✨ We invite you to enjoy the masterpieces of Sergei Rachmaninoff in Kensington United Reformed Church

✨ We invite you to enjoy the masterpieces of Sergei Rachmaninoff in Kensington United Reformed Church, located in the heart of the royal borough of Kensington and Chelsea!

An intimate candlelit evening is devoted to the deep soul and soaring passion of Sergei Rachmaninoff. The warm, human voice of the cello entwines with the piano’s thunder and tenderness, revealing every shade of the composer’s romantic world. Lighted by a flicker of hundreds of candles, this chamber concert offers a fresh way to enjoy iconic pieces.

The concert organisers are the creative agency RED EVENTS & Distribution Ltd, which creates exceptional cultural events in ancient mansions, on rooftops, in greenhouses, and in other atmospheric venues throughout the United Kingdom, Europe, and other countries. Also in the repertoire – a collection of concerts by candlelight and with complete immersion in the space of video art and sound.

PERFORMERS

Irina Lyakhovskaya is a highly regarded pianist performing as a soloist, chamber musician and accompanist. She has performed at leading international venues, including the Southbank Centre, Wigmore Hall, Symphony Hall, Cadogan Hall, Kings Place, St John’s Smith Square, St Petersburg Philharmonic, Smetana Hall, Porto Coliseum, and concert clubs and festivals across the UK. In 2016 – 2020, she was an Artist in Residence at Eastbourne Arts Centre, where she performed the complete Beethoven piano sonatas in an 8-concert cycle.

As a concerto soloist, she has performed works by Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven, Chopin, Schumann, Grieg, Brahms, Tchaikovsky, Skryabin and Rachmaninov. She lives in London and is a faculty member at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance. Born in St Petersburg, she studied with Alexander Sandler at the St Petersburg Conservatoire and with John Bingham in London.

Miguel Ángel Villeda Cerón is a fully rounded player, delivering a nicely rounded tone that inspires confidence in his judgement.”

—Martin Dreyer, Charles Hutch Press

Miguel Ángel was 10 years Associate Principal of the National Symphony Orchestra (Mexico). He has recently won an audition to join the National Institute of Fine Arts (INBA) as a Concert Artist, which gives him the status of musical ambassador for Mexico

He did his Master’s studies in London at Trinity Laban under the guidance of Richard Markson, where he took masterclasses and collaborated with renowned figures such as Alexander Rudin, Emanuel Gruber, Yo-Yo Ma, Rebecca Gilliver, Alban Gerhardt, Lynn Harrell, Raphael Wallfisch, Natalie Clein, and Vagram Saradjian.

A versatile musician, Miguel Ángel is equally confident as a conductor, solo cellist, orchestral player, and chamber musician. With his internationally awarded Waldstein Trio, he has performed in some of the world’s most prestigious venues, including Wigmore Hall, Carnegie Hall, and the Musikverein.

He divides his time between Mexico and London, where he is currently on trial with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, and he regularly collaborates with the UK’s leading ensembles, including the London Symphony Orchestra and St Martin in the Fields.

Miguel Ángel has also built an extensive career as a soloist, appearing with major orchestras across Mexico and abroad, including the Orlando Philharmonic and the Henley Orchestra in London. He will return in 2026 with the Henley Orchestra to perform Prokofiev’s Sinfonia-Concertante under the baton of Alexander Walker.

Miguel Ángel is fluent in four languages, and his favourite pastimes are chess and books.

PROGRAMME

Lied

Prelude

Dance Orientale

Vocalise

Sonata Op 19

*Please note that the programme is subject to changes

Description supplied by the event organiser.