Rachmaninov 2nd Piano Concerto and Lark Ascending

About the show

Step into the majestic beauty of Manchester Cathedral this Christmas, where the warm glow of candlelight and the soaring architecture create a truly magical setting for an unforgettable evening of classical music.

Join the Piccadilly Sinfonietta, one of the UK’s most exciting chamber ensembles, for a festive celebration of iconic works by Vaughan Williams, Mozart, and Rachmaninov—all performed by leading soloists in an atmosphere of seasonal splendour. The evening opens with Vaughan Williams’ beloved The Lark Ascending, a poignant and ethereal tribute to the English countryside, performed by violinist Henry Chandler. This is followed by Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto, one of the composer’s final and most sublime works, showcasing the lyrical brilliance of clarinettist Poppy Beddoe. After a short interval, the concert concludes with Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No. 2, a work of sweeping emotion and lush Romanticism, performed by acclaimed pianist Warren Mailley-Smith, whose expressive artistry continues to captivate audiences across the UK.