Concerts at Leiston Abbey
We’re delighted to be relaunching our concert programme, which will feature outstanding musicians from the UK and beyond, many of whom also tutor on Pro Corda’s residential courses. Programmes include well-loved classical repertoire to lesser-known works, with all concerts designed to be both artistically rewarding and accessible to new audiences.
Audiences can expect intimate concerts with world class musicians in a relaxed, unique and historic setting, while enjoying a glass of wine or cup of tea. Attending our concerts is also a great way to support our charitable work, helping to continue the outstanding musical legacy Pro Corda has built over many decades while investing in our magical, historically important site.
Past performers include The Behn, Accordare, and Leonora Quartets, and renowned cellist Alexander Baillie.
Whether you are joining us for the first time or returning, we look forward to welcoming you to Leiston Abbey.
Upcoming Concerts
Helen Reid and Gretel DowdeswellSeptember 18th 2026, 7.30pm
Dvorak – Duets Op 72/5 F sharp minor; Op 46/6 D major
Schubert – Impromptu Op 142/3 B flat major
Robert Schumann – Bilder Aus Osten Op 66 No 2
Clara Schumann Nocturne Op 11/1
Debussy – Petite Suite
Rachmaninov – Prelude in D
Milhaud – Scaramouche (movt 1)
Helen Reid first came to public attention when she appeared on BBC2 in the National Keyboard Finals of the BBC Young Musician competition. In 2000 she won first prize in the Karic International Piano Competition. Helen has given recitals all around England and Europe, at venues including the Wigmore Hall, the Bridgewater Hall, Manchester and the Aldeburgh and Buxton Festivals. Performances have included Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No.2, Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue and the world premiere of David Matthews’ Piano Concerto at Dartington International Summer Festival, a work written for Helen. Helen is currently course leader of Professional Studies at the Guildhall School, Senior Associate Lecturer at Bristol University and Teaching Fellow in Music Performance at Bath Spa University.
Gretel Dowdeswell studied with Hamish Milne at the Royal Academy of Music and later with András Schiff and György Kurtág at the International Seminar in Prussia Cove, where she is now resident pianist and a regular guest at the annual IMS Open Chamber Music. She was a founding member of the Gould Piano Trio, and has since established a reputation as a chamber music specialist, performing throughout Europe, Australia, Canada, South America, and the Far East. In the UK, Gretel has appeared at all the major chamber music venues and broadcasts frequently for BBC Radio 3. She is a former examiner for the ABRSM and currently teaches piano at Thomas Mills High School, Framlingham College, and Brandeston Prep School.
