Raphael Wallfisch performs Bach

for 1 hour, 30 mins
The Temple Church, London
The Temple Church, Temple, London, EC4Y 1BB, United Kingdom

Raphael Wallfisch, cello
J S Bach: Cello Suites, numbers 1, 2 and 3

Experience an unforgettable evening of music as renowned British cellist Raphael Wallfisch brings to life the timeless genius of Johann Sebastian Bach. Performing the first three of Bach’s iconic Cello Suites entirely from memory, Wallfisch offers a rare and intimate interpretation of these masterpieces ahead of a landmark recording project.

This concert forms part of an ambitious series to record all six suites in architecturally extraordinary venues, many linked to Sir Christopher Wren, a contemporary of Bach. Each location has been carefully chosen for its unique acoustics and natural light, elements that profoundly shape both performance and listening experience. Among these, Temple Church stands out not only for its beauty but for its musical legacy, having hosted Paul Tortelier’s celebrated recording over four decades ago.

Wallfisch’s project will mark the first time he has recorded the complete Bach Cello Suites, making this performance an extraordinary preview of something truly historic. In the luminous and resonant surroundings of Temple Church, music and architecture meet, creating a powerful artistic dialogue where sound, space, and structure inspire one another.

This special event is more than a concert. It is a celebration of artistic excellence and heritage, while also supporting Temple Church’s £6.7m redevelopment project - including the creation of a new Song School, disabled access and enhanced public facilities.

Join us for an evening where music, history, and purpose come together in perfect harmony.

This event is promoted by Temple Church Trust.

More info

The Temple Church, London

Welcome to the prayerful and beautiful Temple Church, steeped in the history of Christendom, this country and the whole Common Law World. 1162: the Round Church was built to be London’s Jerusalem. 1214–19: Magna Carta was negotiated in the Temple, and its greatest hero was buried in the Church. 1584, 1776, 1787: from Raleigh’s expeditions through the colonial constitutions to the American Declaration of Independence and Constitution, the Temple was the birthplace of American Law. And to this day the Church serves the legal colleges Inner and Middle Temple, London’s residents, visiting jurists and travellers from all over the world with some of the most uplifting services, music and discussions in London.

How can so ancient a building be equipped to serve the modern age in prayer and praise and engagement with the socio-legal challenges facing Britain and the wider world? Through Restoration & Renewal: Equipping the Temple Church for the next 100 Years, a major programme of refurbishment and repair, energised and supported by The Friends of the Temple Church.

Robin Griffith-Jones Master of the Temple
Mark Hatcher Reader of the Temple

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Raphael Wallfisch performs Bach

for 1 hour, 30 mins
The Temple Church, London
The Temple Church, Temple, London, EC4Y 1BB, United Kingdom

Raphael Wallfisch, cello
J S Bach: Cello Suites, numbers 1, 2 and 3

Experience an unforgettable evening of music as renowned British cellist Raphael Wallfisch brings to life the timeless genius of Johann Sebastian Bach. Performing the first three of Bach’s iconic Cello Suites entirely from memory, Wallfisch offers a rare and intimate interpretation of these masterpieces ahead of a landmark recording project.

This concert forms part of an ambitious series to record all six suites in architecturally extraordinary venues, many linked to Sir Christopher Wren, a contemporary of Bach. Each location has been carefully chosen for its unique acoustics and natural light, elements that profoundly shape both performance and listening experience. Among these, Temple Church stands out not only for its beauty but for its musical legacy, having hosted Paul Tortelier’s celebrated recording over four decades ago.

Wallfisch’s project will mark the first time he has recorded the complete Bach Cello Suites, making this performance an extraordinary preview of something truly historic. In the luminous and resonant surroundings of Temple Church, music and architecture meet, creating a powerful artistic dialogue where sound, space, and structure inspire one another.

This special event is more than a concert. It is a celebration of artistic excellence and heritage, while also supporting Temple Church’s £6.7m redevelopment project - including the creation of a new Song School, disabled access and enhanced public facilities.

Join us for an evening where music, history, and purpose come together in perfect harmony.

This event is promoted by Temple Church Trust.

More info

Safeguarding

The care and protection of children, young people and vulnerable adults who are involved in Church activities is the responsibility of the whole Church. Everyone who participates in the life of the Church has a role to play in promoting a Safer Church for all.This Safeguarding Policy is based on the Safeguarding Policy Statement of the Church of England that was agreed and published by the House of Bishops in 2017. It sets out the Safeguarding Policy of the Diocese of London and in particular a summary of the roles and responsibilities of all church bodies and office holders as we work together to protect children, young people and vulnerable adults who are involved in church activities.

This policy makes six overarching policy commitments:

To promote a safer environment and culture
To enable and ensure safe recruitment practice and to support all those within the Church with any responsibility related to children, young people, and vulnerable adults
To respond promptly to every safeguarding concern or allegation
To offer pastoral care to victims/survivors of abuse and other affected persons
To offer pastoral care to those who are the subject of concerns or allegations of abuse and other affected persons
To respond to those who may pose a present risk to others.

https://www.templechurch.com/application/files/7216/2074/0149/Temple_Church_Safeguarding_Policy_revi

The Temple Church, London Charity No. 1205712