Playing live at St Mary’s

You don’t have to be a regular churchgoer to appreciate the acoustics in St Mary’s – it’s a stunning venue for concerts. Increasingly the church is playing host to all types of concert, from large-scale choral occasions to violinists with an international reputation and virtuoso piano recitals.

The church has capacity to host a large choir with chamber orchestra, though smaller concerts with trios or quartets work equally well at the east end of the nave. The quality of the acoustics makes St Mary’s suitable for all kinds of recital. Another attraction is the piano – a wonderful Bl¨thner concert grand – which is available for use as well as the church organ.

Those booking a concert can plan for a capacity audience of 300- 340 in church. It’s also possible to book St Mary’s House, where there is access to toilets and where interval refreshments can be served. It also offers excellent and versatile room/hall options.

To hire St Mary’s Church for a concert costs £150, with a special reduced rate of £100 for charities – please contact Concert Co-ordinator, Catherine Eaden. St Mary’s House should be booked separately through Myrtle Howe (both are contactable via the Parish Office.

Coming up … Erdem Misirlioğlu, the talented young pianist, will be playing a varied classical programme at St Mary’s on 29 April. Tickets are £8 in advance or £10 on the door. Proceeds to Rochford House and Cast. The concert is free to anyone under 18.

Catherine Eaden

Meeting the need

How should St Mary’s be supporting its congregation? A first step to answering this question has been to ask churchgoers to fill in a questionnaire saying what they want. The PCC has also set up a Strategic Planning Group to consider what the church should be doing in a range of areas, including communication – hence the birth of Outlook! – spiritual development and provision for the elderly and for young people. Watch this space.