St James’s Piccadilly is delighted to announce that following the intensive restoration and building works completed during the first phase of the Wren Project, its long-established free lunchtime concert series returns commencing on 2 April 2025.
St James’s is particularly grateful that the concert series returns with generous support from Rolex. This will enable it to extend the reach and impact of the programme for the next 12 months.
The lunchtime concerts at St James’s have long been noted for their high standard of classical music brought to London audiences in the form of free 45-minute lunchtime concerts. The programme of classical music has built up a loyal following over the years and gained a reputation as a springboard for young classical musical talent. Over the next 12 months, the programme will focus on a number of areas.
Increased support for young musicians and audiences –new opportunities for young musicians and a chance to increase its outreach to new, younger audiences in London. St James’s will continue to work in partnership with London music education institutions to offer young talent the chance to perform in concert. And, it will also develop these opportunities beyond the established partnerships.
New programming opportunities – the programme will build on its core creative value during the next 12 months through opportunities to showcase the work of composers traditionally underrepresented in the classical music world as well as developing new strands not previously possible. In the case of the latter, this includes concerts specifically for families with children and a new strand of free Saturday Live afternoon concerts with a focus on jazz and genres in addition to classical music.
Addressing isolation and loneliness – the established lunchtime concert programme has shown itself to be an important informal social support for isolated people in London, including older people, people experiencing poverty and those living with poor physical or mental health. The extended programme will allow St James’s to deepen its outreach to London’s residents experiencing isolation and loneliness.
The free concert programme
The 12-month season of free lunchtime concerts will commence on Wed 2 April 2025 at 1:10pm with Felicia Toni – solo piano, presented in association with Guildhall School of Music and Drama.
The first of the new Saturday Live series of free Saturday afternoon concerts will launch on Sat 5 April. This programme will grow to include concerts aimed at families with children currently under development that will launch later in 2025.
Full up-to-date details of the programme can be found at https://www.sjp.org.uk/whats-on/secretary@mayfairstjames.london
