Chopin and Champagne by Candlelight

Immerse yourself in an unforgettable evening of music and elegance, as the exceptional concert pianist Matthew McLachlan performs a breathtaking programme of Chopin’s piano masterpieces in the candlelit splendour of St Mary Le Strand on the church's brand new Steinway model B grand piano. Located in the heart of London, the church is a hidden architectural gem, a magical setting that perfectly complements the romantic brilliance of Chopin’s music.

Frédéric Chopin is celebrated as one of the greatest piano composers in history—a poet of the piano whose works are rich in emotion, nuance, and technical brilliance. His music, full of passion and elegance, continues to enchant listeners around the world. Experiencing it live, in such a historically and acoustically rich setting, is a rare and unforgettable treat.

Begin your evening with a complimentary champagne receptionserved from 7:40pm, before the performance begins at 8:00pm. Surrounded by some of London’s finest bars and restaurants, this is the perfect way to start your weekend in style.

Featuring
Matthew McLachlan (piano)

Programme (All Chopin)
Fantasy in F minor op 49
Polonaise in E flat minor
Scherzo no 2 in B flat minor
Waltz no 3 in A minor
Etude Op. 10 no. 9 in F minor
Etude Op. 25 no. 1 in A flat major
Etude Op. 25 no. 9 in G flat major
Etude Op. 25 no. 10 in B minor
Ballade no 1 in G minor

Matthew McLachlan was born in 2000 and started piano lessons with his father in 2008. At 11 years of age he passed grade 8 and entered Wells Cathedral School as a specialist musician, studying with John Byrne. After two years in Somerset he entered Chetham’s in Manchester where he studied piano with Dina Parakhina and Cello with Gill Thoday. After gaining the ATCL and LTCL recital diplomas with distinction in 2014 and 2015, Matthew was awarded the FTCL in 2016. This followed on from winning third prize in the senior division of the first Scottish International Youth Prize Competition, held at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in July 2016. In 2014 Matthew’s performance of Ravel’s G Major Piano Concerto was commended in the Chetham’s Concerto competition and in the same year he was a prizewinner at the 2014 Mazovia Chopin Festival in Poland. As a result of his performance in Mazovia, he was selected to perform a 60-minute solo recital at the 2015 World Piano Teachers’ Conference (WPTC) in Novi Sad, Serbia.