Up Close and Musical: Shiry Rashkovsky’s concert series to be first classical offering at The Amadeus, Maida Vale

Abel Selaocoe at Up Close and Musical (Photo: Dimitri Djuric)

Violist Shiry Rashkovsky’s Up Close and Musical is back in November, expanded from a three-day festival to a season-long series at a new home, The Amadeus, Maida Vale, making Up Close and Musical the venue’s first live concert series. An eclectic programme of music juxtaposing well-known favourites with an infectious experimental vibe runs monthly on Fridays from 13 November 2026 to 21 May 2027, with solo and chamber concerts with internationally renowned artists, a dedicated New Music Night, and a Rising Star showcase as part of a new collaboration with the Countess of Munster Trust.

The trio of Fanny Clamagirand, violin, Shiry Rashkovsky, viola and Margarita Balanas, cello in their first chamber collaboration open things on 13 November with a programme moving from duos by Mozart, Ravel, Bacewicz and Caroline Shaw to Dohnányi’s Serenade for String Trio. A month laster, the concert on 11 December sees the return of bass player, composer and arranger Misha Mullov-Abbado with his sextet in a programme mixing new works by Mullov-Abbado with music from the Misha Mullov-Abbado Group’s albums.

Further ahead, guitarist Alexandra Whittingham presents a recital of Spanish, French and British repertoire showcasing the music of American composer and band-leader Ralph Towner (1940-2026). A Rising Star Showcase features a varied and intriguing programme from violinist Leo Appel, accordionist Sofia Ros, saxophonist Rob Burton and countertenor Will Prior with pianists Alfred Fardell and Tomos Boyles.

Shiry Rashkovsky celebrates the release of her album April / everything on Delphian Records, in a programme championing the viola in its many guises. She is joined by pianist Richard Uttley for works by Schumann and Hindemith, principal players from LSO/Aurora for Errollyn Wallen’s viola quintet LENCTEN, which Errollyn will introduce and share insight into in a candid interview segment, and will premiere Ben Nobuto’s April/nothing for viola and electronics. And the series concludes with Up Close and Musical’s inaugural New Music Night. Spotlighting three composer/performers Ben Nobuto (piano/electronics), RPS Awards), Zara Hudson-Kozdoj (cello/electronics) and Otto Hashmi (recorder/electronics).

“The Amadeus has been used as a rehearsal venue for many wonderful orchestras and ensembles … who have enjoyed the exceptional acoustic of this converted Welsh Chapel. I am delighted to have Shiry and Up Close and Musical partnering with us as we open up our space to the public and share the unique and beautiful ambience that the Amadeus provides.” David Somner, The Amadeus

Full details from Up Close and Musical website.