Cellist Isobel Parsons and pianist Robert Gammon to play Dementia Friendly Tea Concert at St Chad’s Church on May 19

Robert Gammon: Piano accompanist for Isobel Parsons’ concert at St Chad’s Church

CELLIST Isobel Parsons will play a Dementia Friendly Tea Concert at St Chad’s Church, Campleshon Road, York, on May 19.

Isobel is in her final year of music studies at the University of Leeds and is a pupil of renowned cello teacher Sue Lowe.

Accompanied on the piano by Robert Gammon in a 2.30pm programme of lively and serene music, she will play familiar pieces, The Swan from Saint-Saëns’ Carnival Of The Animals, a Bach Partita and Suk’s Serenade, plus folk songs by Schumann and Faure’s Après un Rêve and Élégie.

As usual, the format will be 45 minutes of classical music followed by tea, coffee, homemade cakes and a chance to chat.

Along with the small church car park, there is on street parking along Campleshon Road, but it can be busy, so do allow plenty of time. Wheelchair access to the church is via the church hall.

“The event is a relaxed concert, and ideal for people who may not feel comfortable at a formal classical concert, so we do not mind if the audience wants to talk or move about,” says organiser Alison Gammon.

“Seating is unreserved and there’s no charge to attend, although donations are welcome. We give the hire cost to the church and the rest goes to Alzheimer’s charities.

Dates are in the diary for all the series of Thursday concerts until Christmas: June 16, Peter and Julia Harrison, flute and poetry reading; July 21, Hannah Feehan, guitar; August 25, Robert Gammon, piano; September 15, Flauti Felice, flute ensemble; October 20, Billy Marshall, French horn, and Robert Gammon, piano; November 17, Giocoso Ensemble, wind group; December 8, Ripon Resound Choir.

Maximillian Elliot to give organ recital at dementia-friendly tea series at St Chad’s

Dr Maximillian Elliot: Organ recital at St Chad’s Church

ORGANIST Dr Maximillian Elliott will give the next Dementia Friendly Tea Concert at St Chad’s Church, Campleshon Road, York, on April 29.

Max is assistant director of music at St Olave’s Church and All Saints Church, North Street, as well as being the diocesan organ advisor with Robert Sharpe.

“As usual, the format for Max’s recital will be about 45 minutes of classical music followed by tea, coffee and homemade cakes, with a chance to chat,” says co-organiser Alison Gammon.

“The event is a relaxed concert, ideal for people who may not feel comfortable at a formal classical concert, so we do not mind if the audience wants to talk or move about!

“Seating is unreserved and there’s no charge, although donations are welcome. We give the hire cost to the church and the rest goes to Alzheimer’s charities.”

Dates for the monthly series of Thursday concerts are in the diary up to Christmas, all starting at 2.30pm: May 19, Isobel Parsons, cello, and Robert Gammon, piano; June 16, Peter and Julia Harrison, flute and poetry reading; July 21, Hannah Feehan, guitar; August 25, Robert Gammon.

Then come: September 15, Flauti Felice, flute ensemble; October 20, Billy Marshall, French horn, and Robert Gammon, piano; November 17, Giocoso Ensemble, wind group; December 8, Ripon Resound Choir.

The church has wheelchair access via the church hall. A small car park is complemented by on-street parking along Campleshon Road, “but it can get busy, so do allow plenty of time,” forewarns Alison. “We hope you will be able to come to the concerts, where it’s lovely to see new faces along with the regulars.”