Rachmaninov 2nd Piano Concerto and Lark Ascending at Christmas

⭐ Celebrate the season in the breathtaking setting of Manchester Cathedral with a candlelit concert of classical masterpieces, including Rachmaninov’s iconic 2nd Piano Concerto and Vaughan Williams’ The Lark Ascending

Highlights
🎻 A festive performance by The Piccadilly Sinfonietta, featuring some of the UK’s most celebrated classical musicians.
🕯️ Magical candlelit ambience in the stunning surroundings of Manchester Cathedral.
🎼 Works by Vaughan Williams, Mozart, and Rachmaninov performed by soloists Henry Chandler, Poppy Beddoe, and Warren Mailley-Smith.
🌟 A night of lyrical beauty, seasonal atmosphere, and world-class musical artistry.

General Info
📅 Date: December 30, 2025
🕒 Time: 7:30 PM – 9:20 PM
📍 Location: Manchester Cathedral, Victoria Street, Manchester, M3 1SX

Description
Step into the majestic beauty of Manchester Cathedral this Christmas, where the warm glow of candlelight and the soaring architecture create a truly magical setting for an unforgettable evening of classical music.

Join the Piccadilly Sinfonietta, one of the UK’s most exciting chamber ensembles, for a festive celebration of iconic works by Vaughan Williams, Mozart, and Rachmaninov—all performed by leading soloists in an atmosphere of seasonal splendour. The evening opens with Vaughan Williams’ beloved The Lark Ascending, a poignant and ethereal tribute to the English countryside, performed by violinist Henry Chandler. This is followed by Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto, one of the composer’s final and most sublime works, showcasing the lyrical brilliance of clarinettist Poppy Beddoe. After a short interval, the concert concludes with Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No.2, a work of sweeping emotion and lush Romanticism, performed by acclaimed pianist Warren Mailley-Smith, whose expressive artistry continues to captivate audiences across the UK.

“Stunning” – Classic FM

Featuring:
The Piccadilly Sinfonietta
Warren Mailley-Smith (piano)
Henry Chandler (violin)
Poppy Beddoe (clarinet)

Programme:
Vaughan Williams – The Lark Ascending
Mozart – Clarinet Concerto in A major
Interval
Rachmaninov – Piano Concerto No. 2