The Chopin Society UK

2011 - The Chopin Society's 40th Anniversary

The 2010 bicentenary may be over, but we have not yet finished with celebrations, as 2011 is the Chopin Society of London's 40th anniversary. While we will be returning to our usual concert format of monthly concerts which members attend free, there will naturally be some special events to mark the anniversary.

The year will be opened by Louis Alvanis, a favourite of the Society, who has played regularly for us since 1987 (see archive).

The Chopin Society was officially founded in 1971 on February 22nd because our Founder, Lucie Swiatek, considered that to be the date of Chopin's birthday, and the Society has celebrated it on that date ever since. And this year there will be a special anniversary concert, in which a selection of pianists particularly associated with the Chopin Society over the years will perform.

We will also be holding a Gala Celebration on June 7th at Strawberry Hill, Twickenham, when Angela Hewitt will perform Bach and Chopin. Angela Hewitt is one of the world's leading pianists and considered by many to be the greatest living Bach interpreter on the keyboard. Back in 2006 we organised a Gala evening to raise money for the restoration of Strawberry Hill and are delighted to have been invited to hold another event in the now fully-restored building.

Because of the current difficult financial situation, for the fifth consecutive year we are not raising membership subscriptions, and hope that members will continue to support us. The Committee are looking forward to record concert attendances again this year, when our main venue will be Westminster Cathedral Hall.