Highgate Sessions /

Concerts given by world class chamber musicians, up close and personal at Jennie's studio…

“The acoustics are superb, the atmosphere from a packed house is electric. It is the perfect way to hear this magnificent music – exactly the way it was first heard, up close in someone’s house. There’s nothing quite like it in London; no wonder some of the finest musicians are queueing up to play there.”

Simon Callow

What’s On – 2025 Concerts

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Shirley Smart is back with her Jazz Trio - Christmas kick-off concert

£26.00

11th December 2025 at 7.30pm (doors open 6.45pm)

Trailblazing ‘cellist and composer Shirley Smart
is bringing her mix of jazz, folk and Middle Eastern music to entertain and amaze for a fun, fascinating evening in this intimate, friendly venue.

If you were at Shirleys previous concerts here, you’ll know this is not one to miss.

Drawing on a background of 10 years living in Jerusalem and working with the overlapping worlds of jazz, Arabic, Turkish and North African music, her trio brings these influences together in an evening of vibrant melodies, grooves, swing and lively improvisation. Showcasing her unique ability to explore the potential of the cello in a jazz context, performing multiple roles as bassist, lead and soloist on the instrument, and featuring also some of the UK's leading lights in world-influenced jazz - John Crawford on piano, and Demi Garcia Sabat on percussion, this dynamic group promises and evening of inspired music-making.

‘Smart’s playing, both with and without the bow, is exceptional throughout....a stunning pizzicato solo, her playing reminiscent of a top jazz bassist. And she’s pretty handy with the bow too!’ The JazzMann

'As a cellist-composer she morphs seamlessly from Stephane Grappelli like swing and Bird-like bebop...a charming kaleidoscope and jazzy showcase of her global folk music-inspired compositions' Jazzwise

The concert will start at 7.30pm – you are welcome to join us for a drink when doors open at 6.45pm.

Wine, soft drinks (and mince pies) are on the house throughout the evening.

About Highgate Sessions

Each event is unique and a brilliant evening to share with friends.

All the concerts are given by outstanding, world class artists and held in Jennie’s beautiful home studio. You will experience incredible musicianship up close and personal. The maximum capacity is just 40 seats.

There is none of the formality or distance that exists in concert halls (‘tutters’ and ‘shushers’ are not invited!). Instead, these concerts bring audience and performers together to share the visceral and thrilling experience of chamber music in a warm, welcoming and intimate setting.

Some musicians give these concerts in preparation for a more formal concert, live broadcast or recording session. Others offer them for the sheer joy of playing chamber music. But each concert is unique, the musicianship superb – and you are warmly welcome.

Early booking is recommended.

Please add your name to the mailing list to be the first to know when a new concert is announced.

Simon, Saoko and Aki Blendis' Highgate Sessions Encore!

Some of Our Wonderful Past Performers

Just a few of the incredible artists who have given concerts at Highgate Sessions…

Villiers Quartet

Celebrated UK String Quartet
Described by The Guardian as ‘champions of British music‘ and praised for their ‘commitment and virtuosity’ by The Sunday Times, The Villiers is a vibrant and exciting quartet and valued friend of Highgate Sessions. Their recent immersive in-depth performance of Grosse Fugue brought the house down and we look forward to their return.
Simon Blendis

Concertmaster & Soloist
Simon was the violinist with the Schubert Ensemble from 1995 – 2018, performing in over thirty different countries, recording over twenty CD’, broadcasting frequently for BBC Radio 3 and appearing regularly at Europe’s major venues. He is currently Concertmaster of the London Mozart Players. In addition to leading the orchestra, he regularly directs from the violin and performs as soloist. He is also in demand as guest concertmaster with many major orchestras both in the UK and abroad.
Katya Apekisheva

One of Europe’s Finest Pianists
A finalist in the Leeds Piano Competition and described as ‘a profoundly gifted artist’ by Gramophone Magazine, Katya Apekisheva has earned her place as one of Europe’s most renowned and gifted pianists. Performing widely across the UK and Europe, Katya has also received critical acclaim for her recordings, which have garnered many awards including a Classical Brit award. To hear her perform in this small, intimate venue is a very special experience.
Emma Tring

A Mesmerising Soprano
Emma describes herself as ‘a classically trained soprano… with super high notes and wonky teeth!’ And she is SO much more! A member of the highly acclaimed BBC Singers, Emma also performs regularly as a soloist with some of the UK’s most beloved conductors and orchestras. She is also a passionate champion of new music. We can’t wait to hear her again!
Peter Mallinson

Modern & Period Violist
Much in demand as a chamber musician, Peter Mallinson performs regularly with many world class ensembles and is a member of the Aylwin Quartet. He has performed for us twice – with pianist Lynn Arnold and violinist Shirley Turner, and in a hugely exciting concert with the English Sinfonia, Nicholas Korth and the gongs!
English Sinfonia

Chamber Orchestra
English Sinfonia is one of the earliest established orchestras in the UK. Under the leadership of distinguished violinist Janice Graham, the orchestra is a versatile and flexible ensemble, formed of a core group of well-established players each at the height of their career. “With a musician like Graham at its helm, it’s no wonder the English Sinfonia has earned such a prominent place on the international music scene.” – The Strad
Sally Pendlebury

Esteemed Guest Principal Cello
As a member of the Chamber Orchestra of Europe, Sally Pendlebury has performed and recorded with many of today’s great soloists and conductors and has appeared as guest principal cello with English Chamber Orchestra, Scottish Chamber Orchestra and the Philharmonia. She performed for Highagate Sessions with pianist Anna Tilbrook.
Anna Tilbrook

An Exceptionally Exciting Pianist
Anna made her debut at the Wigmore Hall in 1999 and has since become a regular performer at Europe’s major concert halls and festivals. She regularly broadcasts for BBC Radio 3 and has curated a number of concert series for them. She performed for Highgate Sessions alongside Sally Pendlebury.
Gabrielle Lester

Virtuosic Violinist
Guest leader for many British symphony orchestras including the BBC Symphony Orchestra and the LPO, Gabrielle Lester is also known for her chamber music playing and her virtuosic, warm-hearted, and engaging solo performances. Gabrielle Lester and Caroline Palmer recently recorded the complete Beethoven Violin and Piano sonata, and their pre-recording concert series was one of the all-time highlights of Highgate Sessions. These wonderful recordings are available on all the usual streaming services.
Caroline Palmer

Solo & Chamber Pianist
Well-known as both a solo pianist and chamber musician, Caroline Palmer has recorded for British, Swiss, French, German and Italian radio stations and has made televised appearances in Italy and Bulgaria. Her recordings include the cello sonatas of Saint-Saens, Faure and Busoni and the Brahms violin sonatas with Krzysztof Smietana and more recently, she recorded the complete Beethoven violin and piano Sonatas with Gabrielle Lester.
Adam Johnson

Acclaimed Pianist & Conductor
Described by Classic FM as ‘a fine pianist and skilled composer’, Adam is equally at home conducting opera as he is fulfilling the role of concerto soloist, playing chamber music, and arranging and composing his own orchestral and piano works. Adam will be returning to Highgate Sessions for a second recital with Cornelius Lewenberg in the Autumn Series.
Cornelius Lewenberg

A Regular Lieder Recitalist
Baritone Cornelius Lewenberg has given concerts throughout Germany, Vienna and England – most recently in a tour of critically acclaimed performances of Schubert’s Winterreise with Adam Johnson and we are delighted this duo will be returning to Highgate Sessions for another recital in the Autumn Series.