For further information on any events in the Abbey please email events@malmesburyabbey.com or speak to Fiona in the Office 01666 826666
Arts in the Abbey: Friday 18th October at 7.30pm in Malmesbury Abbey
An evening of music, poetry and art celebrating Malmesbury’s creative past and present.
Amongst those taking part will be members of the Abbey Choir, soloists, local poets and artists. The programme will include the book launch of ‘If Stones Could Speak,’ a collection of poetry, story and snippets of history by Olive Malcolm, illustrated by Francesca Alden-Fenn.
If Stones Could ‘Speak’ traces the footsteps of the past, acknowledging the lives of noble-men, saints and sinners; the hopes and fears of ordinary folk. The voices of the past are embedded in the ancient stones of Malmesbury and its historic abbey, if we but pause and listen.
During the evening, the Abbey Choir will perform choral settings of several of Olive’s po-ems, set to music by composer and organist John Hughes, including ‘The Minstrel Monk,’ composed earlier this year in honour of St Aldhelm’s Day; and ‘Noble Stone King Athel-stan,’ written to commemorate the 1100th anniversary of Athelstan – King of all England.
‘This is a real celebration of Malmesbury Abbey’s focal place in the history and future of our wonderful town,’ said Olive Malcolm. ‘I am particularly indebted to John Hughes for our creative collaboration since the beginning since the beginning of lockdown, and to Fran-cesca Alden-Fenn for her sensitive visual interpretation of the message of my book.
The originals of some of her stunning artwork for ‘If Stones Could Speak’ will be on display in the abbey.’
The event is free, but donations towards the upkeep of Malmesbury Abbey will be much appreciated. We hope you can join us on Friday 18th October at 7.30pm in the Abbey – which of course is the real star of the show!
Copies of ‘If Stones Could Speak’ are available from the Abbey bookshop.
The art exhibition will run from 18th to 24th October in the south aisle of the Abbey.
Riding Lights: Cups on a String
Riding Lights Theatre Company performance of ‘Cups on a String’ – please book your tickets for this play in the Abbey on Friday 25th October 7.30pm!
A moving and warm-hearted new play, developed from remarkable true stories. Its for anyone who is interested in helping young children to be happy and settled in home and school life, particularly when some can struggle.
Partnered by Transforming Lives for Good, this is about playfulness, listening and laughter, and how risk taking and trust can lead to growth and transformation.
Book on www.ridinglights.org/cupsonastring
(Suggested viewing age 14+)
Trio Paradis – free café concerts, Tuesdays at 2pm –
Tuesday 5th November, Tuesday 3rd December
