Chamber made: Couple celebrate Mozart's music with free church concert (From Wimbledon Guardian)

Chamber made: Couple celebrate Mozart's music with free church concert

11:30am Sunday 9th September 2012 in Freetime

A musical husband and wife are playing chamber music concerts at a New Malden church.

Jane Booth and John Irving, pictured, are the driving force behind Music in New Malden, a programme of free Sunday afternoon performances.

The couple’s fifth series this month includes Mozart’s Quintet for Piano and Wind K452.

Performers give their services for free and proceeds raised go to charities, which have included Macmillan Cancer Care, Jessie’s Fund and Buskaid.

Mrs Booth said: “We are thrilled to be hosting six concerts this series with music for voice, wind instruments, strings and keyboards.”

Mrs Booth is a clarinet specialist and has played with the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment.

She is also head of historical performance at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, in London.

Mr Irving is head of music and performing arts and professor of music history and performance practice at the Canterbury Christ Church University.

He is a Mozart scholar and author of five books on the composer, including his latest work, Understanding Mozart’s Piano Sonatas.

Music in New Malden takes place at the New Malden Methodist Church, New Malden High Street, on Sundays at 3pm, beginning September 9. Entry is free.