Simple gifts
Welcome
It all started with 2 people playing a violin and a viola in a live stream on a neighbour’s rooftop terrace during the pandemic! Just a few years later, that tiny seed has gradually grown and blossomed, and here we are, celebrating the 5 Festival in grand style. How else to celebrate, than focusing on musical gifts around the time? Borrowing the title “Simple Gifts” from one of Copland’s themes in Appalachian Spring, this year we celebrate dedications in Musicfrom musical love letters to sounds of remembrance, passing through some commissions too, we will take you through some inspired creations that celebrate friends, mentors and patrons. th
This year’s showcase features over 70 composers and 43 performers in 11 different venues throughout the Borough of Islington, where we also live. Of course, none of this would be possible without so many people’s commitment, energy and encouragement. First of all, we salute our world-class musicians and artists, many of whom have become festival regulars; we are indebted to our amazing sponsors, who support and embrace us not just with their donations, but their continued loyalty and vision for the cultural health of Islington. Then of course there are our incredible Partner Venues who open their doors to the Festival with a generous smile and a warm welcome. We also applaud our stewards, volunteers and Front of House Team, who are the nuts and bolts of the daily schedule during July. And finally, none of this would be worth doing without you, our wonderful public: to see your reactions to the performances and your words of encouragement means everything to us. So we salute you all, and hope that this annual event celebrating live music and art will continue to grow, nurtured by a diverse community that make up the Islington Festival of Music and Art. Onwards and Forwards!
Joana Ly Martin André
and their Countries
we are delighted to support
Islington
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roman way ind. est, n7 8xh brewing in islington since 2014
11 July |7pm
St Mary’ s
Upper St
Opening Concert“Simple Gifts”
Generously supported by MJA – Mark Johnson Associates, in memory of Paula Leverton
The 2025 Festival opens (and also closes) with some fabulous pieces of music by American composers, some very well-known, and others, almost completely unheard of who, hopefully, you will want to go home and explore more about! We start with Rhapsody in Blue, which if ever a piece of music deserves the adjective “iconic”, this is it!
Paquito d’Rivera is an American-Cuban composer whose music is full of latin rhythms and tunes. And to finish in style, you will hear the original version of Appalachian Spring, a ballet which has a Shaker Tune near the end, called “Simple Gifts”: this is the Festival’s all-embracing main theme for 2025.
George Gershwin (1898-1937)
Rhapsody in Blue (1924)
arranged for piano and string quintet by Louis Sauter (2016)
Paquito d’Rivera (b 1948)
Aires Tropicales (1994)
arranged for clarinet and string quartet by Luis Rossi
1. Alborada & Son 2. Wapango 3.Contradanza
INTERVAL
Aaron Copland (1900-1990)
Appalachian Spring Suite - Ballet for Martha (1944)arranged by the composer for 13 instruments (1970)
Martin André – piano
Pedro Lopez Campos – flute
Jordi Juan Pérez – clarinet
Alison Wormell – bassoon
Francesca Barritt, Jenny Sacha, Joana Ly & Naomi Rump – violins
Barnaby Adams & Dan Shilladay – violas
Bryony James & Gemma Wareham – cellos
Leon Bosch – double bass
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12 July |11am Arc Collective
Move with grace in this lyrical yoga practice where breath, music, and movement merge into fluid motion. Guided by the delicate, flowing sounds of a live harp, this class weaves seamless sequences with mindful transitions, encouraging expression, release, and deep connection. Surrender to the melody, let go of tension, and find freedom in movement.
The studio is fully equipped with mats and props, so there is no need to bring anything with you.
Maria Sousa - tutor
Catrin Meek – harp
12 July |6pm
Angel Central
Holy Trinity
After Noah
St Mary’s Upper St
Walking Concert
Angel Central Weekend
Angel Central
Béla Kovács (1937-2021)
Selection from “Hommages” for solo clarinet (1994)
Holy Trinity Church
Toru Takemitsu (1930-1996): “Paths” for solo trumpet (1994), dedicated to Lutosławski
Maurice Ravel (1875-1937), dedicated to Debussy
Sonata for violin and cello, M.43 (1922)
I. Allegro II. Très vif III. Lent IV. Vif, avec entrain
After Noah
Francisco Mignone (1897-1986): 3 Waltzes for solo bassoon (1981)
St. Mary’s Church
Bohuslav Martinů (1890-1959): La revue de cuisine, H.161 (1927)
1. Prologue
2. Introduction: March
3. Dance of the Potato Masher around the Saucepan
4. Dance of the Saucepan and the Lid
5. Tango: Love Dance of the 2 couples – Dish-Cloth & Lid, Saucepan & Masher
6. Charleston: The Duel between the Dish-Cloth and the Broom
7. Interlude: Saucepan calls out for the Lid, and rejects the Masher
8. Funeral March: the Lid is lost, everyone in despair. Suddenly she is found!
9. Finale: Expansive Dance – Great merriment all round!
10. Final Dance: Foxtrot or Shimmy
Jordi Juan Pérez - clarinet
Alison Wormell - bassoon
Stephen Peneycad - trumpet
Joana Ly - violin
Miguel Ángel Villeda Cerón - cello
Martin André - piano
Join us for an evening of some of the West End and Broadway’s most magical musical moments!
This is a concert filled with captivating performances by two singers who are as comfortable on the stage of the Royal Opera House as in the West End world of Musical Theatre.
As is traditional in these more informal concerts, it will open with a piano duet, this year from Mary Poppins. The programme has been curated by Festival Trustee Fran Hills, ranging from much-loved classics such as Carousel, The Sound of Music, to West End Favourites including Les Misérables, Phantom of the Opera, and Sweeney Todd.
Mary Poppins Piano Duet
Cabaret Wilkommen, Bienvenue, welcome!
West Side Story Something’s coming – I feel pretty - Tonight
Sweeney Todd Green Finch and Linnet Bird
Cole Porter The Tale of the Oyster
The Merry Widow Danilo aria – Love Unspoken duet
Grainger- Country Gardens: Piano Duet
The Phantom of the Opera
Think of me – Music of the night – All I ask of you
My Fair Lady I could have danced all night
Les Misérables Bring him home
Guys and Dolls If I were a bell
Mamma MiaThank you for the music
Eleanor Sanderson-Nash - soprano
Harry Thatcher - baritone
Fran Hills – piano
Martin André - piano
13 July |11am
Duke Organic
CoffeeMorning withHaydn
Joseph Haydn was, and still is, referred to as “the Father of the String Quartet”. He wrote nearly 70 pieces of music for this combination of string instruments, and this morning, 2 contrasting quartets will resonate in the beautiful room of the Duke of Cambridge. Have a coffee during the music, and then perhaps something a little stronger afterwards, to quench your thirst on this (hopefully) sunny Summer Sunday morning!
Joseph Haydn (1732-1809)
String Quartet, opus 20 no. 5 in f (1772)
I. Allegro moderato
II. Menuetto – Trio
III. Adagio
IV. Finale. Fuga a 2 soggetti
String Quartet, opus 74 no. 3 in g (1793) dedicated to Count Appony
I. Allegro
II. Largo assai
III. Menuetto: Allegretto
IV. Finale: Allegro con brio
Francesca Barritt & Joana Ly - violins
Sofia Sousa - viola
Pedro Silva - cello
Discover Wellness
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OMNOM is the perfect location for all types of corporate meetings, team building, private parties and family events. We offer sumptuous plant-based cuisine with a stunning backdrop, making it the ideal choice for team events and yoga/wellness gatherings. Our special menu for private dining ensures that your experience is tailored to your exact needs.
Yoga Studio
Kirtan, Mantra, Music, etc.
Team Well-beingCatering
Corporate Space
Meditation
Hire
13 July |2pm & 2.30pm
Angel Central
Swing DanceClass
Angel Central Weekend
Thanks to the generous support of Angel Central, the Festival is delighted to offer this as a FREE event to all, as we welcome two specialist dancers and teachers, who will encourage and assist you in making some stylish moves and steps, whilst enjoying the sounds of Swing Music. Don’t be shy, this is a 30-minute Taster Class for young and less young alike, and a chance to find out if you really have 2 left feet or not!
Please note that these classes are ticketed, so you will need to apply for one from the Festival online ticket service, assuming there are any left!
Tutors from Swing Patrol: Anjali Khanna & Grace Simmons
Wholeness Wellness Meets
Proudly supporting the 2025 Islington Festival of Music and Art.
Summer Events
We are hosting events all summer at Angel Central, visit our website or scan the QR code for more details!
13 July |6pm
Angel Central
Tea Time Jazz
Angel Central Weekend
The Spirit of Swing, drawing influences from New Orleans
Festival Regular Sol Grimshaw has invited 3 of his fellow jazz musicians to team up with him for a special Sunday Tea Time, complementing the Swing Classes earlier on the same day. Sol recently spent two weeks visiting and immersing himself in the jazz scene of New Orleans, and his experiences from over there have inspired him to put together today’s Set List, featuring many numbers which have a real evocative feeling of the region and style.
Tiger Rag (Harry Da Costa)
Winding Boy (Jelly Roll Morton)
I’d Rather Drink MuddyWater (Eddie Miller)
I’ll see you in my dreams (Isham Jones/Gus Kahn)
Goodnight my Love (Harry Revel / Mack Gordon)
Potato Head Blues (Louis Armstrong)
Lazy River (Hoagy Carmichael/ Sidney Arodin)
Lazybones (Hoagy Carmichael/Johnny Merce)
The Sol Grimshaw Quartet
Ewan Bleach – reeds: clarinet, saxophones
Lewis Taylor - trumpet
Sol Grimshaw - guitar
Lorenzo Morabito - double bass
17 July | 7pm
Christ Church Highbury
Piano Recital
The Festival would not feel complete without its customary and much-loved recital on the Steinway piano in Christ Church. This year, Dmitrii celebrates the 150 Anniversary of the birth of the French Impressionist composer Maurice Ravel, by performing Miroirs, whose 5 movements are dedicated to 5 different friends of the composer. The concert starts with a short work by Gabriel Fauré, who was one of Ravel’s teachers.
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After the interval, Dmitrii has chosen a rarely-played work by the Romantic composer Johannes Brahms, which is real tour-de-force for the piano.
Gabriel Fauré (1845-1924)
Nocturne no. 8 in D flat, opus 84 (1902)
Maurice Ravel (1875-1937)
Miroirs, M.73 (1905), dedicated to members of Les Apaches
I. Noctuelles (Night Moths)
II. Oiseaux tristes (Sad Birds)
III. Une barque sur l’océan (A Boat on the Ocean)
IV. Alborada des gracioso (Morning Song of the Jester)
V. La vallée des cloches (The Valley of Bells)
INTERVAL
Johannes Brahms (1833-1897)
Variations & Fugue on a Theme by Handel, opus 24 (1861)
Dmitrii Kalashnikov - piano
18 July|6pm
Old Sessions House
Bachand Beyond
an evening of music from the Grand Tour
Generously supported by Bridgewood & Neitzert Ltd
Kati Debretzeni is the only guest musician to have played in all the 4 previous Festivals. Having played 4 solo recitals in different locations around Islington (obviously!), tonight she is joined by her talented daughter Alma, the harpsichordist James Johnstone and a friendly guest appearance - Sebastian Comberti. Between them they have created a rather unusual programme, featuring works by several important composers of the Baroque Era, but juxtaposing these works with a couple of more contemporary offerings. Old Sessions House is a new and exciting venue for the Festival, and we are delighted to welcome them as a Partner Venue.
Marco Uccellini (1603-1680) - Bergamasca
Georg Philipp Telemann (1681-1767) – Canonic duet
Hans Martin Linde (b 1930) – Music for a bird
Élisabeth Jaquet de la Guerre (1665-1729) – Sonade en trio no.1 in g
INTERVAL
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) - Sonata for harpsichord & violin, BWV 1019
Johann Sebastian Bach - Suite ‘à 3’
Salomone Rossi (1570-1630) – Sonata ‘in dialogo’
Roxanna Panufnik (b 1968) - Remember
Georg Frideric Handel (1685-1759) – Trio sonata in c, HWV 386a
Kati Debretzeni - baroque violin
Alma Nuñez Debretzeni - recorders
James Johnstone – harpsichord
Sebastian Comberti – cello
18 July|9pm
Little Angel Theatre Little Gifts
Conflict, Country, Lust R Youth
The combination of the dulcet sounds of 2 viols coupled with a female voice is utterly compelling, and this will be a concert never to be forgotten for its beauty and charm. Lucine and Nathan have created an exotic and stimulating evening, full of contrast, drama and passion. And all of this takes place in the intimate and warm acoustic of the Little Angel Theatre.
Luca Marenzio (1556-1599) – In un boschetto
Francesca Caccini (1587-1640) – O vive rose
Armenian Trad. – Bingyol, Keler Tsoler
Marin Marais (1656-1728) – L’arabesque
Armenian Trad. – Shogher jan
Tobias Hume (1569-1645) – A Maske
Michael East (1580-1648) – I as well as thou
Alfonso Ferrabosco II (1575-1628) – So, so, leave off
Lucine Mesaelian (b 1997) – The Flea
Radiohead – Videotape
Charles Aznavour (1924-2018) – Sa Jeunesse
Marin Marais– Feste Champêtre (livre IV, 61)
Armenian Trad. – Khio
John Dowland (1563-1626) – Time Stands Still
Giulio Caccini (1551-1618) – Dalla porta d’oriente
Intesa
Lucine Musaelian - viol & voice
Nathan Giorgetti – viol
19 July|11am
The Green at Clerkenwell
CoffeeMorning withBeethoven
Beethoven’s 5 String Trios have always lived in the shadows of his more prolific and frequently-played String Quartets. But this morning you have the chance to hear 2 of the Trios, and make your own mind up about their quality. These 2 works were both dedicated to Beethoven’s patron - Count Johann Georg von Browne. Last year’s Coffee Concert here at The Green was one of the Festival’s highlights, and today’s pre-lunch fare will doubtless be another memorable event.
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)
String Trio in G, opus 9 no.1 (1798)
I. Adagio – Allegro con brio
II. Adagio ma non tanto e cantabile
III. Scherzo – Allegro
IV. Presto
String Trio in D, opus 9 no.2 (1798)
I. Allegretto
II. Andante quasi Allegretto
III. Menuetto – Allegro
IV. Rondo - Allegro
Joana Ly - violin
Dorothea Vogel - viola
Kirsten Jenson – cello
19 July|6pm
Christ Church Highbury
Impressions of Iberia
The Cygnus Trio came to the attention of the Festival when they launched their top-selling CD recently, which celebrates Spain and its musical influences and inspirations; tonight they play the same 3 pieces of music that feature on their recording. This is music with a large dash of vibrant colours, rhythms and pulse which promises to sweep you along with its vivacity and sheer brilliance.
Enrique Fernández Arbós (1863-1939)
3 Piezas Originales en Estilo Español, opus 1
I. Bolero
II. Habanera
III. Seguidillas gitanas
Joaquin Turina (1882-1949)
Piano Trio no. 2 in b, opus 76 (1933)
I. Lento – Allegro molto
II. Molto vivace
III. Lento – Andante mosso – Allegretto
INTERVAL
Maurice Ravel (1875-1937), dedicated to André Gedalge
Piano Trio in a, M.67 (1914)
I. Modéré
II. Pantoum (assez vif)
III. Passacaille (très large)
IV. Final (animé)
Javier Montañana - violin
Hanna Lewis - cello
Cesar Saura – piano
19 July|9pm
Christ Church Highbury
Late Night Soirée
English Tenor John Gyeantey makes a welcome and much-anticipated return to the Festival tonight, with a fine selection of French songs from the 19 and 20 Centuries. Joining him in the middle part of the hour, Festival Founder Joana plays 2 exquisite miniatures which complement the tone of this Late-Night Soirée in the Highbury twilight. th th
Gabriel Fauré (1845-1924) - L’horizon chimérique, opus 118 (1921)
i. La mer est infinite
ii. Je me suis embarqué
iii. Diane, Séléne
iv. Vaisseaux, nous vous aurons aimés
Claude Debussy (1862-1918) - L’enfant prodigue (1884): Récit et Air d’Azaël
Augusta Holmès (1847-1903) – À Trianon (1896)
Mel Bonis (1858-1937)
Allons prier! opus 73 (1905)
Sérénade, opus 46 (1899)
soiree
Cécile Chaminade (1857-1944)
Les Sylvains, opus 60 (1892)
L’absente (1888)
Lili Boulanger (1893-1918) - Clairières dans le ciel (1914), dedicated to Gabriel Fauré
i. Elle était descendue
ii. Elle est gravement gaie
iii. Deux Ancolies
iv. Au pied de mon lit
Georges Bizet (1838-1875) - Mélodies, opus 21 (1865-68)
i. Vieille Chanson
ii. Ma vie a son secret
iii. Tarantelle
John Gyeantey - tenor
Joana Ly - violin
Martin André – piano
20 July|11am
Arc Collective
with Harp
yoga 2 Yoga
Experience a dynamic vinyasa flow guided by breath and the enchanting sounds of a live harp. This fiery yet fluid practice builds heat and strength before melting into a soothing cooldown of restful poses. The harp’s melodies create a meditative backdrop, deepening your connection to movement and stillness. Leave feeling balanced, refreshed, and uplifted. The studio is fully equipped with mats and props, so there is no need to bring anything with you.
Isabell Britsch - tutor
Catrin Meek – harp
20 July|5pm
Christ Church Highbury
Grand Finale
Generously supported by Davy’s Wine Merchants
Franz Waxman (1906-1967)
Four Scenes from Childhood (1948), dedicated to Jasha Heiftz
I. Good Morning
II. Promenade
III. Playtime
IV. Bedtime Story: “The Fairy Princess”
Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990)
Meditation no. 3, from Mass (1977), dedicated to Mstislav Rostropovich
Antonín Dvořák (1841-1904)
Terzetto in C, opus 74 (1887) dedicated to Josef Kruis and Jan Pelikán
I. Introduzione – Allegro ma non troppo
II. Larghetto
III. Scherzo: Vivace – Trio: Poco meno mosso
IV. Tema con Variazioni
INTERVAL
Florence Price (1887-1953)
Piano Quintet in a (1936)
I. Allego non troppo
II. Andante con moto
III. Allegro: JUBA
IV. Allegro
David Greed & Joana Ly - violins
Miguel Sobrinho - viola
Kirsten Jenson – cello
Martin André – piano
Biographies
ALISON GARDINER is a self-taught artist and amateur musician who lives in North London. Alison has worked all over London for the NHS as a Specialist Podiatrist for Homeless and Vulnerable People. During lockdown, she found that her drawings connected her with many groups of people who were bringing the community together, particularly volunteers (foodbank, eco campaigners and wildlife conservation), and local musicians (from bluegrass to improvisational jazz, early music, klezmer and performance poetry) who were performing outdoors in gardens and parks. Her work can be seen on Instagram: @alison.gardiner.art
Australian bassoonist ALISON WORMELL (they/them) is driven by storytelling and connecting with new audiences. Their creative practice spans solo, orchestral and chamber music, alongside producing films that showcase the connection between classical music and nature. Alison has performed across the UK, Europe and Australia. They have a particular connection to the Lapland Chamber Orchestra (Finland) as Acting Principal Bassoon, and has held extended contracts with the Tasmanian Symphony and Opera Australia Orchestras. A graduate of the Royal College of Music, Alison lives in the south of England and enjoys cycling and birdwatching.
ANJALI KANNA
Born in 2009, ALMA NUÑEZ DEBRETZENI began playing the recorder with Catherine Gray in St Albans. Since 2019 she has been a student of Barbara Law at the Junior Royal Academy of Music. In 2022 she played in the Tel Aviv Recorder Festival, where she won first prize in the ‘11-14’ and ‘works by women composers’ categories. Between 2022 and 2024 she won the Junior, Intermediate and Senior Wind Prizes at the Junior Academy. Alma hopes to start her A-levels at Parmiter’s School in Garston. She studies the cello with Josephine Horder, is a keen player in Parmiter’s Orchestra. Outside school, Alma enjoys listening to pop music, doing yoga, wathing TVand reading.
I tried Swing Dancing a few years ago and was immediately hooked! Since then, she has gone on to teach various styles of swing dance, perform them, be a DJ and also run her own events. Anjali dances very regularly in the UK and abroad, and is passionate about spreading the joy of all things Lindy Hop.
BARNABY ADAMS enjoys working as a freelance viola player, project and orchestral manager. He completed his MSci degree in Chemistry at Imperial College, and shortly after was appointed Orchestra Manager at Southbank Sinfonia where he stayed for 3 years. Barnaby is a passionate chamber musician and he created the viola quartet Mit Dämpfer; he also plays in Trio Galbino and Berkeley Ensemble. He is Festival Coordinator for the Ulverston International Music Festival and has recently taken on the project management for the Royal Opera House's Fanfare Competition. Aside from musical life, Barnaby loves walking, plays badminton regularly, and is a keen cyclist.
BRYONY JAMES Bryony enjoys a diverse career which has taken her everywhere from London’s Royal Albert Hall to the deserts of Oman! She has toured with Adele, recorded for Madonna, Kanye West and Stormzy and performed live with Beyonce, Elton John and Robert Downey Jnr. She is a member of the Pavão Quartet, which has recorded for Universal, Decca and Deutsche Grammophon. Bryony has performed as a solo cellist on TV, including Jonathan Ross, Parkinson and The One Show, The 2017 BBC 1 drama series Love, Lies and Records features solo cello music written especially for her.
CATRIN MEEK is a London-based Welsh harpist. Theatre work has been her focus: A Christmas Carol, Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables and Man of La Mancha & My Fair Lady. Catrin has played with the English National Ballet, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, London Contemporary Orchestra, Southbank Sinfonia, and has also played the Handel, Boieldieu and Mozart harp concertos.
Catrin also loves to perform for events at many 5* hotels around London, play for patients and staff at St Georges Hospital Tooting, for Guerlain perfume at Covent Garden, and for members of the Royal Family.
THE CYGNUS TRIO was formed in 2012 by three students at the Royal Academy of Music. In 2019 and 2020 the Trio was invited to take part in a series of masterclasses with Alfred Brendel in Pistoia, Italy. The Trio has received many awards, including the Anton Garcia Abril, and Ecoparque de Trasmiera competitions. In 2023 they recorded their first commercial CD, for Da Vinci Records, with an accompanying programme of concerts. The Trio has also performed in the Santander and Panticosa Festivals, the Archipelago series (Venice), and the Omaggio a Cremona series. Following an invitation to participate in the opening of an art exhibition in Spain, where they paired a Schubert programme with illustrations of his song cycle Winterreise, the Trio has become fascinated with linking music to other art forms, and sometimes use art and poetry to shape their concert programmes.
DAN SHILLADAY has worked with, among others, the Hanover Band (with whom he is co-principal viola), the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, the English Chamber Orchestra and the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. A keen chamber musician, he is a founder member of the Berkeley Ensemble, a flexible group of winds and strings specialising in twentieth and twenty-first century British music. Dan is also in demand as a conductor and educator and directs the Nonesuch Orchestra. Proud of his Yorkshire roots, he has coached chamber ensembles at the University of York and is a tutor and conductor on the ‘Yorchestra’ holiday music courses.
DAVID GREED studied at the Royal College of Music in London. In 1978 he was appointed Leader of the newly formed Orchestra of Opera North, becoming the youngest leader in the country. He has appeared as guest Leader with many orchestras throughout the UK. David has recorded 'The Lark Ascending' for Naxos: this recording was used as part of the sound-track to the movie ‘Man on Wire’ which won a BAFTA and an Oscar for ‘Best British Documentary Film’ in 2008! He founded ’Capricci’ which was a piano-based chamber ensemble giving concerts in the north of England for almost 2 decades. David is Music Director of the Sinfonia of Leeds and has held the position of Principal Guest Conductor with the National Symphony Orchestra of Kasakhstan. He plays on a violin by J.B. Guadagnini owned by the Yorkshire Guadagnini 1757 Syndicate.
DMITRII KALASHNIKOV was a postgraduate student at the Royal College of Music. He started playing the piano at the age of 5 at the Moscow Gnessin Music School. In 2017 he graduated from the Moscow State Conservatory P.I. Tchaikovsky. His prizes have included the Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Rosebowl at the RCM, Winner of the 2019 Final of the Jacques Samuel Intercollegiate Competition and 1st Prize at Les Étoiles du Piano Competition, France. Dmitrii has performed regularly with the Russian National Orchestra and major halls in UK, France, Austria, Estonia, Italy, Poland, and Belgium. Helping others plays a big role in Dmitrii’s life: for several years he has organised evenings for the benefit of orphans in the House-Museum of Marina Tsvetaeva.
DOROTHEA VOGEL was born in Switzerland. As a sixteen-year-old she founded her first string quartet. When she finally settled in England, she worked as a freelance violist in the London Symphony Orchestra, Philharmonia, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and BBC. She then joined the Allegri Quartet. She is also the violist of the Narratio Quartet in Holland, who were formed in order to perform all the Beethoven Quartets on gut strings, and her Primrose Piano Quartet recorded all the Brahms Piano Quartets using three different pianos of the period in Vienna, after conducting research on Historically Informed Performance in a seminar at the Birmingham Conservatoire.
ELEANOR SANDERSON-NASH graduated from the Masters course at the RCM with Distinction in 2017. Eleanor has performed with numerous opera companies including English Touring, English National, Grange Park, West Green House, Waterperry, Tête-à-Tête and Holland Park. She was also a Swing in Phantom of the Opera in London’s West End from 2019-2020. Most recently, Eleanor sang Papagena in The Magic Flute with Wild Arts, and Sandman/Dew Fairy in Hansel and Gretel for the David Ross Educational Trust in collaboration with the Royal Opera House. When she’s not performing, Eleanor enjoys spending time with her husband Harry (who is singing in this concert!) and their two children at home in Essex.
FRAN HILLS works as a freelance repetiteur for Copenhagen Opera House, Garsington Opera, Glyndebourne Opera, Opera North, Opera Holland Park, English National Opera, Welsh National Opera, Longborough Festival, English Touring Opera and the Bregenz Festival in Austria. Opera concert venues with British Youth Opera have included The Clink restaurant in Brixton prison, Tate Modern and the London Transport Museum where she played the accordion. Fran worked as musical advisor on the plays Quartet and Masterclass in the West End, and Pimlico Opera productions of West Side Story and Guys and Dolls in Wandsworth Prison.
Fran is a Trustee of the Festival, & played in last year’s Opera Gala.
FRANCESCA BARRITT is equally at home as soloist, orchestral leader and chamber musician. Francesca plays with The Del Mar Piano Trio and the Berkeley Ensemble, with whom she has performed all over the country. Solo engagements have included Beethoven, Bruch, Brahms and Sibelius concertos, Brahms double concerto, as well as double violin concertos with her violinist father! She is a member of City of London Sinfonia and freelances extensively. Francesca teaches at the Royal Holloway University of London, and the Royal Academy of Music Junior Department. Francesca plays a violin by Neapolitan violin maker Pasquale Ventapane, which dates from 1870.
GEMMA WAREHAM is a devoted chamber musician, performing with a diverse range of ensembles in the UK including Bournemouth Symphony, Manchester Camerata, BBC National Orchestra of Wales, Brigantes Orchestra and Orchestra Nova. After studying in Manchester, Gemma joined Southbank Sinfonia in 2008. It was there that she helped form the Berkeley Ensemble, a chamber ensemble of mixed winds and strings. The group has premiered over 40 new works, recorded nine albums and taken live music into schools. Gemma teaches in London and Bedfordshire, and is Director of the Sheffield Youth Orchestra.
GRACE SIMMONS has been dancing Lindy Hop, Solo Jazz, Charleston and Blues for 9 years now. Initially starting under Swing Patrol classes, she now blends a variety of different dance backgrounds and styles into her work.
British baritone HARRY THATCHER is a graduate of the Royal College of Music Operatic School, and has a wide operatic repertoire, performing frequently with Opera Holland Park, Scottish Opera, Glyndebourne, Waterperry and many more. On the concert platform Harry has performed with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Orchestra of Opera North at the Royal Albert Hall and Birmingham Symphony Hall. He has sung as a soloist in a wide range of oratorio, from Handel’s Messiah to Walton’s Belshazzar’s Feast, and was shortlisted for the 2022 Veronica Dunne International Singing Competition, reaching the quarter finals in Dublin.
INTESA was formed in 2023 at the Royal Academy of Music by Lucine Musaelian and Nathan Giorgetti, with the goal of celebrating the viol’s combination with the voice. Intesa is an Italian word meaning “understanding”, or a meeting of minds. This ethos of collaboration is embodied in the duo’s programming, where folk and early music are placed side-by-side, bringing together European and Armenian traditions. Intesa performs regularly in the UK and abroad, including concerts in Utrecht, Ferrandou Musique, Vilalte Festival, and New York as part of an Armenian General Benevolent Union event. This year, they performed at the Leeds International Concert Season and in Vienna as part of the “Resonanzen” early music festival.
ISABELL BRITSCH started her teaching journey in 2009 and now teaches yoga, mindfulness and meditation at a senior level. She also trains new yoga and meditation teachers. Her flowing vinyasa yoga classes interweave yoga philosophy and thoughts on the psychology of the mind with intelligent, imaginative and fun sequences. Connection to the breath, attention to alignment, and encouragement to develop clarity and awareness off the mat are integral to her teaching. Isabell’s teaching is inclusive, infused with warmth, care and humour.
After studies in London and The Hague, harpsichordist and organist JAMES JOHNSTONE has forged a career as recitalist, chamber musician, continuo player and teacher, performing and recording with all the major UK-based period instrument ensembles, as well as groups in Germany, Canada, Italy and Holland. As a recitalist he has performed world-wide. He was a principal keyboard player for the Gabrieli Consort, Florilegium, and the Monteverdi Choir. James teaches early keyboards at the Royal Academy of Music and the Guildhall. In 2016 he began a series of recordings for Metronome Recordings, including the complete organ works of Bach. Upcoming releases will include Bach’s Art of Fugue on harpsichord, the 6 violin/harpsichord sonatas, and more of his organ music.
JENNY SACHA studied at the Royal Academy of Music and New England Conservatory of Music, Boston. She has performed in all of Britain's most prestigious concert venues, as well as visits to the US, Israel, China, Thailand, and many European cities. Her string quartet has recorded music by Elgar and Bax. She also enjoys orchestral work, performing regularly with The Orchestra of the Swan, The Royal Birmingham Ballet, and The Academy of St Martins in the Fields. Solo performances in the UK include concertos with the Trafalgar Sinfonia, London Concertante, and The Piccadilly Sinfonietta. Alongside her concert schedule Jenny features on many film scores, TV series and pop tracks. Jenny also has 3 gorgeous children, 2 cats and a Labrador call Donut, who lives up to his ridiculous name spectacularly!
Portuguese violinist JOANA LY is Co-Founder and Artistic Director of the Festival, and lives in Islington. She started playing violin aged 4 and soon joined the Aveiro Conservatoire of Music where she studied until finishing school. After that, her violin studies took her to Lisbon (ANSO), London (RCM) and Rotterdam (Codarts), thanks to the support of the Gulbenkian Foundation. During this time she was lucky to be part of some fantastic training orchestras such as Gustav Mahler Jugendorchester and Southbank Sinfonia. Currently her orchestral work is mainly in the UK with ensembles such as Philharmonia, Garsington Opera, Opera North, Nothern Ballet, London Mozart Players, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Britten Sinfonia, and she recently joined the English National Ballet Philharmonic Orchestra. Chamber music plays a big part in her life, having been part of two string quartets and currently managing her ensemble Artisti con Brio.
Tenor JOHN GYEANTEY is steadily gaining a reputation as a fine exponent of the bel canto repertoire. Appearances include the title roles in Acis and Galatea, Thomas Arne Judgment of Paris, Carmina Burana, Messiah, St Matthew Passion for Spanish TV, Mozart Requiem, Mahler Das Klagende Lied, Haydn Creation (Cairo). John has sung many operas by Rossini, both in the UK and abroad. Other roles include Don Ottavio Don Giovanni, Judge in Korngold’s Das Wunder der Heliane, recorded for Virgin/EMI with the LPO, Camille de Rosillon The Merry Widow, Roméo Roméo et Juliette, Mime Rhinegold and most recently Nemorino L’elisir d’amore and Police Buddy Blue for English National Opera.
JORDI JUAN PEREZ trained in Valencia and Hannover and has performed in many countries, including Russia, Canada, China, Austria, France, Germany, USA, Venezuela. Jordi has also worked with orchestras and ensembles including the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Royal Northern Sinfonia, Southbank Sinfonia, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Mahler Chamber Orchestra, National Theatre London, Royal Opera House, Musica Assoluta, Staatstheater Braunschweig, Philharmonic of the Nations, Hallé Orchestra, Cairo Symphony Orchestra. Jordi enjoys performing as much as teaching and has given masterclasses in Cuba, Russia, Germany, the UK and Spain.
KATI DEBRETZENI began playing the violin in her native Romania, finishing her studies in Israel. Her passion for historical performance took her to London, where she studied the Baroque violin. Since 2000, Kati has led the English Baroque Soloists, and recorded J.S. Bach’s cantatas, Brandenburg concertos, Mass in B Minor, St Matthew Passion, Violin Concertos, and Monteverdi’s operas. She is a leader of the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment. Kati performs as leader, soloist and director, including Zefiro (Italy), Akademie für Alte Music Berlin (Germany), Barokkanerne (Norway), Sevilla Baroque Orchestra (Spain), Amaryllis (France), Victoria Baroque (Canada) and Budapest Bach Consort (Hungary). Kati has recorded CDs with Ricordo and Florilegium. She is a member of Trio Goya, who have recorded Beethoven’s opus 1 piano trios.
After finishing her studies in Switzerland, KIRSTEN JENSON joined the Ragazze Quartet in Holland, with whom she released albums under the label Channel Classics. Kirsten has taken part in international concert series and festivals throughout Europe, Indonesia, Japan and the US, including IMS Prussia Cove, The London Masterclasses, and the Piatigorsky International Cello Festival. She was awarded Best British Cellist at the 2016 International Music Competition Grand Prize Virtuoso. She guests regularly with the Allegri Quartet and Primrose Piano Quartet and is a member of the United Strings of Europe, recording albums under Bis Records. As a session musician, Kirsten has appeared on numerous albums and records for the likes of Little Simz, Abi Sampa, Beverley Knight, and Noel Gallagher. She has performed live with Tom Chaplin (Keane), Peabo Bryson, Myleen Klass, The Quireboys and plenty more!
For 20 years principal double bass with the Academy of St Martin in the Fields, LEON BOSCH now performs and records as a soloist, setting up his chamber ensemble I Musicanti, and teaching in the UK and abroad. He also took up conducting, and now appears regularly on the podium and as soloist/director. Born in Cape Town, he graduated from the University of Cape Town before completing his double bass studies at the Royal Northern College of Music. As a soloist, Leon has so far recorded ten CDs, including the world premiere recording of music by the Catalan virtuoso Josep Cervera, whose work he rediscovered and has been instrumental in reviving. He has commissioned dozens of works for the instrument.
MARIA SOUSA trained as a ballet dancer in London, where she discovered yoga for its physical and spiritual benefits, reshaping her perspective on movement and well-being. Maria believes in the power of movement to foster presence, connection, and balance. Today, Maria is a professional dancer, ballet, yoga, and meditation teacher. This is Maria’s 1 Festival Class. st
MARTIN ANDRÉ is the Co-Founder and Managing Director of the Islington Festival, and also lives here in the Borough. As a conductor, Martin divides his work between opera and orchestra repertoire, and has performed in the concert halls and opera houses of over 30 countries during his long career, particularly enjoying the operas of Verdi and Janáček, and the symphonies of Tchaikovsky and Beethoven. He has worked extensively in the Netherlands, Germany and Portugal, further afield in Thailand, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa. In Lisbon, he was the CEO of the Portuguese National Opera Company and also the National Symphony Orchestra, managing a huge Company of 350 people: perfect training for his current role in managing this Festival! Martin has had a season ticket for Arsenal Football Club since he was a teenager, and now lives only a few minutes away from his seat in the stadium!
MIGUEL ÁNGEL VILLEDA CERÓN started studying the cello at the age of five. He has performed in key auditoriums in Mexico and elsewhere including Palacio de Bellas Artes, Wigmore Hall, Sala Nezahualcoyotl, Teatro Degollado, Musikverein, Festspielhause, Kölner Philarmonie. He has participated in several tours of the USA, Europe and Japan. In 2014 he performed Arturo Márquez’s Concerto and was invited by the composer to record the same concerto for the special edition of Marquez’s Music. Miguel is the principal cellist in the Mexican National Symphony Orchestra. Since 2020 he has been studying for a Masters degree at Trinity Conservatoire for Music and Dance, supported by The Joan Andrews Scholarship and the Trinity College of London Scholarship.
Portuguese violist MIGUEL SOBRINHO joined the Piatti Quartet in 2023. Miguel studied at the Royal Academy of Music. As a soloist, Miguel has played with Camerata Atlântica, Orquestra Sinfónica Portuguesa, and the Orquestra Clássica do Sul. Miguel has played in the Wigmore Hall, Pierre Boulez Saal (Berlin), Conway Hall, Sage Gateshead, St. James Piccadilly and festivals such as Mendelssohn on Mull, Arte Amanti (Belgium), Aldeburgh and Hatfield. Miguel plays regularly with London Mozart Players, Aurora, Philharmonia and Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. He was a Britten Pears Young Contemporary Artist, and has been part of the Lucerne Contemporary Orchestra. In his free time, Miguel likes to play chess.
NAOMI RUMP graduated from Girton College, Cambridge, with a First in English Literature. Naomi plays frequently with BBC Concert Orchestra, BBC National Orchestra of Wales, Royal Philharmonic, Britten Sinfonia, Welsh National Opera. She regularly leads the British Sinfonietta. She has performed live on BBC Radios 1, 2 & 3, ITV, and at the BBC Proms, and has recorded frequently for BBC Radio 3 and the BBC Natural History unit, and on pop/crossover albums and live broadcasts with diverse artists (among them Adele, Katie Melua, Gregory Porter, Inflo, and Corinne Bailey Rae).
Naomi enjoys working in London’s West End: previous chairs include ‘Top Hat’ ‘Sinatra’ ‘And Juliet’. She has appeared on stage for the RSC/Barbican.
Based in London, recent performances of flutist PEDRO LOPEZ CAMPOS include concerts at Het Concertgebouw Chamber Hall and St-Martin-in-the-Fields. Pedro was a member of Southbank Sinfonia, and has played with many orchestras including London Philharmonic, Royal Opera House, Oslo Opera, Academy of St Martin in the Fields and BBC Concert. His chamber music group 'Trio Vasnier' (flute, viola and harp) was awarded the 1st and Critics Prizes at the 'El Primer Palau' Chamber Music Competition. Recent highlights include performing at the Royal Opera House Crush Room, St-Martin-in-the-Fields, St John's Smith Square, Barbican, Queen Elizabeth Hall and Oxford University.
PEDRO SILVA graduated from the Royal Academy of Music in 2018 with a Master of Arts in cello performance, studying with Guy Johnston. He enjoys a varied freelance career as an orchestral, chamber musician and frequently collaborates with Early Music ensembles and West End Productions. In 2017, he founded MyLuthier with his colleague Ariel Lang, and now splits his time between performing and running the business.
SOFIA SOUSA is a Portuguese viola player. She has a First Class Honours graduate from the Royal Academy of Music and Masters at the Royal College of Music. Sofia made her solo debut concerto with the Portuguese Symphony Orchestra in 2016. In 2018 she played with the Orquestra Gulbenkian, having been awarded the first prize in the Young Musicians’ competition, as well as Young Musician of the Year. In July 2019 the Tejo String Quartet, of which Sofia is a member, was awarded the first prize in the chamber music category. As well as her dedication to chamber music playing and to some solo commitments in Portugal, Sofia is now a member of the London Symphony Orchestra.
THE SOL GRIMSHAW JAZZ QUARTET was created by Sol whilst studying jazz guitar at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, having already spent 4 years at the Purcell School of Music and 2 years at the Junior Royal Academy of Music. Since moving to London, Sol has immersed himself in the rich music scene, and has played at Ronnie Scotts, 606 Club, Pizza Express Soho, Milton Court, Kansas Smitty’s and Toulouse Lautrec. Sol has always had a passion for a variety of music styles, but gypsy jazz and trad jazz have always been his favourites. Django Reinhardt, Lester Young and Billie Holiday are his idols.
STEPHEN PENEYCAD studied at the Guildhall School of Music. As a busy and versatile freelance musician, Stephen has performed with the Royal Northern Sinfonia, London Symphony Orchestra, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, English Symphony Orchestra, Rambert Ballet and in touring shows and the West End including Anything Goes, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Showboat, Miss Saigon, Shrek, Les Miserables, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, Heathers, Bugsy Malone, High Society, White Christmas and the Thursford Christmas Spectacular. He was also a member of the orchestra for Longborough’s 2024 Ring Cycle, and will perform again during the 2025 season. Stephen is also a regular musician for Opera Brava. Alongside performing, Stephen has worked extensively as a teacher in schools, alongside the LSO and LPO, and as a private instrumental teacher.
As always, a VERY BIG to everyone for making “July in Islington” very special!
We are so grateful to all the wonderful musicians and tutors who share our vision, and join us year after year, as well as our supportive Partner Venues, generous supporters and sponsors, friendly team of volunteers, our photographer Marc Gascoigne and sketcher Alison Gardiner and of course, all of you fantastic audience!
Concert Sponsors
· Bridgewood & Neitzert Ltd., 146 Stoke Newington Church Street
Davy’s Wine Merchants, 161-165 Greenwich High Street
· Mark Johnson Associates
Partner Venues
· After Noah, 121-122 Upper Street
· Angel Central, 21 Parkfield Street– Adam Cummins & Theo Kouzoukakis
Christ Church Highbury, 159 Highbury Grove – Rev. Andy Chrich & Baran Fesharaki
· The Duke Organic, 30 St. Peters Street
· The Green, 29 Clerkenwell Green – Peter Weeden
· Holy Trinity Church, Cloudesley Square – The Florence Trust
Little Angel Theatre, 19 Dagmar Passage – Emma Pound
Old Sessions House, 22 Clerkenwell Green – Alesha Harris
· St. Mary’s Church, Upper Street - Rev. James Hughesdon & Shane Thompson
· Yoga at the Arc, 98b St. Paul Street – Clêr Lewis-Holder
Supporters for the 2025 Festival
· Avoman Grocery, 87 Upper Street
· Hammerton Brewery, 149 Roman Way
· Ice from The Highbury Fishmongers, 13 Highbury Park
· Marlborough Highways
· Version Music
Local businesses buying advertising in this brochure
· Adventures in Furniture Islington, 281 Upper Street
· Aria, 168 Upper Street
· Channing School, Highgate
· Florian Leonhard Fine Violins, 3 Frognal Lane, Hampstead
· La Fromagerie, 30 Highbury Park
· Godfrey Butchers, 7 Highbury Park
· Indiebeer, 322 Holloway Road
· London Screen Academy, Ladbroke House, Highbury Grove
· Loop, 15 Camden Passage
· La Maison Highbury, 19 Calabria Road
· The Movement Studio, 3 Drayton Park
· Omnom, Islington Square, Upper Street
· Radfield Home Care
· Trullo Italian Restaurant, 300 St. Paul’s Road
Local businesses who advertise the Festival
· Borro Pound Plus, 189 Holloway Road
· Chambio Dry Cleaners, 121 Holloway Road
· Cycle Docs, 70 Holloway Road
· Rindo’s Café, 136 Holloway Road
Friends & Supporters
Dicky Thomas, Howard Gatiss, Peter Tompkins, Susan Herrington, Timothy Wotherspoon, and anyone who has inadvertently been missed out.
Festival front of house (&behind the scenes) team
Tony Foster - Festival Production Manager
Chloe Xiao - Chief Steward
Geoff Pyle
Haris Amir
Lizzie Smith
Maryam Moradinia
Mark Mehta
Oscar Travers
