Scientists ask public to help discover effect of extreme weather on butterflies
Wildlife charity, Butterfly Conservation, is today calling on people across the country to take part in this year’s Big Butterfly Count (14 July – 6 August) to help scientists understand the impact of climate change on our most-loved butterflies.
(more…)Discover the Best of London Culture at the St Marylebone Festival!
Join us at St Marylebone Parish Church for an exciting festival celebration of the rich cultural heritage of Marylebone and our community!
From music concerts and opera to free evening lectures and film screenings, our festival has something for everyone.
Immerse yourself in the vibrant music scene of London with performances from some of the city’s most talented musicians.
Expand your knowledge with our evening lectures, where you’ll have the opportunity to hear from leading experts in their fields. Our lecture series celebrates important figures from Marylebone’s history, from artists and architects to physicians, nurses, and suffragists.
Experience the magic of cinema with our film screenings, showcasing the best of classic British cinema by the filmmakers Powell and Pressburger.
With a range of events taking place across the city, our festival is the perfect opportunity to explore the best of London culture.
Don’t miss out on this incredible celebration of art, music, and knowledge. Book your tickets now and get ready to discover the best of London!
Debussy and Wagner: Music of Transcendence – 24th June, 18:00-20:00
Join us for a magical evening of classical music as we present a captivating concert featuring the works of two of the greatest composers of all time – Richard Wagner and Claude Debussy.
Taking place in our stunning central London venue of St Marylebone Parish Church on the 24th of June, this is an event not to be missed by any music lover.
Experience the soaring melodies and epic soundscapes of Wagner’s masterpieces, Wesendonck-Lieder and Siegfried Idyll. Then, be transported to a dreamlike world with Debussy’s enchanting composition, Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune.
Performed by a talented chamber orchestra and soprano Katherine Crompton, and conducted by a renowned maestro, Bertie Baigent, this concert promises to be an unforgettable experience.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to witness the beauty and power of Wagner and Debussy’s music in one spectacular evening. Tickets are available here: https://bit.ly/40Lo5gv
Mansfield Park – 8th July 17:00-19:15
An opera by Jonathan Dove | Libretto by Alasdair Middleton | After a novel by Jane Austen
The much-beloved, extremely popular production of Jonathan Dove’s Mansfield Park is coming to St Marylebone Festival as part of a 10-date national tour by Waterperry Opera Festival over the summer.
This period-perfect opera brings Jane Austen’s world to life with charming wit and stunning music. Directed by Rebecca Meltzer, this production has received widespread critical-acclaim and has had three sold out runs at Waterperry over the years. Accompanied on the piano by Music Director Ashley Beauchamp, 10 singers perform as an ensemble of loveable characters pulling at our heartstrings and making us laugh-out-loud.
This intimate production brings audiences right into the centre of the action. Perfect for Austen and music lovers alike, be prepared to be whisked away.
Duration: Approx. 2h15m, includes a 20 minute interval.
Reviews
The Telegraph
“Waterperry…proves that opera does not have to be grand to be successful.”
★★★★★ | Bachtrack
“Mansfield Park sparkled with wit and ingenuity from start to finish. As intimate opera experiences go, Waterperry Opera Festival’s fresh, joy-fuelled Mansfield Park sets a new benchmark of quality, vibrancy and sheer fun. Starting at this level, the bar is set remarkably high for next year’s festival.”
Opera Magazine
“Mansfield Park…was a total joy, by turns laugh-out-loud funny and shed-a-tear sad. The packed audience at the first performance give it a well-deserved standing ovation.”
Oxford Daily Info
“Rebecca Meltzer’s sparkling production of Dove’s chamber opera Mansfield Park ran the gamut of every emotion: it moved the audience to tears during the rhapsodic standing ovation, and its two acts were an unbroken joy.”
Opera Scene
“…a delightful entertainment, full of charm and wit, fine ensemble work and clear characterisation…”
Film Screenings
Experience the magic of the movies with our film screening series, which showcases the critically acclaimed works of British filmmakers Powell and Pressburger.
From the iconic “The Red Shoes” to the sweeping romance of “Black Narcissus,” this series showcases the stunning visuals and innovative storytelling that made Powell and Pressburger legends of British cinema.
Join us for a journey through some of their most beloved films, including “A Matter of Life and Death” and “The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp.” Each screening will be introduced by a film expert who will provide fascinating insights into the making of these cinematic masterpieces.
Don’t miss this opportunity to see these classic films in the special location of our Crypt Hall. Book your tickets now and experience the magic of Powell and Pressburger’s cinema.
Lectures
Join us for a fascinating series of evening lectures exploring the lives and legacies of historic prominent figures from Marylebone in the 19th century, from celebrated artists and architects to medical pioneers and suffragists.
Discover the stories of remarkable individuals who shaped the history of our community, from pioneering physician Elizabeth Garrett Anderson to social reformer Octavia Hill. Each lecture will delve into the achievements, challenges, and impact of these influential figures, providing a unique insight into the history of Marylebone.
Don’t miss out on this chance to learn more about the rich history of Marylebone and the remarkable individuals who helped shape it. Secure your space now and join us for an unforgettable series of evening lectures.
Come and Sing: Stainer’s Crucifixion, 13:00-19:00
Experience the magic of music and history come alive at the renowned St Marylebone Parish Church, by taking part in our Come and Sing of Stainer’s Crucifixion. Held in the very place where Stainer’s Crucifixion first captivated audiences in 1887, we invite you to be part of a truly special day filled with melodic beauty, insightful knowledge, and cherished traditions.
Led by Gavin Roberts, this Come and Sing event offers you a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in this iconic masterpiece by performing in our magnificent regency-era church building alongside our professional choir. Whether you’re a seasoned singer or simply have a love for choral music, this is an event you won’t want to miss!
The day includes Royal School of Church Music’s (RSCM) Annual Lecture. We are thrilled to have Professor Jeremy Dibble, leading expert on Stainer, from Durham University, as our speaker. Professor Dibble’s profound insights into Stainer’s life, influences, and the historical context surrounding the composition will offer a deeper understanding of this timeless work.
Secure your tickets now for a day which promises to be rewarding and special day to take part in our cherished musical tradition!
Upcoming: Lunchtime Music Concerts
A series of free lunchtime concerts with musicians from the Royal Academy of Music to celebrate the rich and diverse musical culture of Marylebone.
Provisional Dates:
June: Friday 23rd
July: Friday 21st
August: Friday 25th
Sept: Friday 29th
Oct: Friday 27th
Nov: Friday 24th
Timings: 13:00 – 14:00
