar and Vaughan Williams but also owes much to his respect for Bach and 18th century English composers. His instrumental works - including Ecologue for Piano and Strings, Cello Concerto and the delightful Clarinet Concerto - are marked by fertile thematic inversion, tender passion and superb string textures. His spacious 'Intimations of Immortality' and 'In terra pax' make an outstanding contribution to the English choral tradition. Above all, his solo vocal works - settings of Hardy and Traherne, including the great orchestral song cycle 'Dies Natalis' - reveal his exceptional sensitivity to English verse, and mark him as a composer of true genius.

Admission £5 (student £1) at the door


Sunday 23rd June         6pm

THE GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT

THE CHOIR OF THE CITY CHURCH Directed by Adrian Boynton

Join us for a wonderful choral celebration of the season of Pentecost and the Holy Trinity, featuring music by Tallis, Gibbons, Bruckner, Mathias and Boynton, and a selection of beautiful readings.

Freewill offering 



Thursday 27th June        7.15pm

EXPLORING MUSIC: 

MENDELSSOHN      (ii)    The Mature Years  (1833-1847)

A talk illustrated with fine CD recordings by Adrian Boynton

The 1830s and early '40s saw the completion of some  of the great works for which Mendelssohn is chiefly remembered - the Italian and Scotch Symphonies, the Violin Concerto in E minor, the incidental music 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', the Piano Trios in D and C minor, the beautiful 'Song without Words' for piano solo and oratorios 'St Paul' and 'Elijah'. Some of Mendelssohn's later works may lack the spontaneity of his earlier compositions, but they demonstrate superb craftsmanship, melodic elegance, inventive orchestration and a fine blend of classical structure and romantic colour.

Admission £5 (student £1) at the door


Saturday 29th June         11.30am

SUMMER SERENADE

THE NEW ENGLISH SINGERS and SPECIAL GUESTS

Directed by Adrian Boynton

Adrian Boynton directs the New English Singers in a glorious summer programme which includes English madrigals, Victorian Partsongs, Brazilian and Venezuelan folk songs, beautiful settings of Stanford, Finzi and Vaughan Williams, and a touch of Gershwin and Porter. Special guests instrumentalists add richness and colour to the wonderful tapestry of sounds. Do join us to savour the aural delights and bring your friends. The afterwards, linger for awhile to enjoy Summer Cup and convivial company.

Admission £10 (conc £9.50, child £1) by programme at the door



JULY 2019


Sunday 7th July          7.30pm 

SUMMER CELEBRATION    featuring                 In aid of Advantage Africa

David Fanshawe's thrilling

AFRICAN SANCTUS

THE CORNERSTONE CHAMBER CHOIR, CORNERSTONE YOUNG VOICES, MUSIC SERVICE INTERMEDIATE CHOIR AND INSTRUMENTAL ENSEMBLE

Directed by Adrian Boynton

David Fanshawe spent much time in Africa in his mid to late twenties absorbing African culture, researching African folk music, and making a unique library of location recordings. In 1972 he wrote the extraordinary 'African Sanctus', which blends dramatically and movingly, the authentic sounds of various regions of North and East Africa with the colours, rhythms and harmonies of Twentieth century Western music. An award-winning BBC television film of the 'Sanctus', made on location, was shown in many parts of the world in the mid '70s, and since then the work has received international acclaim. Our celebration concert will include other exciting works from the African and Afro-American traditions. Special rates for parties of 10 or more available.


Tickets £17 (conc £16), £15 (conc £14) child £2 available online at 

https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/cornerstone-music (booking fee applies), by post from Cornerstone Music Tickets, 300 Saxon Gate West, Milton Keynes, MK9 2ES. Send a stamped S.A.E. and cheque payable to Cornerstone Music; telephone 01908 246486 (ans mach) or 07961 348697, email boyntonmusic@btinternet.com, 9 High Street, Olney, MK46 4EB or at the door.


Monday 15th July         7.15pm

MUSICAL MILESTONES:        The English Revival

JOHN IRELAND & CYRIL SCOTT

A talk illustrated with fine CD recordings by Adrian Boynton

Ireland established his reputation with a fine body of chamber music demonstrating on exceptionally refined understanding of the instruments involved. His orchestral tone poems and overtures are colourfully scored and his Piano Concerto, with its racy jazz interludes, is among the finest of the Twentieth Century. The great choral work 'These things shall be' is an inspirational work expressing the composer's deepest hopes for mankind. Born just one month after Ireland, Cyril Scott became known as the 'English Debussy' on account of the Impressionist style of his piano and chamber works. He also produced a fine Piano Concerto, along with other symphonic and choral works.

Admission £5 (student £1) at the door


Thursday 25th July       7.15pm

EXPLORING MUSIC:       The Early Romantics

CHOPIN      (i)   The Early Years to 1831

A talk illustrated with fine CD recordings by Adrian Boynton

Chopin, the greatest poet of the piano, used harmonic imagination and melodic invention to transform old forms and create new ones. We explore his upbringing in Warsaw, his studentship at Warsaw Conservatoire, his first tour of Germany and acclaimed visit to Vienna, and early years in Paris. The music of this period includes Sonata No 1, Piano Trio, Variations on Mozart's 'La ci darem', the two great Piano Concertos, and some fine Nocturnes, Waltzes, Mazurkas and Polonaises.

Admission £5 (student £1) at the door


Sunday 28th July         6pm 

CHORAL EVENSONG

THE CHOIR OF THE CITY CHURCH  Directed by Adrian Boynton

Freewill offering


SEPTEMBER 2019


Saturday 28th September        11.30am

THE RIDGEWAY ENSEMBLE

Judith Sheridan (soprano)Margaret Richards (cello)

Daniel King Smith (piano)William Winfield (reader)

VICTORIA & ALBERT - A MUSICAL ROMANCE

Bicentenary Celebration

MENDELSSOHN:Song Without Words, Op 109

Ich wollt' meine Lieb

Maiglockchen und die Blümlein 

BELLINI:Malinconia

ALBERT:Ein ständchen/Der Bettler

Letzten Worte eines Barden

MOZART:The Magic Flute (selection)

VIARDOT:En Mer

SCHUMANN:Er ist gekommen

ELGAR:Chanson de Matin, Op 15

SULLIVAN:The Sun whose rays

Queen Victoria and Prince Albert's mutual passion for music was at the heart of their relationship from the very beginning. An accomplished composer, Albert shared his creative process in letters to the young Queen, and, as their married life progressed, it was punctuated by concerts, private performances and audiences with the musical elite of Europe. The Ridgeway Ensemble returns to the City Church to bring to life the musical world of the royal couple, through readings from their letters and diaries, contemporary accounts and performances of composers such as Mendelssohn, Elgar and Sullivan. At the heart of the programme are songs by Prince Albert himself for voice, cello and piano, which have remained unpublished and unperformed until now. Also noteworthy is the inclusion of works by three women composers - Fanny Mendelssohn, Pauline Viardot and Clara Schumann (whose bicentenary falls this year). 

Join us for this celebration of the musical tastes and achievements of a royal couple, opening a window into the musical life of Victorian England.


OCTOBER 2019


Sunday 20th October         6pm

A CHORAL CELEBRATION  OF SCOTLAND

THE CHOIR OF THE CITY CHURCH 

Directed by Adrian Boynton   Led by Revd Wendy Carey

Join us for a glorious celebration of Scottish composers, hymn writers and poets, with fine examples of Scottish choral writing, old and new, beautiful arrangements, of Scottish melodies and the beautiful music of the Iona tradition. The service includes Adrian Boynton's original composition 'An Iona Blessing' his arrangement of 'A Touching Place', and music by the great Scottish composer of our day James MacMillan.

All are welcome.  Freewill offering

 

Monday 21st October        7.15pm

MUSICAL MILESTONES:The English Revival

ARNOLD BAX & GEORGE BUTTERWORTH

A talk illustrated with fine CD recordings by Adrian Boynton

Arnold Bax is one of Britain's neglected treasures. His orchestral tone poems - 'Tintagel', 'In the Faery Hills', 'The Garden of Fand', and others - are among the finest of any of the English late romantics. His seven symphonies, luxuriantly scored and full of romantic melody, contain, to quote Michael Kennedy, "far too much good music to deserve their current total neglect." His chamber works are beautifully crafted for the instruments, and there are some exquisite short choral pieces. George Butterworth demonstrated exceptional promise as a composer before his untimely death in the trenches at Pozieres in 1916. Tonight we hear his 'The Banks of Green Willow' and 'A Shropshire Lad'. 

Admission £5 (student £1) at the door


Thursday 31st October    7.15pm 

EXPLORING MUSIC:150th Anniversary Celebration

BERLIOZ: The Early Years

A talk illustrated with fine CD recordings by Adrian Boynton

Among the early Romantic masters Berlioz stands apart - a musician of extraordinary flair, grand ideas and a formidable sense of drama. Tonight we feature his early songs, the 'Messe Solenelle' (recently rediscovered after being lost for more than a century and a half), the first concert overtures, the dramatic cantata 'La Mort de Cleopatra', the epoch-making 'Symphonie Fantastique', which won him the Prix de Rome in 1831, the beautiful song cycle 'Nuits d'été' and the autobiographical symphony with viola solo 'Harold in Italy'. A feast of great music.

Admission £5 (student £1) at the door


NOVEMBER 2019


Sunday 3rd November           3pm   (please note start time)

AMIT YAHAV    (piano)

MENDELSSOHN:Fantasy in F sharp minor, Op 28 

SCHUMANN:Fantasy in C major, Op 17

CHOPIN:Nocturnes in Bb minor, F min & B maj

CHOPIN:Polonaise - Fantaisie in Ab, Op 61

CHOPIN:Three Mazurkas, Op 50

CHOPIN:Fantasy in F minor, Op 49

Amit Yahav graduated with honours from the Royal College of Music. He won the Anthony Lindsay prize and the Brooks-van der Pump prize. He was awarded the Special Jury Prize at the Northwood - Ruislip Concerto Competition and was First Prizewinner at the International Israeli Competition in London. He has received high praise for his interpretations of Schumann and Chopin, including several acclaimed recordings, and is currently conducting doctoral research into the latter, with the support of the RCM's Polonsky Award. Amit's Milton Keynes recital features the piano fantasy of the nineteenth century, culminating in Chopin's great Fantasy in F minor.

Admission by programme at the door £12 (conc £11, child £1) 


Sunday 10th November     6pm

CHORAL EVENSONG FOR REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY

THE CHOIR OF THE CITY CHURCH  

directed by Adrian Boynton     Led by Revd Tim Norwood

A beautiful service reflecting the season of All Saints, All Souls & 

Remembrance, with music by Tallis, Stanford, Ireland and Rutter.

Retiring Collection

 

Monday 11th November        7.15pm

MUSICAL MILESTONES:The English Revival

SIR ARTHUR BLISS & E.J. MOERAN

A talk illustrated with fine CD recordings by Adrian Boynton

For 22 years Sir Arthur Bliss filled the role of Master of the Queen's Music with flair and energy. His early Stravinskian phase gave way to works in a bold, post-Elgarian style, vigorous and rich in texture. Some of his best music is to be found in his chamber-works, notably the Clarinet Quintet, written for Frederick Thurston, and Oboe Quintet for Leon Goossens. His sense of drama and vivid musical imagery find their truest outlet in the ballets 'Checkmate' and 'Miracle in the Gorbals', and the excellent film score 'Things to Come'. Outstanding later works include 'Meditations on a Theme of John Blow', and the Cello Concerto. In contrast to the Bliss brilliance, we experience the warmhearted lyricism of E.J. Moeran in his Rhapsody for Piano and Orchestra, Symphony in G minor and Violin Concerto.

Admission £5 (student £1) at the door

 

Saturday 23rd November          1pm (please note start time)

CRISTIAN GRAJNER DE SA (violin)

MARINA NADIRADZE (piano)

BEETHOVEN:Violin Sonata in G, Op 96

BRAHMS:Scherzo in C minor

KREISLER:Two Miniatures

DEBUSSY:Violin Sonata in G minor

PAGANINI:Two Caprices

SARASATE:Zigeunerweisen

"His performances reflect a huge musicality, depth of interpretation 

and technical expertise" [Vienna International Competition 2019]

Cristian was a finalist in BBC Young Musician 2012. He won 1st Prize in the inaugural 'Graba' International Violin Competition 2015. Last year he was one of seven violinists chosen to perform the semi-final stage of the George Enescu International Competition, and earlier this year was awarded the Gold Medal with High Distinction at the 1st International Vienna Competition. He has appeared at some of Europe's most celebrated festivals and academies, including the Sommerakademie Mozarteum, International Holland Music Sessions and Academia de Musique, Lausanne. Cristian is joined in this recital by outstanding accompanist and multiple prize-winner Marina Nadiradze, whose playing was recently compared by The Independent to that of the great Mitsuko Uchida. 

Admission by programme at the door £10 (child £1)


Thursday 28th November   7.15pm 

EXPLORING MUSIC:The Romantics

BERLIOZ: (ii)The Mature Years

A talk illustrated with fine CD recordings by Adrian Boynton

Berlioz's Requiem is on a huge scale. It calls for 16 timpani, and brass bands in the four corners of the church!  Yet in some ways it is an intimate piece, and there are moments of exceptional beauty. The dramatic symphony 'Romeo and Juliet' (which greatly impressed Wagner) is full of delightful moments that wonderfully capture the atmosphere of the play. Two works of 1854 reflect different aspect of Berlioz's art - the ceremonial 'Te Deum', very much in the grand manner, and the gentle, homely oratorio 'L'Enfance du Christ'. His last two compositions also offer striking contrasts. The Shakespearian comic opera 'Beatrice and Bénédict', and the great epic 'The Trojans', a work of immense proportions, drawing together many of the creative threads from Berlioz's life. 

Admission £5 (student £1) at the door


DECEMBER 2019


Sunday 1st December  6pm

THE ADVENT CAROL SERVICE  'O Come, O Come, Emmanuel'

THE CHOIR OF THE CITY CHURCH Directed by Adrian Boynton

Writers and musicians down the centuries have been  

inspired by the season of Advent with its special atmosphere 

of anticipation and expectation. Join us to share this 

atmosphere in a beautiful candlelit service featuring passages 

of scripture, poetry and prose and fine musical settings reflecting a range of styles from the High Renaissance to the present day. The service will conclude at 7.20pm.

Freewill offering.


Monday 9th December        7.15pm 

MUSICAL MILESTONES:The English Revival

RUTLAND BOUGHTON & EDMUND RUBBRA

A talk illustrated with fine CD recordings by Adrian Boynton   

Tonight we consider the remarkable contribution to English music of two 'local boys'. Aylesbury-born Rutland Boughton effectively founded Glastonbury Festival - as a vehicle for Wagnerian-style choral dramas based on Arthurian legend!  Alongside major choral and theatre works, he wrote fine symphonies, concertos and chamber music. Northampton-born Edmund Rubbra's prolific output covers all musical forms except opera. His superb handling of modal harmony in a distinctively English tradition makes him a more than worthy successor to his teacher, Holst. His output includes beautiful religious choral works, outstanding chamber works and songs, and no less than eleven symphonies, whose musical substance and spiritual grandeur have still to be fully appreciated. 

Admission £5 (student £1) at the door


Tuesday 17th December      12.30pm

THE CITY CENTRE CAROL SERVICE

THE CHOIR OF THE CITY CHURCH  Directed by Boynton

Led by the Ministerial Team

Join us for this lovely lunchtime service of 45 minutes, followed by seasonal refreshments.


Thursday 19th December   7.15pm 

EXPLORING MUSIC special  

CHRISTMAS MUSIC THROUGH THE AGES  (i) Medieval to BaroqueA talk illustrated with fine CD recordings by Adrian Boynton   

In this seasonal special we trace the development of the carol from 

its origins as a medieval round dance through the homophonic 

carols and polyphonic Christmas motets of the Reformation to 

the polychoral splendours of the late Renaissance and early Baroque 

in works by Gabrieli, Monteverdi, Hassler and Schutz. Mature 

Baroque masterpieces form the culmination of our journey, and 

we end the evening with the greatest of all - Bach's Christmas Oratorio - as prelude to a performance of the work by the Cornerstone Chamber Choir and Orchestra on 5th January.

Admission £5 (student £1) at the door 


Saturday 21st December       11.30am 

A CHRISTMAS CRACKER   with

THE NEW ENGLISH SINGERS & SPECIAL GUESTS

Directed by Adrian Boynton

This is a lovely event for the whole family. The New 

English Singers capture the joy and happiness of the Christmas Season with a range of choral settings from around the world reflecting different styles and traditions with guest appearances from fine instrumental soloists, and surprises and delights at every turn, this promises to be a real 'cracker' of a Christmas concert. Following the music we invite you to linger awhile, relax and enjoy seasonal refreshments.

Admission (to include refreshments) £10 (children £1) at the door


Sunday 22nd December      6pm 

THE CORNERSTONE CAROL SERVICE  'Joy to the World'

THE CITY CHURCH CHOIR & CORNERSTONE BRASS

Directed by Adrian Boynton   Led by the Ministerial Team 

A joyful celebration of the Saviours birth in words and music, 

with familiar carols for all to sing, magnificent choral offerings 

from the choir and lively contributions from Cornerstone Brass.

Do join us and bring your friends. Freewill offering.