About this Event
A Soirée of French Music
An Evening of French Elegance and Song
Join cellist Aleksandra Pykacz and pianist Hiroko Yamamoto for an enchanting journey through the heart of French music.
From the lyrical beauty of Gabriel Fauré’s Sicilienne, and Après un rêve to the timeless melodies of Parisian chanson, this programme celebrates the romance, nostalgia, and charm that have made French music beloved around the world.
The second half transports audiences to the cafés and boulevards of Paris with iconic songs including Charles Trenet’s La Mer, Charles Aznavour’s La Bohème, and Édith Piaf’s unforgettable La Vie en rose and Hymne à l’amour, specially arranged for cello and piano.
Whether you are a lover of classical music, French culture, or simply beautiful melodies, this concert promises an evening of warmth, elegance, and musical storytelling.
“From dreams and longing to love and the sea, experience France through its most treasured music.”
Pre-Booking is essential. Cash payment at the door : £20
Aleksandra Pykacz began playing the cello at the age of six. After graduating from the Music School of Gdynia, she continued her studies at the Royal Conservatory of Brussels, where she earned a Master’s degree cum laude in 2015 under the guidance of Prof. Jeroen Reuling.
A prize winner at numerous national and international cello competitions, Aleksandra has performed extensively as both a soloist and chamber musician throughout Europe. She has appeared at prestigious festivals including Concertino Praga, Aurora Chamber Music Festival, Harmos Classical, Encuentro de Santander, and the International Holland Music Sessions, performing in renowned venues such as Dvořák Hall at the Rudolfinum in Prague, Casa da Música in Porto, and the Palacio de Festivales de Cantabria.
She has given concerts across Poland, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom, establishing herself as a versatile and engaging performer.
Hiroko Yamamoto BA, BMusgraduated from Trinity College of Music, where she studied piano with distinguished Russian professors, later continuing her studies with Pascal Nemirovski. Her second study was classical singing, under the guidance of Elizabeth Haws, Penny Clark and the late John Wakefield.
Hiroko was awarded Fourth Prize at the Beethoven Piano Competition in Shiga Prefecture, Japan, and won the Anthony Lindsay Piano Prize at Trinity College of Music.
She has performed extensively in Japan, Australia, Portugal, Latvia, Canada and throughout the UK, appearing at venues including St George’s Bristol, St James’s Church, Piccadilly, and the Royal Academy of Music and le Salle de Pierre Mercure in Montréal, Canada as part of the sold-out Studio Ghibli concerts presented by Opus 1 Music. She has also toured internationally as a collaborative pianist with opera singers, performing aboard Swan Hellenic and P&O Cruises.
A passionate admirer of French culture and music, Hiroko is delighted to share this evening’s programme with you.
Event venue & nearby stays
St Stephen's, Gloucester Road, Gloucester Road, London, United Kingdom
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