As the nights draw in, join Celoniatus in the warmth of Keele University Chapel for a candlelit evening of beautiful classical music.
Detailed Description
Celoniatus – concert by candlelight
Wednesday 19 November 2025
Keele University Chapel
Tickets: £16
Students and Ages 16 & under: Free
"A freshness and dynamicism rarely experienced... The whole programme was delightful, brilliantly played with passion, breath-taking virtuosity, imagination and intelligence" - Amanda Cook, Amici Concert Series, Chichester Cathedral.
This richly varied programme journeys through centuries of musical expression—from the sparkling elegance of Mozart’s Divertimento in D to the haunting lyricism of Vaughan Williams’ The Lark Ascending. Eccles’ Mad Lover’s Aire offers Baroque drama, while the traditional Catalan Song of the Birds brings poignant simplicity after the interval.
A highlight of the evening is the world premiere of Green Spaces We Hold Dear, a new work by Harriet Mackenzie with words by Alexander Mavis, celebrating nature and reflection through music and spoken word. The concert concludes with Vivaldi’s fiery and virtuosic La Stravaganza, a dazzling showcase of Baroque brilliance.
Named after her 1730 Italian violin, Harriet Mackenzie founded the Celoniatus Ensemble in 2016. She hand-picked international prize-winners and established professionals - soloists, leaders of orchestras and established chamber music performers to perform alongside her in an innovative chamber orchestra.
The group's sold-out debut performance of Piazzolla/Desyanikov's Four Seasons of Buenos Aires at Trinity Laban London was highly acclaimed and has led to exciting invitations at international festivals around the UK and Europe including performances at Salisbury Cathedral; Chichester Cathedral; the inaugural concert season of the new World Heart Beat Concert Hall in London; the acclaimed 'Tunedln' Series in London; Stamford Arts Centre; a series in Tunbridge Wells, Bilbao Festival; Keele University and live broadcasts on BBC Radio 3.
Programme:
Mozart - Divertimento in D. Allegro, Andante, Presto
Eccles - The Mad Lover's Aire
Vaughan Williams - The Lark Ascending
Interval
The Song of the Birds - Traditional Catalan
Harriet Mackenzie - Green Spaces We Hold Dear (with words by Alexander Mavis) *WORLD PREMIERE*
Vivaldi - La Stravaganza Concerto In E minor. Allegro, Largo, Presto.
