A concert is being held by The Hildegard Trio to help raise money to fund an expansion of Braithwaite Church.

The concert will be held on Saturday, June 14 7.30pm (19:00) at St John’s Church in Keswick.

At a time when church attendance is falling an expansion is now needed as the Braithwaite Orthodox Church has experienced an increase in its congregation.

This is all the more extraordinary in that despite it’s inspirational founding priest, Keswick’s own, Father John Musther died in 2023.

With more space needed three musicians are coming together to give a truly unique and beautiful concert as a first attempt to kickstart a fundraising campaign.

The Hildegard Trio comprising of Andy Sherwood, Caroline Salmon and James Letham will perform music spanning ten centuries featuring works by medieval visionary Hildegard von Bingen, Sir John Tavener, and a selection of Bach, Mozart, Kreisler, McEwen and Scottish Folk.

The violinist Andy Sherwood says: “Music increases joy, empathy and love and this programme aims to do this.

“I am thrilled to be performing with my brilliant colleagues, Caroline and Jim. 

“Father John’s vision for the future of the church continues to inspire us all and to draw people to the church which is why it is so important we make room for them.”

Andy Sherwood is a conductor and violinist who has performed in many parts of the world and is professor of Violin at Trinity Laban Conservatoire in London.

Caroline Salmon, an Edinburgh-based choir director and professional singer fresh from her solo concerts in Bucharest; and James Letham, a composer, choir director and pianist from the Scottish Borders.

This concert by outstanding professional musicians is free, in the hope that it might inspire the audience to give whatever can be afforded in a retiring collection to raise money for the improvement and internal expansion of the Orthodox chapel in Braithwaite. 

When Fr John began his ministry here, he was the only Orthodox priest in Cumbria. Services were initially held in a small attic chapel in his Keswick home.

As word of his ministry spread, he was soon catering for a parish too big for the attic and Fr John acquired Braithwaite’s former Methodist chapel for Sunday liturgies. 

Internal modification is now needed to create space for the growing number of parishioners who at times have to stand outside. 

There will be an interval bar serving wine, soft drinks, tea and coffee due to the Reverend Charles Hope and his parish, Churches Together in Keswick.