Mathilde Milwidsky, Huw Watkins & the Huanui Music Society Concert

Huanui Music Society Presents Aestas in Insulis – Acclaimed Artists Mathilde Milwidsky and Huw Watkins Perform in Guernsey and Jersey

About the concert

Huanui Music Society is delighted to present Aestas in Insulis (Summer in the Islands), a special recital featuring internationally acclaimed violinist Mathilde Milwidsky and renowned pianist and composer Huw Watkins.

Presented as part of the St Peter Port & St Helier Musical Exchange programme, the concerts will take place in both Jersey and Guernsey, celebrating artistic excellence while strengthening cultural connections across the Channel Islands.

Audiences will enjoy a programme spanning three centuries of musical creativity, performed by two of the United Kingdom's most distinguished musicians.

An Exceptional Musical Partnership

Mathilde Milwidsky is widely recognised as one of the leading violinists of her generation. Named a Classic FM Rising Star and a Gramophone One to Watch, she was the only British violinist selected for the prestigious Queen Elisabeth Violin Competition in 2024. She has performed at major international venues including Wigmore Hall and the Royal Festival Hall and is Professor of Violin at the Royal College of Music.

As part of her visit to the Channel Islands, Mathilde will also lead a masterclass for young violinists, offering aspiring musicians a rare opportunity to learn directly from one of the UK's foremost performers and educators.

Joining her is Huw Watkins, one of Britain's most respected pianists and composers. Professor of Composition at the Royal Academy of Music, he has performed with leading ensembles including the BBC Symphony Orchestra and London Sinfonietta and has premiered works by many of the UK's most celebrated contemporary composers.

Together, they will present a programme that combines much-loved classical works with outstanding twentieth and twenty-first century repertoire.

Programme

The recital opens with Lili Boulanger's evocative D'un matin de printemps, followed by Telemann's Fantasia No. 7 in E-flat Major for solo violin. The first half concludes with Beethoven's Sonata No. 8 in G Major, Op. 30 No. 3, one of the composer's most engaging works for violin and piano.The second half features Hika by the celebrated Japanese composer Tōru Takemitsu before concluding with César Franck's much-loved Violin Sonata, widely regarded as one of the greatest works in the violin repertoire.

Strengthening Cultural Connections Across the Islands

The St Peter Port & St Helier Musical Exchange programme was established to encourage greater artistic collaboration between Guernsey and Jersey. Through shared performances and educational opportunities, the initiative enables audiences in both islands to experience world-class music while fostering stronger cultural ties across the Bailiwick.

Alongside the public concerts, the programme seeks to inspire and support the next generation of musicians. Mathilde Milwidsky's masterclass will provide young violinists with invaluable insight into professional performance and musical development at the highest level.

The recital reflects Huanui Music Society's commitment to bringing exceptional artists to the Channel Islands and to enriching the cultural life of the community through performance, education and partnership.

Event details:

• When: Friday 26 June, 6pm for 6.30pm
• Where: Town Church
• Cost: £15 (£25 Society Circle)

Tickets available from huanuimusic.org