MIDWEEK COLUMN WEDNESDAY 19 AUGUST 2026
- STEVE COOKE AATA
- 1 day ago
- 9 min read
previews, articles, reviews, interviews, and recommendations with Steve Cooke
MIDWEEK COLUMN WEDNESDAY 19 AUGUST 2026
Previews: Concert at Rochdale Parish Church - Saturday 22nd August, Paper Plate Record Craft - Langley Library plus Coming Soon to Manchester: Barkouf
Review: A sensational Toad Lane Concert at St Mary in the Baum
Concert at Rochdale Parish Church - Saturday 22nd August
Preview by Steve Cooke
This Saturday’s Lunchtime Music Concert in the iconic Parish Church of St Chad in Rochdale town centre features Gabriel Rhodes (Baritone ) with Evan Watkinson ( piano)
They plan to perform a programme that includes:
Handel: Bass Arias
• The Trumpet shall sound (from 'Messiah)
• Behold the monstrous human beast (from Belshazzar)
Quilter: 5 Shakespeare songs
• Fear no more the heat o’ the sun
• Under the greenwood tree
• It was a lover and his lass
• Take, O take those lips away
• Hey, Ho, the wind and the rain
Britten: Folksong arrangements Vol. 5
• The brisk young widow
• Lincolnshire poacher
• Ca’ the Yowes
Gabriel Rhodes
Gabriel is a 19-year-old baritone from Huddersfield. He has just finished studies with Stuart Overington at Chetham’s School of Music. He has been awarded the T. E. Drane Award for Singing, and he is also the recipient of The Hardcastle Scholarship. He will start at the Royal Academy of Music in September, where he will begin his studies under Professor Mark Wildman.
Recent engagements include appearing as the lead role in the Chetham’s Opera Company’s opera scenes, a Recital of music in Rochdale including some of Tosti’s greatest Italian art- song pieces and some of Grieg’s most expressive lieder as well as a recital of music including Schumann’s Dichterliebe and Poulenc’s Banalités in Tartu, Estonia.
Evan Watkinson - Pianoforte
Evan is an 18 year old piano student from Doncaster, currently attending Chetham’s School of Music, studying under Jonathan Middleton. He was recently offered a place to study at the Royal College of Music and will begin his studies there in September. Evan began learning piano when he was 12 and has been performing ever since. He made his Stoller hall solo debut at 15 performing works by Liszt and has performed there multiple times since.
Evan has made his name known across different parts of the UK as an excellent pianist, working with composers to premier new works and winning competitions. He has performed as a soloist and an ensemble player
in places such as Manchester, Bury, Dewsbury, Huddersfield, Sheffield, Doncaster and Warrington to name a few Evan has been working with other musicians since the beginning of his piano studies, he worked with a flute duo winning multiple competitions in the north of England. Since becoming a student at Chetham’s, Evan has continued to partner with instrumentalists widen his scope as a musician.
Saturday 22nd August, 12 Noon at St Chads Church, Sparrow Hill, Rochdale OL16 1AF
Concert starts 12 noon - £6, pay on the door
Light refreshments available from 11.30 am.
Further info: 01706 639162 email: jm_stchadschurch@outlook.com
Paper Plate Record Craft - Langley Library
Preview by Steve Cooke
Get crafty at the library with this Paper Plate Record Craft activity for children and families.
Inspired by classic vinyl records, children will have the chance to decorate a paper plate and transform it into their very own colourful record design. Using a range of craft materials, they can get creative with patterns, colours and musical-themed decorations to make a unique keepsake to take home.
This fun and imaginative activity encourages creativity, develops fine motor skills and provides a great opportunity for children to explore music-themed arts and crafts in a relaxed and friendly environment. Whether they create a realistic-looking record or a bright and colourful masterpiece, every child can let their imagination take centre stage.
Perfect for children who enjoy crafting, music and making things, this session offers a fun way for families to spend time together and create something special.
For families with children aged 4 and above. Children must be accompanied by a parent, carer or responsible adult.
No need to book, you can just go along.
Nothing is required. All materials will be provided.
Parking: available at the venue.
Contact: langley.library@rochdale.gov.uk
2.30pm - 3.30pm on Friday, 21 at Langley Library, Windermere Road, Middleton M24 4LA
A sensational Toad Lane Concert at St Mary in the Baum
Review by Dr Joe Dawson
This sensational Toad Lane Concert at St Mary in the Baum was the 1,197th since taking over from Rochdale council in 2001. One 90-year-old devotee thought this was the best yet!
Luke Jones was born in Wrexham, North Wales and began playing the piano at five, making his debut recital at ten. He is currently a Kawai Artist, but today’s 1935 heritage Challen 8’ Grand became his own! He studied at Chetham's School of Music, the Conservatorio Perosi Campobasso, and the RNCM, graduating with a First-Class BMus and master’s with Distinction.
He has performed as concerto soloist with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Manchester Camerata, and Orchestra of the Swan. He holds the RNCM Gold Medal, the college's highest honour for performance, and his awards include 1st Prizes at the Bromsgrove International Musicians Competition and at the Chopin-Roma International Piano Competition (Italy).
With such credentials we knew we were in safe hands which was confirmed with the opening piece of this Chopin-Fest, Ballade No.4, Op.52; a late work regarded by many as most demanding technically and musically. Possibly inspired by a Polish Nationalist poem, it’s form and structures are complex. The twelve or so minutes were dazzling with Luke’s control and poise alternating with enthusiastic drive. After a short but engaging introduction from Luke, this was followed by the complete set of 24 Préludes, Op.28, a tremendous feat of stamina, memory and musicality.
It is unusual to perform the full set, challenging and extending our modern-day attention spans as that does, but it repaid the effort. It could be said that Chopin raised the profile of the term ‘prelude’. Kresky has argued that Op. 28 is ‘more than the sum of its parts …the Chopin preludes seem to be at once twenty-four small pieces and one large one’.
Luke is an extremely powerful player able to skilfully switch to quick changes in tempo, character and dynamics in this sparkling box of delights, contrasted jewels and gems. The translucence of rapid florid lines contrasted by thunderous chordal passages, commanded our interest and attention. The audience were enraptured and demanded an encore … a beautifully expressed Claire de Lune by Debussy helped everyone warm down after a visceral, emotional rollercoaster ride. Sensational.
The Queen’s Award-winning Toad Lane Concerts every Wednesday at 12.30pm at the Grade 1 listed church of St Mary in the Baum, Toad Lane, Rochdale, OL16 1DZ/1AP. Entrance fee is £6. Contact 01706 648872 for further information.
Coming Soon to Manchester: Barkouf
Preview by Steve Cooke
The Hallé and Opera Rara join forces with the Chorus of English National Opera to present Offenbach’s opera Barkouf, where a dog rules the day.
These musicians present this rare gem for the first time in the UK in a concert performance at The Bridgewater Hall.
Multi-award-winning actor, writer and comedian Alistair McGowan joins the cast as Narrator.
We are promised “a tail-wagging triumph of opera at its most unexpected!”
Overview
Step into the absurd political world of Offenbach’s Barkouf — a riotous opera where corruption runs wild, flattery is an art form and the only thing more dangerous than power are the incompetent politicians desperate to win it …
When a dog is made governor of the fictitious city of Lahore, laughter turns to applause as he rallies the people and proves that even the unlikeliest hero can change history. Filled with dazzling melodies, biting satire and boundless heart, Barkouf is a riotous romp through pomp, politics and power that is as relevant today as it was when it was first performed in 1860.
Opera in three acts.
Running time, 2 hours 45 minutes
Language Sung in French with English narration by Alistair McGowan and surtitles.
Tickets from £18 including fees: https://www.eno.org/events/barkouf/
The Bridgewater Hall, Sunday 4 October, 4pm
RECOMMENDED
Wednesday, 19 August 2026
What's in our Archives? - Middleton Library
Have you ever wondered what our Local Studies archives include? Do you want to discover more about the historical items, maps and photographs that we hold?
Come along anytime between 10am and 4pm to learn something new. Get the chance to browse the archives, explore historical items and ask local history questions.
Free
For adults.
No need to book, you can just come along. You don't need to stay for the full event.
10am - 4pm
Middleton Library, Long Street, Middleton M24 6DU
Wednesday, 19 August 2026
Toad Lane Concerts - Rochdale's Weekly Music at Lunchtime
This week we have - David Daniels piano
Running every Wednesday, Music at Lunchtime is a weekly live classical music concert series that has been going since the 1960s. The sessions were initially run at the old Rochdale Art Gallery by the local authority, but since May 2001 have been run by volunteer-enthusiasts and artistic director, Dr Joe Dawson.
£6
Phone: Dr Joe Dawson 01706 648872
St Mary in the Baum, Toad Lane/St Mary's Gate, Rochdale OL16 1DZ
Doors open 12noon, concert starts 12.30pm - 1.30pm
Wednesday, 19 August 2026
Holiday Hive Battle of the Bands - Rochdale Central Library
It's Battle of the Bands week across Rochdale Borough Libraries and the Holiday Hive is going rock versus pop.
Join the Holiday Hive at Rochdale Central Library to design and create a community billboard of pop divas, rock stars and booming bands. Other music themed crafts may be available
If you can't make this event, you can catch the Holiday Hive at other locations across the borough. View all Holiday Hive events: https://www.rochdale.gov.uk/events/20239/holiday-hive?location=&period=full
For families with children of all ages but is most suitable for children of walking age. Children must be supervised by an appropriate adult at all times.
No need to book, you can just come along. However, resources are limited so activities are ‘first come, first served’. You may need to wait for a space at busy times.
Photographs may be taken.
Latex balloons and disco lights may be present.
Free
10am - 11.30am
Rochdale Central Library, Number One Riverside, Smith Street, Rochdale OL16 1XU
It's Battle of the Bands week across Rochdale Borough Libraries and the Holiday Hive is going rock versus pop.
Thursday, 20 August 2026
Bookstart Baby and Bear Club - Balderstone Library
Free
Every other Thursday during term time. Join Amy and Bookstart Bear for a fun session.
For babies and toddlers up to pre-school age and their parents or carers.
Booking required: please book a ticket for every baby and/or child who is to attend. Accompanying adults will not need a ticket. See available sessions and book tickets through Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/rochdale-borough-libraries-10695506106
When you and your child come along to their first session of Bookstart Baby and Bear Club, they will receive their very own Bookstart passport for you to get stamped each time they come along to a session or visit the library. For every 6 stamps they get in their passport, they'll receive a certificate. Don't worry, if you or your child are not library members already, you can join when you come along to Bookstart Bear Club.
1.30pm - 2.15pm
Balderstone Library, Balderstone Park, Platting Lane, Rochdale OL11 2HD
Thursday, 20 August 2026
Reading Group - Smithy Bridge Library
Read, share and discuss a range of fiction and non-fiction in our reading group.
3rd Thursday of every month. A monthly group that meets to discuss a chosen title and have a general chat about their shared love of reading.
Free
For adults.
No need to book, you can just turn up.
1.30pm - 3pm
Smithy Bridge Library, 121–123 Smithy Bridge Road, Littleborough OL15 0BQ
Thursday, 20 August 2026
Lego Club - Spotland Library
3rd Thursday of every month. Come and join our Lego Club and build your own Lego creations in our themed sessions.
For families with teenagers and children aged 5 and above.
No booking required, you can just turn up.
Free
3.30pm - 5pm
Spotland Library, Ings Lane, Rochdale OL12 7AL
Thursday, 20 August 2026
Visit Fireground Museum
Join us at Fireground this week to discover Greater Manchester's firefighting story.
Fire museum attractions are on show inside the museum including our collection of historic firefighting artefacts from the 18th century to present day, plus home-made refreshments in the new Fireground Café, and souvenirs from our fantastic new gift shop! We have a wide choice ranging from toddler to collector.
Under 4s Free, Children (aged 4-15) £6, Seniors £6, Students £6, Adults £8, Family (4 people) £24.
Phone: Fireground 01706 341219
Visit: https://www.fireground.org.uk/ Thursday, Friday & Saturday from 10am - 4pm
Saturday, 22 August 2026
Reading Group - Middleton Library
Last Saturday of every month. Discover new authors and discuss books with other readers in this friendly and relaxed reading group.
For adults with no booking required.
Books are provided and loaned through the library. Refreshments will be provided.
Free
1.30pm - 2.30pm
Middleton Library, Long Street, Middleton M24 6DU
Saturday, 22 August 2026
Lego Club - Rochdale Central Library
Every other Saturday. Get creative with Lego and join our free club, suitable for all the family. There's Duplo available for younger siblings.
For families with children aged 2 and over, and teenagers.
No need to book, you can just turn up.
Free
12pm - 1pm
Rochdale Central Library, Number One Riverside, Smith Street, Rochdale OL16 1XU
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