The annual Proms at St Jude’s runs this year from June 27 to July 5, bringing nine days of music, literature, heritage, comedy and family events to venues around Hampstead Garden Suburb.
Now in its 34th year, the Proms has earned a reputation as a “world-class arts festival in north London,” combining international performers with a community atmosphere – all while raising vital funds for charity.
Most concerts take place in historic St Jude’s Church, with a book festival hosted by The Henrietta Barnett School across the square.
The music programme opens on Saturday June 27 with pianist Junyan Chen joining the Fantasia Orchestra for Mozart’s Marriage of Figaro overture, Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 1 and the Symphony No. 7.
The following evening brings acollaboration between Highgate composer Debbie Wiseman and Anton Lesser who played Sir Thomas More in the BBC adaptation of Hilary Mantel’s acclaimed novels.
Wolf Hall in Concert sees Lesser narrate from the books, with Wiseman conducting her own work in a blend of music and storytelling. Former Suburb resident and soprano Grace Davidson is also on the bill.
Other concerts include The Van Morrison Alumni Band, performing the Northern Irish star’s famous hits, including Brown Eyed Girl and Moondance, while a Saturday night jazz celebration features music by Gershwin, Bernstein and Ellington to coincide with the 250th anniversary of American independence.
Chamber music lovers can enjoy the Fidelio Trio, while choral fans can hear the Choir of The Queen’s College, Oxford.
And rising viola star Timothy Ridout appears with the Academy of St Mary-le-Bow in an Italian-themed orchestral evening.
The traditional Last Night Concert on Sunday July 5 promises a rousing finale, with the Purcell School Symphony Orchestra and mezzo-soprano Helen Charlston leading the audience through a mix of classics and favourites.
The festival runs both family-friendly concerts and free lunchtime events throughout the week – showcasing young professionals and students from the Purcell School.
Two ‘Teeny Proms’ will introduce toddlers and pre-schoolers to live music, while the Family Festival on Sunday July 5 will fill Central Square with free activities, performances and hands-on fun.
Budding music lovers can enjoy interactive concerts and a performance of Sergei Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf.
At LitFest on the opening weekend, Booker Prize winner and north Londoner Sir Alan Hollinghurst and contemporary historian Sir Anthony Seldon will be among the authors talking, answering audience questions and signing their books – with support from the Hampstead Garden Suburb Residents Association and West End Lane Books.
The Ham & High’s very own Bridget Galton will be on stage in conversation with Sir Arthur Edward Guinness talking about his book about his famous brewing family.
And throughout the week, a dozen guided heritage walks will explore the architecture, history and green spaces around Hampstead, the Heath and the Garden Suburb, with a few in or near the City of London.
The festival will again offer late-night stand-up comedy and a licensed bar in the refreshment marquee in Central Square.
Behind the scenes, the festival’s purpose is as important as its programme.
Over the decades Proms at St Jude’s has raised more than £1.3 million for Toynbee Hall in east London, the North London Hospice and local music education.
Tickets are now on sale and the full programme can be found at promsatstjudes.org.uk.
