Episode 1: Cello and Accordion
In episode 1, we launch our series of chapel recordings with Martina Schwarz and Christopher Allan playing six pieces on the cello and accordion. Enjoy the 360 view of the chapel whilst listening to this talented duo.
If you enjoy the performance, please consider making a donation to Abney Park Trust, the programmers of this series, so that they can continue in their role as curators of this beautiful space and be able to put on future events for you to enjoy.
Watch the performance
Set list
Six pieces - dedicated to Abney Park Chapel and the Cemetery
Accordion: Marina Schwarz
Cello: Christopher Allan
Quand un ange passe, M. Schwarz
This short piece was written a lifetime ago, in 1987, for a dance theatre show in Paris. I remembered the piece when walking through Abney Park Cemetery and admiring the beautiful sculptures of angels.
Creatures, M. Schwarz
There are certainly many amazing creatures in Abney Park Cemetery. This piece is a version of my original score for the dance production Sonámbulas at the Place in 2015.
Conspirators and The Journey, M. Schwarz
Both pieces were created for the documentary film: "Conspirators" by Paul Meyer. Both, Chris Allan and I played the music for this film in 2006.
Cello Suite No 5, Sarabande, J.S.Bach performed by Chris Allan
Rapid Eye Movements, M.Schwarz
This piece was originally created for a London Bubble Theatre production. Rapid Eye Movements won the National Accordion Composers competition in 2009.
Biographies
Martina Schwarz (accordion)
Martina is a London (Stoke Newington) based musician, composer, performer and choir leader. She has been commissioned to write and perform music for theatre, film and dance as well as for community, health and educational settings and loves the variety of her work.
Martina’s compositions have mainly been heard in productions she has been involved in as a musician and performer, amongst others: the Arcola Theatre, Sadlers Wells, Laban Theatre, Lilian Baylis Theatre, the Place, the South Bank Centre, the Grant Museum (UCL), Spitalfield Festival and RADA.
Martina also writes children songs and has released several songbooks & CDs in collaboration with the Goethe Institute. She tours her song program “Learn German with Songs” for young audiences worldwide. www.learngermanwithsongs.co.uk
www.martinaschwarz.net
Christopher Allan (cello)
Christopher studied at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama with Melissa Phelps and Karine Georgian. He has collaborated with artists from across the spectrum, from playing string quartets with the Le Page Ensemble, to Beethoven Symphonies with the Britten Sinfonia and Thomas Adès. He has played solo cello on Gare St Lazare’s Samuel Beckett show “Here All Night”, arranging and performing for Hofesh Shechter and Mumford and Sons, and has played for Max Richter, Goldfrapp, the gogmagogs and Quincy Jones.
He lives in London (Lower Clapton) with his wife Julia and daughters Isabelle and Mathilda.
We need your continued support
As we are not yet permitted to run our events and usual fundraising opportunities at Abney Park, we need to ask for your continued support. We’re seeking donations to help Abney Park Trust curate a series of events, audio tours and publications on Abney as part of our mission to promote Abney’s history, wildlife and role in the community. We’re also looking to raise funds for our monument restoration programme. Please support us so we can continue in the care and promotion of this beautiful space.