Top class musicians are to descend on a church near Wigan as a parishioner's dream comes true
A magical musical experience in France has inspired a Wigan man to organise a professional classical concert at his local church
A church unused to hosting concerts will welcome acclaimed classical performers next month for a special evening of music-making.
John Maguire is a parishioner of St Joseph’s at Wrightington of 50 years’ standing and it is his brainchild to bring the ensemble of the Lakeland Sinfonia and the Wigan-born soprano Laurie Ashworth to perform there.
The lack of opportunity for local people to experience such occasions without travelling to cities combined with a transformative encounter on holiday last year have motivated the venture.
And if it proves a success, the 71-year-old would hope that the church might host more recitals and concerts in future.
The centrepiece of the Saturday October 24 performances will be Vivaldi’s immortal series of violin concertos, The Four Seasons.
John said: “I was on holiday in Nice, in the south of France, last year, and popped into a church there. As the service was ending, musicians started setting up and so I stayed behind.
“They performed The Four Seasons and it was just beautiful. The acoustic and setting were just right for it and it set me thinking that we could do something like this back home at St Joseph’s.
“Classical music is much more central to cultural life in mainland Europe than in Britain, and there isn’t a great deal of exposure to it locally either.
“I was thinking about our congregation and how some of them, particularly older ones, would struggle to go to a professional concert at night in Manchester. And why shouldn’t our church be used for concerts as well as services?
“I have had a lot of positive feedback and ticket sales are going well. If it is a success, then it would be wonderful if more concerts could be hosted here. We need to bring the arts to the people.
John is putting his money where his mouth is as one of several local sponsors of the event in order to keep ticket prices down to an affordable £15.
The first half of the programme features shorter Baroque pieces performed by the ensemble and also starring award-winning singer Laurie who is a family friend.
The concert begins at 7pm with doors opening at 6.15pm.