London: Come play Adagio for Charlie Hebdo tonight

London: Come play Adagio for Charlie Hebdo tonight

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norman lebrecht

January 08, 2015

Message from the Allegri Quartet. Please share.

 

In light of the Charlie Hebdo massacre, for those that died and for their family and friends. For the sake of democracy and free speech and for the role artists and musicians play in it, there will be a performance tonight of Barber’s Adagio for Strings at 10.45pm outside St Martins in the Fields Church, Trafalgar Square.

Meet at 9.45pm at the church to rehearse. Bring a stand. Pegs to hold music. Stand lights if you have them.

Can you play?
Can you invite lots of people to play/come along please?

Ness (Allegri Quartet)

UPDATE: Thomas Gould will lead. Double-basses sorely needed.

2nd UPDATE: Slight change of venue here.

FINAL UPDATE: Here’s a report from the performance.

 

st martin in the fields

Comments

  • Jim Hutton violin Rlpo says:

    Very sorry if had seen your request earlier I would have come to play with you all.

    Regards Jim Hutton violin Rlpo

  • Celia Ellacott says:

    Can singers come and join in too please?

  • wheremyhat says:

    Can this please be live broadcasted?

  • Steve Fletcher says:

    I’d love to be involved (Cello) if that’s OK? Can try to round up more people too…..

  • Joanna says:

    There is nothing that I’d love doing more than joining you in person for the Adagio tonight. I shall do that however from afar for my studio is in Toronto, Canada. First violin part…
    Long live the freedom of expression! Civilization will prevail!

  • Steve Fletcher says:

    Will do, I’m in Essex at the mo, but can make it by 9.45

  • Karis says:

    I’d have loved to play but only just saw the notice. Wonderful idea. Nous sommes Charlie. hope can catch broadcast.

    Karis

  • Elizabeth Layton says:

    Sorry not to be there, but with you in spirit from Australia.

  • Latoya Rose says:

    i would like to play (viola) but I won’t be able to make it until 10:15. Is this still ok?

  • Ryan says:

    Wish I could be there. Wishing you all the best for this beautiful gesture. Peace.

  • Hilary says:

    it was a bracingly windy evening so inevitably the unamplified massed strings evaporated into the sky,on the threshold of audibility as i passed by. Very poignant.

  • Laura says:

    THANK YOU! Who could have predicted this morning that over 150+ of you would be playing like this and making us all cry. This was one of the most heartwarming moment I can think of and really show the power of music and coming together. You were all unbelievably talented and beautiful. Merci!

  • Hamish says:

    What a truly moving and inspirational tribute last night. To everyone who was involved and particularly to Vanesa – bravo. What you all did was both beautiful and brave.

    • Steve says:

      Agreed – I just heard about it in time to get down there ready to play by 10:45 last night. A privilege to be involved – well done Ness and everybody.

  • Stereo says:

    Restores ones faith in human nature. Thank you all. We have to stand up to these people,shame our politicians don’t.

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