FREE Saturday lunchtime recitals in Warrington town centre, which have been enjoyed by thousands of people over the last eight years, have been spared from the axe.
The recitals at Holy Trinity Church, Market Gate, were threatened because the piano being used – converted from an old pianola – was on its last legs.
But now a £9,500 grant has been received from the Coalfields Regeneration Trust towards the cost of a new grant piano.
Norman Cutter, chairman of Warrington Arts Council Initiative for the Development of Music (WACIDOM) said: “We have been organising these recitals for more than eight years now and recently it became apparent that they were very much in the balance – until we received the grant. We can now plan for the future with every confidence.”
The Vicar of Holy Trinity, the Rev Steve Parish, added “The free lunchtime concerts right at the heart of the town make a great chance to hear some talented young artists and we’re very pleased that Holy Trinity can host them”.
Two world-class concert pianists, Stephen Hough and Leon McCawley, are patrons of WACIDOM and have expressed delight that the recitals have been saved.
Stephen Hough said: “A good piano means good piano concerts and such confidence in our young musicians is encouraging indeed.”
Leon McCawley said: “This is wonderful and heartening news particularly considering the current financial climate. It is especially pleasing for me, as a Warrington-born pianist, to see that classical music in this area is getting the necessary support that it fully deserves.”
The recitals give opportunities to young musicians – mainly from the Royal Northern College of Music to perform in public. They also enable shoppers, music lovers and others to hear classical music played by top class young musicians without having to pay high ticket prices.
The first recital on the new piano will be held on Saturday April 25 at 12.30pm when Culcheth born James Willshire, now regarded as one of the country’s outstanding young artists, will play. This will be followed by recitals on the following four Saturdays.
Further details of WACIDOM’s activities can be found on www.musicinwarrington.org.uk
