On November 24, the BritishSpanish Society hosted its big event of the autumn calendar – a special concert at the beautiful St James’s church in London’s Piccadilly. It was a memorable night and a sell-out éxito! 

The evening’s programme was directed by former BSS scholar and virtuoso violinist Nicole Crespo O´Donoghue, and also featured cellist Laura Peribañez; guitarist and composer Gregory Sanders Gallego; and flautist Daisy Noton. The group played an exclusive programme for BSS members and friends, with music from composers such as Piazzolla, Albeniz and Cassadó.

After the concert guests stayed for drinks, networking and a delicious selection of Spanish ham and cheese, courtesy of Codorniu, Mahou, COVAP and Hamish Johnston Fine Cheeses.

The event was “testimony to beauty, harmony, and engagement and the creativity and energy of youthful talent and also a real example of why our scholarship programme is worth it,” said BSS Chairman Jimmy Burns. “The gathering was indeed a Punto de Encuentro – a coming together and meeting point reviving us from the dislocation and loss of the pandemic and filing us with humanity and hope.”

With thanks to everyone who came to make this such a special evening, to our guest of honour the BritishSpanish Society’s Honorary President the Spanish Ambassador HE José Pascual Marco Martínez; and to all our partners and supporters.

Video highlights from the concert are available here and on our social media channels:

“Enhorabuena por el evento de ayer. Fue un éxito!” – Manuel Butler, Head of the Spanish Tourist Office.

“Loved it!” – Angus MacQueen, award-winning producer and director

“We loved the music, very special!” – Lucien, BSS member

“Congratulations for the event. Buenisimo!” – Marcel, BSS member

“We enjoyed the excellent concert!” – Jules & Helen, BSS members

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Concert programme:

Music Director: Nicole Crespo

Part 1
Introduction
Group – Tango ‘Por Una Cabeza’ – C. Gardel
Laura Peribañez – 1er mov, Suite for Solo cello – G. Cassadó
Gregory Sanders – ‘Volver’ – C. Gardel
Grupo – Tango – Albeniz
Nicole Crespo – Zigeunerweisen – Sarasate

Break

Part 2
Nicole Crespo – Spanish dance from ‘La Vida Breve’ – Falla
Daisy Noton- Tango Fantasia – Gade
Laura Peribañez – solo cello Tagell 3’
Gregory Sanders – ‘Tarde’ – Garay
Group – Oblivion – Piazzolla
Group- Libertango – Piazzolla