Iris Axon Concert Series Programme Includes Prokofiev and Debussy
Piano and violin recital features Amber Emson and pianist Dafydd Chapman
Picture: Amber Emson
October 16, 2025
The Iris Axon Concert Series continues its 2025–2026 season with a recital on Sunday, 2 November at 4pm, held at Acton Hill Church, W3 9BU.
The programme features violinist Amber Emson and pianist Dafydd Chapman, performing a selection of early 20th-century works for violin, viola, and piano. The two musicians are award-winning Masters students from the Royal College of Music.
The concert includes four pieces from Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet, arranged for violin and piano, followed by Debussy’s Sonata in G minor, a work completed near the end of the composer’s life. The programme also features short works by Lili Boulanger and Dmitri Shostakovich.
In the second half, Emson and Chapman will perform Paul Hindemith’s Sonata in F, Op. 11, No. 4, written for viola and piano. The work is considered a significant contribution to the viola repertoire, highlighting Hindemith’s structural approach and harmonic innovation.
The concert explores contrasting national styles and musical forms, spanning French impressionism, Russian ballet, and German modernism. Entry is £10 (£5 for concessions and children), with programmes available at the door.
The Iris Axon Concert Series has a long-standing tradition of showcasing emerging and established musicians in West London, with a focus on accessible classical programming in local venues.
The Iris Axon Concert Series is an annual season of short (60-70 minute) monthly recitals on Sunday afternoons at the Acton Hill Church. The series was started by Music Director Jane Schopf in 2004 to provide a venue for young musicians starting on their professional careers, many of whom have subsequently enjoyed international success in competitions and on the concert platform. The series has continued to grow and now attracts established international artists as well.
Originally called the Acton Classical Music Concert Series, it was re-named in 2009 in memory of one of its most loyal supporters, Iris Axon, who made possible the purchase of a concert grand, handmade by Clive Pinkham.
The church is deemed ideal for concerts as it has the largest unsupported wooden barrel-vault ceiling in London which brings out the middle harmonics, creating a luxuriously warm sound.
Concerts are usually held on the first Sunday of the month at 4pm. Programmes at the door. There are crèche facilities available.
More information is available at classicalconcerts-acton.com.
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