The charming twelfth-century church of St Mary’s Perivale, for centuries a village parish church, is now a chamber music venue on the London musical scene. Under the direction of Dr Hugh Mathers, the building hosts a busy programme of solo and chamber music recitals, numbering over 500 since 2005. A group of Purcellians played an afternoon recital at St Mary’s on the afternoon of Saturday 2nd October. Pianists Rachele Howes and Nikita Lukinov played solo works by Schumann, Chopin and Bartók, cellist Niki Moosavi played the first movement of Brahms’s first cello sonata, Head Girl India Blackshaw-Britton played the first movement of Bruch’s G minor violin concerto, Cameron McDonnell played the first movement of York Bowen’s horn sonata, and Hambel Goodchild (flute) played music by Enescu and Martinů. Hambel, Niki, India and Cameron were accompanied by Daniel Swain. The intimate ambience of this tiny, beautifully restored medieval church was enhanced by the warmth of the audience’s welcome and the autumn sunshine pouring in through the windows. Purcellians were intrigued by the idea of summoning the audience back to the church from the churchyard at the end of the interval by ringing the church bells – some lent a hand with this task! Purcell pupils have been regular performers at this venue for ten years: we look forward to the opportunity for further visits.
