West London Strings Has a 'Passion for Paris'

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Performance to celebrate the city ahead of the Olympics

Picture: West London Strings

June 24, 2024

A free concert is being held by the West London Strings musical collective ahead of the Olympics this month featuring music from the host city.

The programme for ‘A Passion for Paris’ includes music from across three centuries from the theatres and opera houses of the French capital

The performances is taking place on Sunday 7 July at St Mary’s Church in Edith Road, West Kensington.

The 40-strong string orchestra, comprising violin, viola and cello players, will begin the hour-long concert at 4pm.

Spanning music from French composer Claude Debussy, to one of Louis XIV’s favourite composers Jean-Baptiste Lully, the concert also includes the work of American composer George Gershwin, known for his piece ‘An American in Paris’.

Music from German composer Christoph Gluck and Italian composer Gioachino Rossino – who both spent time writing for the Paris opera – also features on the bill.

Susanna Wilson, conductor at West London Strings, explains, “This exciting summer concert is a chance for everyone from the local community to come along and listen to some wonderful music in beautiful surroundings.  

“As we look forward to the Olympic Games being held in Paris this summer, our concert celebrates the many residents and visiting musicians who have taken their inspiration from the city of Paris, and in turn shaped its musical history. 

“Our programme will include pieces by Tchaikovsky, Debussy and Gershwin, and will last for just over an hour.

“The orchestra is such a welcoming group in West Kensington and we are delighted to be able to share our passion for strings with other music lovers.”

Formed in 2009, the friendly amateur group is celebrating its 15th anniversary. It meets at St Mary’s Church Hall in West Kensington on Monday evenings during term time and rehearses from 7.15pm to 9.30pm, is always keen to welcome new musicians.

Cellist Nicholas Theobald adds, “I’m so happy to have joined this friendly local community orchestra and get to know so much new music under the expert baton of Susanna Wilson, our conductor.”

The concert is free to attend, with a charity collection in aid of Guide Dogs and West London Strings.

Find out more about West London Strings here.

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