The buzzing music scene in H&F is adding a new festival to its annual schedule of live events as a three-day classical extravaganza launches in Hammersmith this May.
The new Black Lion Festival is bringing leading international musicians to the borough with a trio of classical concerts suitable for all the family.
Work from composers Beethoven, Liszt and Fauré are on the bill during the festival from 9-11 May at the stunning Grade II*-listed St Peter's Church in Black Lion Lane.
Children can also enjoy a taste of classical sounds at a special showcase of Prokofiev's Peter and the Wolf, as well as the London premiere of four new children's pieces.
Friendly and welcoming
Shepherds Bush-based musical entrepreneur Orlanda Bryars said the music festival would "deliver inspiring performances in an intimate and historic setting".
"People can sometimes think that classical music can be a bit formal, but the festival's aim is to be very friendly and welcoming," she explained.
There's a lot of musical interest and talent in west London, so we would love this to become an annual event for H&F.
"I'm passionate about bringing children into musical settings at an early age, which is why we wanted to include a festival day specifically aimed at children."
Orlanda has teamed up with Travis Baker, the organist and music director at St Peter's, and Australian composer Lee Bradshaw to develop the new festival.
The focus of the festival is on creating an experience for all music lovers, whether seasoned classical fans or new to the genre.
Outstanding performances
Celebrated Australian concert pianist Stefan Cassomenos is due to launch the festival's opening night from 7pm on Friday 9 May with a breathtaking performance of German composer Ludwig van Beethoven's Symphony No. 9.
The original symphony has been reimagined in Hungarian composer Franz Liszt's solo piano transcription, creating an intimate and dynamic form of the work.
"I've been a singer for a long time and sung at many of west London's stunning church venues and, after performing at St Peter's a few years ago, what stood out was its piano," said Orlanda.
"I knew the piano would be able to keep up with Stefan's talent as a piano virtuoso."
The festival continues from 7pm on Saturday 10 May with a serene performance of French composer Gabriel Fauré's Requiem, presented in a beautiful arrangement by Michael Higgins.
Performed by the West London Chamber Choir, the choir of St. Peter's, and the acclaimed Cirrus String Quartet, the moving masterpiece is accompanied by organist and St Peter's music director Travis Baker and directed by Hilary Campbell.
Children's proms
At the family-focused Kinder Proms on Sunday 11 May, four poems by Winnie-the-Pooh writer AA Milne have been set to music by Lee Bradshaw and will be premiered at the concert.
A mix of storytelling and music will create a vibrant atmosphere for youngsters at the performance from 2.30-5pm, which features the classic tale of Peter and the Wolf by Russian composer Sergei Prokofiev.
With a single parent concession available, Orlanda emphasised how important it was for all families to be able to get involved.
"I was widowed when I was five months pregnant with my daughter, so it was really important for me to include a single parent concession price," explained Orlanda, 42, who is an ambassador for the charity Widowed and Young (WAY).
Having previously organised a concert featuring Stefan Cassomenos alongside partner Julian before his sudden, tragic heart attack in 2019, the new festival is "about looking forward to the future", she said.
"Music is so emotive and Julian would be so pleased, because he was very passionate about this," added Orlanda.
Find out more and book tickets on the Black Lion Festival's Eventbrite webpage.
