New music series in “hidden” Hampshire church

Garry Lace, who is curating the programme, said: “St Hubert’s Church in Idsworth, a Grade I listed Saxon-Norman building known for its remarkable acoustics and rare medieval wall paintings, has launched St Hubert’s Music, a new live music series over six months designed to bring world-class performers into an intimate, atmospheric setting.

“This is no ordinary concert series. Built around the idea that storytelling meets music, each event explores a single theme: for example, love, friendship and remembrance through carefully curated performances that are as emotionally engaging as they are musically accomplished.

“The series, titled One Word, Many Notes, will feature a diverse programme ranging from opera and chamber music to choral performances, with artists including Portsmouth Cathedral Choir, professional string quartets, a harpist and internationally experienced soloists.”

Curator and member of the Idsworth congregation, Garry said the idea came from a simple question: “What would happen if you took exceptional musicians out of formal concert halls and placed them somewhere more human, somewhere intimate, where the audience feels part of the experience rather than separate from it?’

“With audiences of around 70 people per performance, the aim is to create something rare: a shared, close-up experience of music that feels personal, immersive, and accessible, whether you’re a lifelong classical listener or completely new to it.

“Set in the quiet village of Idsworth, just outside Portsmouth, St Hubert’s offers a striking contrast to traditional venues. Performances take place beneath 13th-century wall paintings, in a space where the boundary between performer and audience all but disappears.”

The series launches offers a programme including:

Friendship with The Quattro String Quartet on June 13

Love with New Arts Opera on July 11

Remembrance with the Portsmouth Cathedral Choir on November 14

“Tickets are priced at £25 to remain accessible, with a focus on welcoming local audiences alongside visitors from across the region. This isn’t about making classical music grander. It’s about making it closer.”

The link to book tickets is www.sthubertsmusic.co.uk