More than meets the eye

This concert, curated by award-winning composer and conductor Ben Lunn, is a rare showcase of works by composers who happened to be disabled.

The 18th-century English composer John Stanley and 20th-century French composer Jean Langlais have much in common, both being excellent organists and writing a remarkable body of work for their beloved instrument. The RPS Award-winning Sarah Lianne Lewis is a leading voice of her generation of Welsh composers, her beautiful works displaying a fantastic ear for timbre. Gustav Holst’s St. Paul’s Suite, written initially for students at St. Paul’s School, will leave audiences with an upbeat skip in their step.

‘This concert will be an interesting moment for audiences’, says Ben Lunn. ‘Often when we think about disability and music, we talk about struggle and suffering. When, in reality, the picture is much more complex and interesting. Each composer featured is disabled in some way, but because of the times they lived, dealt with that in different ways: Holst opting to play the trombone instead of the violin like his father and grandfather being one example. What I hope this concert will show is that disability is just a very human thing, and not separate from art.’

Reflecting our commitment to inclusion, the concert will take an accessible format. St John’s Waterloo is a fully accessible venue, with wheelchair access at the front of the church and a fully accessible bathroom in the Crypt. If you have any questions about your visit, please contact the church on 020 7633 9819 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Generously supported by TIOC Foundation.

A retiring collection will be held at the end of the performance in support of St John’s Waterloo’s community programme, Room for You. This initiative works with individuals experiencing homelessness, isolation, refugees, asylum seekers, and the wider local community.