Welcome

Welcome to the website of Kensington and Chelsea Music Society.

Launch of our 2024-25 Concert Series

On behalf of the KCMS committee, I am delighted to introduce our 63rd season of concerts in partnership with Leighton House. The former home and studio of the leading Victorian artist Frederic, Lord Leighton (1830-1896), Leighton House is a unique and unforgettable setting for music. From its first construction in the 1860s up until shortly before his death, his studio-house and garden was Leighton’s constant preoccupation and delight, as he extended and decorated the building, and filled the rooms with an extraordinary collection of paintings, ceramics, textiles, furnishing and other objects. Leighton House recently underwent a transformative capital project and reopened in October 2022 with improved visitor facilities, step-free access to all public parts of the building, a new purpose-built gallery, new contemporary commissions and recovered original architecture lost in later additions following Leighton’s death.

I am delighted to announce another outstanding season of KCMS concerts, featuring a mixture of new and established artists, performing a varied and exciting programme of solo piano works, chamber music, and opera. We are delighted to welcome back acclaimed violinist Sara Trickey to open the season with a concert of Beethoven sonatas: Beethoven continues as a focal point for the remainder of our series. We continue our partnerships with Making Music, Opera Holland Park and The Keyboard Trust and we are delighted to welcome internationally renowned tenor James Gilchrist to give a song recital in November. See the concerts tab for full programme information.

We will also continue to give three young, local musicians “Five Minutes of Fame” slots over the course of the season in association with the Wandsworth Young Musician of the Year Competition. Supporting young talent is very important to KCMS, and we continue to find innovative ways to support emerging artists.

None of this would be possible without the support of Killik & Co and Corridy Property Management, whose sponsorship enables KCMS to prosper and to showcase the finest musical talent. Killik & Co offers award-winning advice for your savings, planning and investments and Corridy Property Management provides independent property management services in prime locations in London. For further details, see their advertisements in this programme and visit their websites. Our heartfelt thanks also for the support of RBKC and the staff at Leighton House.

Tickets, priced at £22 per concert (£12 for students and children), are available via the Leighton House website. The best value, as always, is to be found in purchasing a season ticket: this price has been held at a very reasonable £100, a saving of £54 over the season (students and children £50 – a saving of £34). All tickets include an interval reception with wine, fruit juice or mineral water.

We hope to see you soon!

William Vann, KCMS Chairman