A special note from Laurence Perkins
(soloist, and project organiser)
Peace, and the ability to live, work, communicate and travel freely, are fundamental human rights as defined by the United Nations. Sadly, there are many people around the world who do not enjoy this freedom, and it is these survivors of war and conflict that need support in order to move forward and rebuild their lives, their homes and their communities.
My contribution is through music, with all the joy, depth of feeling and human expression that music offers. My series of fund-raising concerts around the U.K. is in support of all survivors of war. These will feature leading musicians (professional and amateur) from the U.K. and worldwide, all taking part on a voluntary unpaid basis. The programmes will include music of many different periods and genres including inspiring classical works and traditional folk melodies.
Scroll down for details of concert dates and venues
... also, how people have contributed towards the project, and how you can offer support to make these events happen - perhaps even in your community.
At each concert, there will be an invitation for audience members to make a donation in support of:
(Click the logos to go directly to the organisation websites)
A World Health Organisation humanitarian medical aid team, founded in Manchester in 1988. The charity offering support for survivors of disasters or conflict worldwide. Click HERE for details.
Registered charity number: 1166956
Music Action International are people from around the world co-creating life-changing music programmes with survivors of war and persecution. Their unique approach significantly reduces physical and emotional trauma, helps build inclusive communities and creates a sense of belonging for people who are here without friends or family. Click HERE for details.
Registered charity no. 1136295
November / December 2024 U.K. concert tour
‘Reflections’
A 45-minute lunchtime solo concert programme by candlelight*, devised and performed by Laurence Perkins
'Reflections' is an inspiring sequence of beautiful unaccompanied melody alongside classic poetry. The musical inspiration covers nearly 1000 years from 13th century Hildegard of Bingen to the present day, including music by Bach, Mozart, Beethoven and Schubert, alongside thoughtful words from Shakespeare, Lord Byron, Walter de la Mare and Wilfred Owen. Some of the performances are in historic venues which are at least 1000 years old.
* Candles are flickering LED, to conform to fire and safety regulations.
Dates and venues
All seating at venues is unreserved, please arrive early to ensure a place. Doors will open 30 minutes before the performance begins. Some historic venues are small with only limited capacity and facilities. For concerts at this time of year, warm clothing is recommended!
All performances on this tour are FREE ADMISSION, and are 45 minutes duration (without an interval) unless otherwise stated. There will be an invitation for you to donate to one or both of the charities being supported by these events - this can be online via QR codes, or by credit / debit card, or cash donations.
LONDON
Thursday 21 November at 12.30pm
Apothecaries Hall (completed in 1672)
Black Friars Lane, London EC4V 6ER
FREE ADMISSION
MANCHESTER
Saturday 23 November at 11am (Please note starting time)
Emmanuel Church
6 Barlow Moor Rd, Didsbury, Manchester M20 6TR
There is a ‘Reflections’ performance as the first half of this concert. After an interval there will be a performance of Dvorak Serenade in D minor, Op.44 for winds, cello and bass, with the Manchester Wind Soloists conducted by Laurence Perkins (an additional item for this concert only).
FREE ADMISSION
AMPLEFORTH, North Yorkshire
Wednesday 4 December at 12.30pm
Ampleforth Church (original part is 13th century)
Church of St. Hilda, Station Road, Ampleforth, North Yorkshire YO62 4DG
FREE ADMISSION
CARLISLE
Thursday 5 December at 12.30pm
St. Cuthbert’s Church (685 AD, with reconstructions in 870 and 1095)
Blackfriars St, Carlisle CA3 8AQ
FREE ADMISSION
CALDBECK, Cumbria
Friday 6 December at 12.30pm
St Kentigern’s Church (also known as St. Mungo’s, original parts dating from the 12th and 13th centuries)
Caldbeck (near Wigton), Cumbria CA7 8DP
FREE ADMISSION
BRIXWORTH, Northamptonshire
Monday 9 December at 12.30pm
All Saint’s Church (A.D. 650-870)
Brixworth, Northamptonshire NN6 9DF
FREE ADMISSION
CAMBRIDGE
Tuesday 10 December at 12.30pm
St Bene’t’s Church (11th century)
Bene't St, Cambridge CB2 3PT
FREE ADMISSION
ASHINGDON, Essex
Wednesday 11 December at 12.30pm
St Andrews Church (11th century)
Church Ln, Ashingdon, Rochford SS4 3HY
FREE ADMISSION
WITHAM, Essex
Thursday 12 December at 12.30pm
United Reformed Church
90 Newland St, Witham CM8 1AH
FREE ADMISSION
CONCERTS in 2025
There will be two performances of the magnificent Serenade in B flat by Mozart (known as the 'Gran Partita') for large wind ensemble - one of the composer's finest works. These will be in MANCHESTER on Wednesday 19th February, and in CAMBRIDGE on Monday 24th February. More details soon!
There will also be trio concerts for clarinet, bassoon and piano with Colin Honour, Laurence Perkins and Yoshiko Endo. These are planned for Spring 2025 - more details soon.
With your help, these concerts will continue to happen...
Huge thanks to all the performers involved in these concerts, who are giving their services without fee - and to the venues around the U.K., who are hosting the concerts either free of charge or for absolute minimal expenses. There are also many individuals who are helping with publicity, providing accommodation and other practical ways to keep costs to a minimum.
All donations go in full to the charities - no expenses are deducted from these contributions.
There are some essential costs to be covered, such as travel, accommodation where private hospitality is not possible, and other miscellaneous expenses. If you are able to contribute towards these, that will help me and others involved to continue giving these concerts.
If you can help with a contribution towards expenses, please click HERE to contact me (Laurence Perkins) directly, and I will send you details. Thank you in anticipation...
These people have very kindly given financial support towards these concerts. Thank you so much for your invaluable help!
(in alphabetical order):
Julia Banks
David and Liz Cutts
Linda and John Leggat
Patricia Moore
Maggi Rowland
Paul Sharrock
Tim Softley
Alastair Watson
Anonymous x 6
Total amount donated so far:
£1145
(Last updated on 08.10.2024 - this figure and other details will be updated regularly).
Thank you!
A concert in your community?
Are you in a community that might welcome and actively support a concert? Perhaps there are people in your area who have escaped from war zones? Do you have a nearby venue that could host a concert?
If the answer to any of these questions is "yes", do please contact Laurence Perkins by clicking HERE (via the online Contact Form) - I would love to hear from you!
Join the mailing list!
If you would like to be added to an email list for updates on these events, please click HERE. (You can unsubscribe at any time).
All concert details may be subject to change - please check this webpage for updates. The aims of this project are entirely humanitarian. These concerts support organisations who are offering help to survivors of war and conflict worldwide.
Logo design by Sally Alexandre.