Classical Preview: Lunchtime respite from hurly burly of work

Few things in life are free, but on Monday lunchtimes for the next seven months we can step out of the hurly-burly of our working lives and seek refuge in Leeds Town Hall for a short organ recital.
By The Newsroom
Published 3rd Sep 2010, 13:40 BST
Updated 3rd Sep 2010, 13:40 BST

Usually in the hands of Simon Lindley, his guests this year include the internationally renowned concert artist, Jane Parker-Smith (September 20); the extrovert American, Carlo Curley (February 28), and from Liverpool Cathedral, Ian Tracey to play his arrangement of Respighi's orchestral showpiece, The Pines of Rome (February 7).

Introducing voices to the series, the Yorkshire Three Choirs' Festival bring a performance of Durufle's Requiem (October 4), and the choirs of Leeds Parish Church and Cathedral combine in a concert that includes Lindley's Ave Maria (November 22).

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The most extended concert comes with Handel's Israel in Egypt, six soloists joining Lindley who conducts the St Peter's Singers Chamber Orchestra and Soloists (February 21).

Come and go as your lunchtime dictates, Lindley's opening concert, a week this coming Monday, containing seven works from British composers, Fricker, Wesley and Smart. His sense of adventure later taking him to music as diverse as Buxtehude's Magnificat and Sullivan's The Lost Chord.

You can enjoy another free event each Friday lunchtime at the Leeds Parish Church, Christopher Newton today introducing us to a month of little-known American organ music from composer's whose names will most likely be new to you.

Leeds Town Hall, September 13-April 18, 1.05pm; Leeds Parish Church, September 3-July 29, 12.30pm.

Related topics:AmericanCathedral