Concerts & Recitals
at the Temple Church

Andrè Schuen (baritone)
Julius Drake (piano)

Experience the magnetic artistry of baritone Andrè Schuen, internationally acclaimed as one of today’s finest Don Giovannis, in an intimate evening of Schumann’s most captivating songs. Joined by the exceptional pianist Julius Drake, Schuen brings rare insight, warmth, and dramatic intensity to Liederkreis, Op. 24 and Dichterliebe. His velvety tone and compelling stage presence, paired with a natural charisma that has captivated audiences across Europe, make this a recital not to miss. Together, these masterpieces unfold a world of poetry, passion, and longing in a performance of striking immediacy and emotional depth.

This concert is generously sponsored by Sir Richard Aikens & Penny Jonas.

Programme
Robert Schumann (1810-1856): Liederkreis opus 24
Robert Schumann (1810-1856): Dichterliebe

More information and booking.

Temple Youth Choir
Thomas Allery (conductor)
Charles Andrews (organ)

Join the Temple Youth Choir for their annual Remembrance concert, bringing together talented young singers from across London for an evening of powerful and moving choral music.

A distinctive feature of Temple Church under the direction of Thomas Allery has been the flourishing Temple Youth Choir: an ensemble for singers aged 14–21 from across the capital. Members take part in individual projects alongside their other commitments, gaining the opportunity to perform challenging and ambitious repertoire at the highest level — music often beyond the reach of most school music departments.

As Thomas Allery explains, “Its unique selling point is high standards and ambitious programming. It’s ideal for former choristers who want to continue singing at that level, as well as talented young instrumentalists whose musical training may not yet have included choral opportunities.”

The programme features works by Paul Mealor, alongside the much-loved Messe Solennelle by Jean Langlais.

A poignant early evening concert for Remembrance.

Programme

Rani Arbo (1968-): Crossing the Bar

Paul Mealor (1975-): from Now Sleeps the Crimson Petal (four linked madrigals)

Now sleeps the crimson petal; A spotless rose

Organ Interlude - Edward Elgar (1857-1934): Nimrod (from The Enigma Variations)

Jean Langlais (1907-1991): Messe Solenelle

Total length of performance: approximately 40 minutes (no interval)

More information and booking.

Dame Harriet Walter*
London Virtuosi Ensemble
George Hlawiczka (leader)
Rachael Montesino Young (conductor)

A Terrible Beauty explores the extraordinary flowering of English string music in the first decades of the twentieth century — music of radiant lyricism and haunting emotional depth, written in the shadow of a rapidly changing world. Performed by the newly formed LoVE (London Virtuosi Ensemble) under the direction of Rachael Montésino Young, who has regularly assisted world-renowned conductor Paavo Järvi in concerts and recordings, this programme brings together some of the most evocative and beloved works in the English string repertoire.

At its heart lies a profound sense of beauty touched by fragility. Composed between the final years of the Edwardian era and the uncertain decades between two world wars, these works reflect a society poised between nostalgia and modernity, serenity and upheaval. The soaring lines of Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis seem to suspend time itself, while the aching tenderness of Elgar’s Sospiri and Elegy speaks of loss, remembrance and longing. Frank Bridge’s elegant Valse–Intermezzo captures the glittering surface of a vanished world, and Michael Tippett’s exhilarating Concerto for Double String Orchestra bursts forth with rhythmic vitality, yet beneath its energy lies an undercurrent of tension and unease, hinting at the uncertainties and gathering shadows of a world on the brink of conflict.

From the sweeping grandeur of Elgar’s Introduction & Allegro to the luminous spirituality of Vaughan Williams, this is music of extraordinary richness and emotional power - at once intimate and expansive, deeply English yet universal in its humanity.

A compelling and atmospheric evening of string music, A Terrible Beauty invites audiences into a sound world of warmth, passion and poignancy.

This concert is promoted in association with Pivot Media Venture Partners LLP.

More information and booking.

*Owing to the nature of actors' professional commitments, Dame Harriet's appearance may be subject to alteration should unforeseen filming or theatre commitments arise.

Charles Andrews (organ)

The Temple Church's Liturgical Organist explores the full tonal range of the famous four-manual Harrison & Harrison organ in a programme including Advent works and compositions by Olivier Messiaen.  This magnificent instrument was originally built in 1924 as a ballroom organ for Glen Tanar Castle in Scotland and installed in the church in 1954. 

Charles Andrews is Organist of Temple Church and Professor of Organ at the Royal College of Music, continuing a long-standing link between the two institutions. He studied at the RCM with teachers including David Graham and Sophie-Véronique Cauchefer-Choplin, winning the Harold Darke Memorial Prize.

From 2011–16, he was Associate Director of Music at All Saints, Margaret Street. With Temple Church Choir, his performances have been broadcast on BBC Radio 3, including the premiere of a work by Kenneth Hesketh.

Recent highlights include a 2025 solo recording and a 2026 recital at St Bavo, Haarlem. He continues the distinguished Temple Church tradition of George Thalben-Ball and John Birch.

Free event - no booking needed.

G F Handel (1685-1759): Messiah

Fflur Wyn (soprano)
Lea Shaw (mezzo-soprano)
Nicholas Mulroy (tenor)
Henry Waddington (bass)

Temple Church Choir
Temple Players
Thomas Allery director

A highlight of the festive season in the Temple, our performance of Messiah this year features four lustrous soloists and the world-famous Temple Church Choir, directed by Thomas Allery. Handel's oratorio tells the story of the Nativity, Passion, Resurrection and Ascension through some of the most glorious arias and choruses ever written. Temple Players is a hand-picked collective of leading period instrumentalists whose annual performances in the church have become a cherished feature of our Christmas celebrations.

More information and booking.