Rachmaninoff: Complete works for cello and piano by candlelight

✨ A unique concert will take place on the 11th of April. We invite you to enjoy the masterpieces of Sergei Rachmaninoff in Kensington United Reformed Church, located in the heart of the royal borough of Kensington and Chelsea!

An intimate candlelit evening is devoted to the deep soul and soaring passion of Sergei Rachmaninoff. The warm, human voice of the cello entwines with the piano’s thunder and tenderness, revealing every shade of the composer’s romantic world. Lightened by a flicker of hundreds of candles, this chamber concert offers to enjoy iconic pieces in a fresh way.

The concert organisers are the creative agency RED EVENTS & Distribution ltd, which makes exceptional cultural events in ancient mansions, on rooftops, in greenhouses and in other most atmospheric venues throughout the United Kingdom, Europe and other countries. Also in the repertoire – a collection of concerts by candlelight and with complete immersion in the space of video art and sound. 

PERFORMERS
Irina Lyakhovskaya is a highly regarded pianist performing as a soloist, chamber musician and accompanist. She has given many performances at leading international venues, including the Southbank Centre, Wigmore Hall, Symphony Hall, Cadogan Hall, Kings Place, St John’s Smith Square, St Petersburg Philharmonic, Smetana Hall, Porto Coliseum and at concert clubs and festivals across the UK. In 2016 – 2020, she was an Artist in Residence at Eastbourne Arts Centre, where she performed the complete Beethoven piano sonatas in an 8-concert cycle.

As a concerto soloist, she has performed works by Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven, Chopin, Schumann, Grieg, Brahms, Tchaikovsky, Skryabin and Rachmaninov. She lives in London and is a faculty member at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance. Born in St Petersburg, she studied with Alexander Sandler at the St Petersburg Conservatoire and with John Bingham in London.

Miguel Ángel Villeda Cerón is a fully rounded player, delivering a nicely rounded tone that inspires confidence in his judgement.”
—Martin Dreyer, Charles Hutch Press

Miguel Ángel was 10 years Associate Principal of the National Symphony Orchestra (Mexico). He has recently won an audition to join the National Institute of Fine Arts (INBA) as a Concert Artist which gives him the status of musical ambassador for Mexico 

He did his Master’s studies in London at Trinity Laban under the guidance of Richard Markson, where he took masterclasses and collaborated with renowned figures such as Alexander Rudin, Emanuel Gruber, Yo-Yo Ma, Rebecca Gilliver, Alban Gerhardt, Lynn Harrell, Raphael Wallfisch, Natalie Clein, and Vagram Saradjian.

A versatile musician, Miguel Ángel is equally confident as a conductor, solo cellist, orchestral player, and chamber musician. With his internationally awarded Waldstein Trio, he has performed in some of the world’s most prestigious venues, including Wigmore Hall, Carnegie Hall, and the Musikverein.

He divides his time between Mexico and London, where he is currently on trial with the London Philharmonic Orchestra and he regularly collaborates with UK’s leading ensembles, including the London Symphony Orchestra and St Martin in the Fields.

Miguel Ángel has also built an extensive career as a soloist, having appeared with major orchestras across Mexico and abroad with the Orlando Philharmonic and the Henley Orchestra in London. He will return in 2026 with the Henley Orchestra to perform Prokofiev’s Sinfonia-Concertante under the baton of Alexander Walker.
Miguel Ángel is fluent in four languages, and his favorite pastimes are chess and books.

PROGRAMME

Lied
Prelude
Dance Orientale
Vocalise
Sonata Op 19

*Please note that the programme is subject to changes

- Contact via local church office
- +44 (0) 20 XXXX XXXX (general inquiries)

- Event tickets/reservations typically managed through church office
- Personal pickup available during office hours
- Advance notice recommended

- Limited street parking on Allen Street
- Nearby public parking within walking distance
- Some on-site parking for disabled attendees
- Nearest tube station: Earl's Court (15-minute walk)

- Ground floor seating for mobility-impaired visitors
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Designated spaces for wheelchairs
- Hearing loop system available

- Respectful, quiet behavior expected
- No food or drink in main sanctuary
- Photography permitted with prior consent
- Dress code: Smart casual

- Children welcome in services
- Supervised nursery available
- Children's activity packs provided
- Family-friendly environment