Sunday 21st November 2004 - Ciaccona

Inclement weather did not deter the appreciative audience who braved the cold to hear Ciaccona play music by J S Bach last Sunday evening at St Martin's Church, Stamford . The internationally acclaimed musicians - James Johnstone , Harpsichord, Katy Bircher, Flute, and Kati Debretzeni, Violin, presented a wonderfully entertaining and informative programme exploring the sonata form. Using period instruments, their particular sound - rounded but "clean" - drew every detail and nuance from Bach's expansive melodic lines, resulting in performances of quite stunning virtuosity and warmth. To be a member of the audience was, indeed, a rare privilege.

Joy Pye 22.11.04

Saturday 2nd October 2004 - Moira Johnston and Christine Stevenson

St Martin's Church, Stamford, once again provided the venue for highly talented musicians playing and singing baroque music in which Henry Purcell, an English composer, took centre stage.

Accompanied by John Keys, harpsichord, two sopranos Christine Stevenson and Moira Johnston delighted and charmed their audience with the opening duet 'Two daughters of this Agèd Stream' from the masque King Arthur, and continued to enthrall to the last item on the programme, 'Sound the Trumpet' from Come Ye Sons of Art. More familiar items from this hugely entertaining programme included Albinoni's Adagio played by oboist Peter Beaumont accompanied by John Keys, and the sublimely beautiful solo items from Handel's Messiah 'He shall feed his flock' and 'Come unto Him'.

The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly Purcell's little known gem 'Dive Custos', when the collective sigh from the audience as the last notes faded was proof, if any were needed, of the uplifting power of this music.

Saturday 3rd July 2004 - Madrigals, Motets and Cole Porter

The Hertford College Chamber Choir

A small but discerning audience were treated to a presentation of some of the best known madrigals and motets ever written by English composers of the 16 century, the long lines of the music resonating to perfection in this magnificent space.

Led by Matthew O'Malley of Barnack, this youthful ensemble carried through a demanding programme devoted to deploying the expressive power of the human voice. Ending on a more modern note with songs by The Beatles and George Gershwin, the final item was the exquisite 'Lay a Garland' an early Victorian masterpiece by Robert Pearsall.

Saturday 20 March 2004 - The Crucifixion by John Stainer

The first "Music At St Martin's Concert" was a memorable 'come and sing' event conducted by Paul White, with David Lovell-Brown, Organ, Ian Stafford, Tenor and Marius Carney, Bass.