Join us for the opening concert of our 12th season with a musical and stage extravaganza to “educate the minds of all Gentlemen, (and Ladies)”. The concert focuses on the writings of Edward and John Chamberlayne, whose monumental tome was initiated by Edward as early as 1669 and also published by his son after his death in 1707 with the final 36th edition in 1755. Hear how England, and subsequently Great Britain were viewed at the turn of the 18th century and beyond, including a sneaking snapshot into the financial affairs of the then Duke of York!
Enjoy Musick by Henry Purcell, and a little John Blow, covering the late 17th century, Georg Frideric Handel, (and even some Thomas Arne to boot) representing the early 18th. All performed by two rising-stars, pioneering virtuoso baroque violinist Conor Gricmanis, (a golden, timeless and ignited tone, full of flare), and former pupil of Rachel Podger with harpsichordist and organist Anhad Arora. We are also delighted to welcome the renowned stage and screen actor, Simon Paisley Day, in the guise of Dr Edward Chamberlayne, (and later as his son John). Simon is well-known for his performances in Star Wars, Dr Who, Xarthisius in The Witcher, and more recently as Dominic Cummings in the TV drama This England.
Come and enjoy the often witty and florid writings typical of the period, only matched by the fantastic music of contemporary composers, when we also we promise a few other surprises along the way. Not to be missed!
Sunday 15th November 3pm
St Mary Kenardington
Simon Paisley Day - actor
Conor Gricmanis - baroque violin
Anhad Arora - harpsichord & organ
The Present State of England
TICKETS: £27.50 £25.00 £22.50
Concessions: Under 25 (in education): 50% discount
Under 12: Free
All children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult
Disabled Access: Access to the church is all on one level. However, we can make available parking spaces in the small carpark, which gives the minimum distance into the church. Please email us at ssemk@gmx.com if you would like us to reserve you a space.
When you arrive for an SSEMK concert: One of the ways we make our events possible are various tables which offer the following:Vouchers for your pre-concert and interval drinks. A voucher enables you to purchase a glass which you can refill with any of the various refreshments on offer. Please purchase your voucher on arrival and enjoy a pre-concert drink! Afternoon concerts feature interval tea and biscuits rather than other refreshments.
Programmes are on sale on arrival. If you need to purchase one during the interval , please go to the Box Office table.
Raffle tickets are also available before concerts where the event's prizes can be seen. Please try to purchase these before the start of the concert to assist helpers in preparing for the draw.
Merchandise: There is always a table selling CDs; often of the event's artists and other early music discs at bargain prices. These sales help support the ongoing success of SSEMK.