Pianist Matthew Shiel performs Rachmaninoff’s Second Piano Concerto with his Candlelight Orchestra in an atmospheric candlelit setting as part of Brighton Fringe.
If you are looking for something a bit different to do in Brighton this May, there is a series of concerts coming up at St Paul's Church that focuses on Rachmaninoff’s Second Piano Concerto. The pianist Matthew Shiel is performing this piece, and he is doing it in a way that mimics the old-school style of Mozart and Bach, where he directs the orchestra directly from the piano. The setting is specifically designed to be lit by candlelight, which creates a particular atmosphere for the performance. This event is part of the Brighton Fringe 2026 programme.
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There are two opportunities to catch this performance at the church on Russell Place (BN1 2RG). The first is on Friday, 8 May 2026, running from 19:15 to 20:15, and the second is on Friday, 15 May 2026, from 20:30 to 21:30. It is worth noting that the event is open to all ages, including a 'Babes in Arms' policy where children under two can attend for free if they sit on a guardian's lap.
Regarding the logistics, ticket prices depend on where you book. The official Brighton Fringe website lists standard tickets at 19.50 GBP and concessions at 14.50 GBP. However, other platforms like AllEvents show a wider range of pricing, including 24 GBP for general admission, 19 GBP for concessions, 11 GBP for those under 25, and 28 GBP for front-row seating. Given the variation, it is probably safest to check the official Brighton Fringe site directly to see which pricing tier fits your needs before booking.
Matthew Shiel, who is leading these performances, has a background that includes collaborations with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra and the Band of His Majesty's Royal Marine Band Scotland. The piece he is playing, Rachmaninoff’s Second Piano Concerto, is quite well-known in the classical world, having been voted number one in the Classic FM Hall of Fame. If you enjoy classical music in a more intimate, low-light setting, this might be worth considering for your calendar this month.
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