Music, Meetings & Fringe Venue
Whilst church services take priority – we are a growing congregation – it is pleasing that St Vincent’s is one of central Edinburgh’s smaller but highly prized venues for a wide range of meetings – learned societies, community council, book launches, bible studies and many more – and especially music making.
The Refectory (at the back of the church) has 35 folding chairs, whilst the Nave of the Church seats about 125 in the fixed pews, and in the gallery another 30. The Undercroft can seat at least 40 (but has no disabled access at present).
Practise, teach or rehearse in the Nave of church (includes use of Weinbach grand piano), in the Refectory (includes use of Blüthner upright piano) or in the Undercroft (no piano).
Concerts and events in the Nave of church can include use of refectory and kitchen as well as the Weinbach grand piano.
Enquiries to the Property Convener: The Hon Barnaby Miln, PropertyConvener@stvincentschapel.org.uk
The hire of St Vincent’s is subject to the acceptance of our Terms and Conditions. These must be read and accepted before we can confirm a booking.
https://www.stvincentschapel.org.uk/terms-conditions-of-hire-of-st-vincents/
Bookings are now being taken for the Fringe in August 2022. St Vincent’s is Venue Number 197.
Our 7′ Petrof Weinbach grand piano purchased new 2016.
Our mellow Blüthner upright piano in the Refectory.
Our Director of Music since May 2015 is Les Shankland. He gives organ, piano and basic music lessons.
Our Composer in Residence since March 2016 is Dr Harry Whalley. Harry is also Reader in Sound and Music at the University for the Creative Arts.
The highly regarded The Edinburgh Quartet have made St Vincent’s their year-round rehearsal home since November 2015. The Dunedin Consort and Hebrides Ensemble have rehearsed in St Vincent’s over several days. The Gildas Quartet with Pete Furniss, clarinet, have performed Harry Whalley’s A Report To History at the first Composer in Residence concert on 22nd October 2016. The Artisan Trio performed Harry Whalley’s Pivot and Loop (2017) and Forever and Shall Be (2014) at the second Composer in Residence concert on 13th May 2017. The brilliant young pianist Svetoslav Todorov gave the first performance of Harry’s Leighton Contrasts on 21st February 2018. The Hans Gál Society rehearsed the opera Song of the Night over two weeks in May and June 2017 for its first UK performance. Marc Corbett-Weaver gives an annual piano recital, usually on the first day of the Fringe in August. We were delighted that an EP recorded in the summer of 2015 in the Refectory by Darragh Quinn was launched at a highly successful concert at St Vincent’s in November 2015. This is available from https://lostarchitect.bandcamp.com In May 2016 we were also delighted to learn of the release of Robbie Greig’s album, largely recorded in St Vincent’s in December 2015. This is available from https://robbiegreigandfriends.bandcamp.com Lizabett Russo’s album The Burning Mountain was launched with a concert on 10th December 2016. Kate and Raphael’s launch on 17th June 2017.Rachel Walker’s band Dowally recorded at track called St Vincent’s on their album in the summer of 2017. Here’s the link: https://dowally.bandcamp.com/track/st-vincents
