Last Saturday at St. Mary's, Slough the venue hosted its 1000th free Saturday Lunchtime Concert.

An audience of over 200 filled the Church to hear performances by the originator of the series, Malcolm Stowell, at the impressive Norman & Beard 1912 organ, Andrew Adams (cello), Henry Macey & David Darby (piano duet) and the Reading Minster Midweek Choir, conducted by David Butler.

The free lunchtime concert series was started by organist and choirmaster Malcolm Stowell in January 1990, and bookings are now being taken for 2010!4BR

Finale

The finale was a combination of choir, organ and the 8 piece Celebration Brass Ensemble in the premiere of 'In Tuneful Accord'. A special arrangement based on the hymn tune Laudate Dominum by Terry Treherne.

1990 start

The free lunchtime concert series was started by organist and choirmaster Malcolm Stowell in January 1990, and bookings are now being taken for 2010!

Concerts feature artists ranging from the youngest performers making their debut, to international concert performers, which in 2005 included the Rutgers University Chorus from Newark, New Jersey.

Natural acoustic

With it's natural acoustic, St. Mary's has also hosted many fine brass concerts, including over 30 recitals by euphonium soloist Charley Brighton, and visits by Capriccioso Brass, Freedom Brass & Windsor Festival Brass.

The future of these free concerts seems very secure, and they remain a very important part of keeping music 'live' in an age of easy access to CD/DVD and online concerts.