Iris Axon Concert Series Resumes in the New Year
Hugo Mackay and Junyan Chen play pieces for cello and piano
Junyan Chen (left) and Hugo Mackay (right). Picture: Facebook
December 20, 2024
The first concert of the New Year in the Iris Axon Concert Series (IACS) will be on Sunday 5 January at 4pm featuring Hugh Mackay (cello) and Junyan Chen (piano) with a programme which they describe as an evocative recital of music featuring three remarkable works for cello and piano: Fazıl Say’s Sonata for Cello and Piano, ‘Four Cities’, a vivid musical journey through four distinct Turkish cities, each movement capturing their unique spirit and atmosphere. Nadia Boulanger’s 3 Pieces for Cello and Piano, offering an intimate exploration of her compositional voice through delicate, lyrical melodies and rich harmonies.
With 2025 marking the 50th anniversary of Shostakovich’s death, the concert concludes with his dramatic Sonata for Cello and Piano in D minor, a work of deep emotional intensity, combining moments of introspection with powerful, energetic passages.
Jane Schopf, Founder and Organiser IACS, said, 'I do hope you will be able to join us to celebrate the New Year with these quite exceptional pieces and performers.
The Iris Axon Concert Series is an annual season of short (60-70 minute) monthly recitals on Sunday afternoons at the Acton Hill Church. The series was started by Music Director Jane Schopf in 2004 to provide a venue for young musicians starting on their professional careers, many of whom have subsequently enjoyed international success in competitions and on the concert platform. The series has continued to grow and now attracts established international artists as well.
Originally called the Acton Classical Music Concert Series, it was re-named in 2009 in memory of one of its most loyal supporters, Iris Axon, who made possible the purchase of a concert grand, handmade by Clive Pinkham.
The church is deemed ideal for concerts as it has the largest unsupported wooden barrel-vault ceiling in London which brings out the middle harmonics, creating a luxuriously warm sound.
Concerts are held on the first Sunday of the month at 4pm. Programmes at the door. There are crèche facilities available.
More information is available at classicalconcerts-acton.com.
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