Take a trip to the theatres and opera houses of Paris this summer as West London Strings shares a musical performance inspired by the city’s cultural pedigree.
The free concert ‘A Passion for Paris’ will transport music lovers through three centuries of classical music during a performance on Sunday 7 July at St Mary’s Church in Edith Road, West Kensington.
The 40-strong string orchestra, comprising violin, viola and cello players, will kick off the hour-long concert at 4pm.
Spanning music from French composer Claude Debussy, to one of Louis XIV’s favourite composers Jean-Baptiste Lully, the concert is inspired by the upcoming Paris Olympics this summer.
The theme extends to include music from American composer George Gershwin, known for his piece ‘An American in Paris’.
Music from German composer Christoph Gluck and Italian composer Gioachino Rossino – who both spent time writing for the Paris opera – also features on the bill.
Susanna Wilson, conductor at West London Strings, explains: “This exciting summer concert is a chance for everyone from the local community to come along and listen to some wonderful music in beautiful surroundings.
“As we look forward to the Olympic Games being held in Paris this summer, our concert celebrates the many residents and visiting musicians who have taken their inspiration from the city of Paris, and in turn shaped its musical history.
“Our programme will include pieces by Tchaikovsky, Debussy and Gershwin, and will last for just over an hour.
“The orchestra is such a welcoming group in West Kensington and we are delighted to be able to share our passion for strings with other music lovers.”
West London Strings
Formed in 2009, West London Strings is celebrating its 15th anniversary of bringing together keen strings players in H&F.
The friendly amateur group, which meets at St Mary’s Church Hall in West Kensington on Monday evenings during term time and rehearses from 7.15pm to 9.30pm, is always keen to welcome new musicians.
Cellist Nicholas Theobald adds: “I’m so happy to have joined this friendly local community orchestra and get to know so much new music under the expert baton of Susanna Wilson, our conductor.”
The concert is free to attend, with a charity collection in aid of Guide Dogs and West London Strings.
