IN FLANDERS – A RECITAL

An Invitation to a Special Recital: “in Flanders” at the Priory Church of St. Mary Letheringham
Sunday 24th November 3.30 pm

Dear Friends,

We are delighted to extend a warm invitation to a special recital, “in Flanders,” featuring renowned performers Garry Magee (Baritone), Claire Weston (Soprano), and accompanist Christine Whiffen. This memorable event will take place in the historic Priory Church of St. Mary Letheringham, a setting known for its acoustics, which promise to enhance the beauty and depth of the music.

A Performance to Remember
This recital, in aid of the Priory Church of St. Mary Letheringham’s Restoration Fund, will take you on a moving journey through some of the most poignant and uplifting songs composed during the early 20th century. The performance, lasting just over an hour, will cover the period from just before the outbreak of World War I through to the years of peace that followed.

Featured composers include:

• George Butterworth
• Ivor Gurney
• Peter Warlock
• Frederick Delius
• Frank Bridge
• John Ireland
• Armstrong Gibbs
• and of course, John Ireland’s dear friend Roger Quilter, who tragically died in the Battle of the Somme.

With each piece, the recital offers an opportunity to reflect on the, emotional, and historical significance of the music written during and after the First World War—a powerful tribute to those who lived through that tumultuous time.

Meet the Performers

Garry Magee (Baritone)
Garry Magee is celebrated as one of the finest baritones of his generation, with an extensive career that spans world-renowned opera houses such as Covent Garden and English National Opera. A winner of the prestigious Kathleen Ferrier Award, Garry has also performed across Europe and beyond, gaining praise for his rich voice and commanding stage presence. “Magee is the best Figaro to be heard in London for some time,” wrote Tim Ashley The Guardian.

Claire Weston (Soprano)
Claire Weston’s illustrious career includes performances at English National Opera, where she took on numerous leading roles. Claire was the first classical artist to perform on the main stage at Glastonbury Festival in 2004, showcasing her diverse talents. A former Principal Artist at ENO, Claire has worked alongside Garry in a number of productions, including Don Giovanni, where she portrayed Donna Elvira to Garry’s Don Giovanni . After her opera career, Claire has become Head of Singing at Woodbridge School and continues to inspire the next generation of singers. It will be a real privilege to be able to hear them duet again here in Letheringham.

Christine Whiffen (piano)
Christine Whiffen studied the piano at the Royal Academy of Music before continuing her musical education on the harpsichord at the conservatories of Toulouse and Utrecht. A major prize-winner at the 1986 Bruges harpsichord competition, she has variously performed, broadcast, and taught in many European countries as well as in the UK. Performances include solo, continuo work and recording with the Orchestra of the Swan.

Tickets and Booking Information
While a limited number of tickets will be available on the door, we encourage you to reserve your seat in advance to ensure you don’t miss this incredible performance. Tickets are £12.50. Please call Janet at 07736 120931 to secure your place.

We hope you will join us for this unique recital in support of the Priory Church of St. Mary Letheringham’s restoration fund. Your attendance will not only be an opportunity to hear a beautiful performance but also a way to contribute to preserving this historic church for future generations to enjoy.

We look forward to welcoming you to what promises to be a truly memorable and enjoyable event.

Kind regards,

Terence Carlin on behalf of Letheringham PCC