New series of recitals at St Wilfrid’s Church, Haywards Heath

Tim Carpenter, director of music and organist at St Wilfrid’s Church, Haywards Heath, presents the first of his 2026-27 series of nine second-Sunday evening one-hour music recitals at 7.15pm on Sunday, September 13.

It features the talented Ardingly College Senior Music Scholars, who perform a selection of their vocal and instrumental repertoire.

Spokesman Melvyn Walmsley said: “As at the subsequent monthly recitals, admission is free and the recital is preceded by monthly choral evensong from the Book of Common Prayer at 6pm followed by refreshments at 6.45pm.

“Afterwards there is a retiring collection for the St Wilfrid’s choral scholarship scheme for 12-18 year olds, now in its third successful year. The scheme fosters familiarity with the sacred choral canon through tuition and travel expenses to sing with the church choir in school term time.

“The 2026-27 series is performed by a blend of musicians who have already delighted audiences at these recitals and others appearing for the first time.

“On October 11 Fergus Byett’s pipe organ recital includes works by J S Bach, Buxtehude, Howells and Pachelbel, and then on November 8 Adam Maha (viola) and Tim Chua Maha play madrigals by Martinu and Mozart’s Duo (K.423) for their instruments.

“After its Advent and Christmas break, the series resumes on January 10 2027, when Eddie Gifney (piano) makes his St Wilfrid’s debut in a programme of Bach, Beethoven, Chopin and Madtner, followed on February 14 by the welcome return of the 13-strong Tredici Wind Ensemble, who play pieces by Richard Strauss, Grieg and Smetana.

“The St Wilfrid’s Choral Scholars themselves sing a selection from their solo vocal repertoire on March 14, and after the Easter break it’s the turn of the Ardingly College Junior Music Scholars on May 9, when they demonstrate their vocal and instrumental talents.

“On June 13 the ever-popular, always moving Elgar Cello Concerto is played in a cello-and-piano arrangement by Tim Carpenter and Fergus Byett, whose recital also includes Bach’s Solo Cello Suite No 1 and Martinu’s Variations on a Slovak Theme. The series is rounded off on July 11 by Hannah Carpenter (soprano) and Eddie Gifney, who present Art Song and Folk Songs by Britten and Finzi.”

2026-27 series details are at https://flipbook.so/flip/aqJMTSNZ7O0AN2tv6cI5 and, for more about the choral scholarship scheme and recitals, email [email protected] or visit https://www.stwilfridshaywardsheath.org.uk