Music at St Mary’s
‘Let everything that has breath praise the Lord’
At St Mary’s we take great joy in giving God glory through the gift of music. Whether that be in our sung worship led by our choir and band, in our monthly Free Friday Recitals, or in our special services and concerts, which see musicians from the local area gather together to share their gifts.
Are you a keen singer or instrumentalist interested in joining our music ministry? Please contact Tom, our Music Director on 020 7226 3400, or at tom.jesty@stmaryislington.org
Free Friday Recitals at St Mary’s
Following the success of the Free Friday Lunchtime Recitals held throughout 2024, St Mary’s Church is delighted to announce the continuation of the programme in 2026. Over 1,000 people attended the 12 free recitals in 2024 and were treated to high quality classical performances by early career professionals. The series showcased a diverse repertoire, from the early classicism of Quantz, to contemporary music by Caroline Lizotte, including performances by pianists, guitarists, saxophonists, and harpists.
The concerts will take place on the third Friday of every month at St Mary’s Church, Upper Street at 1.15pm. The concerts are free and you do not need a ticket. Free hot drinks and cake served from 12.45pm.
The Free Friday lunchtime Recitals at St Mary's have been made possible by the legacy gift of Denise Antenen and generous donations from members of St Mary's congregation.
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Come and join virtuoso pianist Max Pemberton, who will perform a programme of music by J.S. Bach, Matthew Locke, Richard Baker, and Claude Debussy.
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Join Cornwall Kim Lute Duo and hear sacred duets from 16th century England, Italy and the Netherlands.
Cellist George Cooke at September 2024’s recital
Music Events
Join pianist Max Pemberton for a recital encompassing baroque music by J.S. Bach and Matthew Locke, impressionistic soundscapes by Claude Debussy, including his famous Reflets dans l'eau, and a contemporary work, Breaking the Ground, by Richard Baker.
1.15pm with free hot drinks and cake served from 12.45pm.
12th Sunday after Trinity
Leading: Abie Hepworth
Preaching: James Hughesdon
Readings: Romans 12:1-8; Matthew 16:13-20
13th Sunday after Trinity
Leading the service: Abie Hepworth
Preaching: Ian Mylam
Readings: Romans 12:9-end; Matthew 16:21-end
14th Sunday after Trinity
Leading the service: Heather Valletta
Preaching: Heather Valletta
Readings: TBC
14th Sunday after Trinity
Leading and Presiding: James Hughesdon
Preaching: Heather Valletta
Readings: TBC
16th Sunday after Trinity
Leading: Abie Hepworth
Preaching: Abie Hepworth
Readings: TBC
Our ninth Free Friday Lunchtime Recital of 2026 will take place on Friday 18 September.
Performers and theme to be announced soon.
Come and be delighted by high quality classical performances in our beautiful church. The concerts take place on the third Friday of every month at 1.15pm with free hot drinks and cake served from 12.45pm.
17th Sunday after Trinity
Leading the service: James Hughesdon
Preaching: James Hughesdon
Readings: TBC
17th Sunday after Trinity
Leading and Presiding: Heather Valletta
Preaching: James Hughesdon
Readings: TBC
18th Sunday after Trinity
Leading and Presiding: Heather Valletta
Preaching: Heather Valletta
Readings: TBC
20th Sunday after Trinity
Leading: Abie Hepworth
Preaching: Heather Valletta
Readings: TBC
19th Sunday after Trinity
Leading the service: TBC
Preaching: TBC
Readings: TBC
19th Sunday after Trinity
Leading: TBC
Preaching: TBC
Readings: TBC
20th Sunday after Trinity
Leading and presiding: James Hughesdon
Preaching: James Hughesdon
Readings: TBC
Our tenth Free Friday Lunchtime Recital of 2026 will take place on Friday 16 October.
Performers and theme to be announced soon.
Come and be delighted by high quality classical performances in our beautiful church. The concerts take place on the third Friday of every month at 1.15pm with free hot drinks and cake served from 12.45pm.
21st Sunday after Trinity
Leading the service: TBC
Preaching: TBC
Readings: TBC
21st Sunday after Trinity
Leading: TBC
Preaching: TBC
Readings: TBC
22nd Sunday after Trinity
Leading and Presiding: TBC
Preaching: TBC
Readings: TBC
22nd Sunday after Trinity
Leading and presiding: TBC
Preaching: TBC
Readings: TBC
All Saints Day
Leading the service: TBC
Preaching: TBC
Readings: TBC