Free piano recital by Neil Crossland at St Michael’s Church in Bishop’s Stortford on Sunday January 26

A distinguished pianist and composer will be giving a free recital in Bishop’s Stortford on Sunday January 26.

Neil Crossland will play pieces by Vivaldi, Beethoven and himself at St Michael’s Church in Windhill from 3pm.

The 45-minute performance will be followed by tea and homemade cake. Donations are welcomed at the end.

Crossland, who hails from Yorkshire, began his musical journey at the age of six, leading him to the prestigious Royal College of Music in London where he earned top prizes in both piano and composition.

He has performed in some of the world’s most iconic venues, including the Barbican, Queen Elizabeth Hall and Wigmore Hall and is a prolific recording artist.

The concert is part of the bi-monthly Music at St Michael’s series featuring high-calibre musicians from the area and further afield.

“Music at St Michael’s is a force for good in the town, encouraging folk of all ages to engage with music and musicians of many genres in the beautiful aesthetic and acoustic of St Michael’s Church,” said director of music Nathan Collins

“We do not charge on the way in with a mind to making our recitals as accessible as possible, but we hope that folk will want to give something on the way out as they feel able, in support of the musicians and the venue for future events.

“We are also very keen to welcome both young and old to engage afresh with familiar music and to take time to explore some perhaps less familiar repertoire.

“For example, last November we were delighted to host the excellent local pianist Natalie Bleicher, playing a programme of contemporary piano music including highlights from The Zoo in the Sky by Karen Tanaka.

“After the music fades, tea, homemade cake and convivial company ensue at the back of church.

“It really is our joy to serve the town well as both a place of excellence in music and as a gathering of those who appreciate good music, good company and good cake.”

Visit www.saintmichaelweb.org.uk/Groups/310530/Music_At_St.aspx to find out more.