Goldberg Variations

Humbie Kirk, Humbie

Sat 16 Sept 3pm

John Butt

Duration approx. 80 mins

JS Bach Goldberg Variations

John Butt Harpsichord

Half price concession for children and students in full time education

Photo credit: David Barbour

There’s a nice story that Bach’s 30 variations on a charming little ‘aria’ were composed to soothe the insomnia of the former Russian ambassador to the court of Saxony – but it almost certainly isn’t true!

No-one, surely, would fall asleep during the unfolding brilliance of the Goldberg Variations, now regarded as one of the pinnacles of the keyboard repertoire and the supreme technical challenge for any harpsichordist. Acknowledged as one of the world’s leading Bach performers and scholars, John Butt is the perfect choice to perform this masterwork in Humbie’s lovely little church.

'I can't ever remember hearing a finer Bach recital than this one. John Butt's playing combines virtuoso flair with tasteful ornamentation and a feeling for the music's atmosphere.'

Classics Today

Humbie Kirk, Humbie

Secluded in a little valley by Humbie Burn just to the north of the hamlet of Humbie, this charming little church was built on the site of a pre-Reformation church in 1800.

The T-plan Gothic building designed by James Tod was altered and expanded by David Bryce in 1866. The chancel was added in 1932.

The east window, depicting scenes from the life of King David, was designed by Douglas Strachan (who designed the glass in the Scottish National War Memorial at Edinburgh Castle) in 1950.

The organ, by the Edinburgh builder David Hamilton (c 1840), came originally from the Norwegian Seamen’s Chapel in Leith.

Address

Humbie Kirk, Humbie
EH36 5PA

Getting there by bus

Humbie is not served by a bus.

Getting there by train

There is no train station in Humbie

Getting there by car

Humbie is on the B6368, off the A68. There is a car park at the church and car parking in the village. You will be assisted by volunteer stewards who will be visible on arrival and direct you to an available space. Please allow plenty of time to arrive, park and walk to the church. The concert will start promptly. Latecomers can only be admitted if there is a suitable break. Thank you for your understanding.

Accessibility

Parking:

Volunteer stewards will direct you on arrival to a free car park, down the hill, in the dell, by the church. Once this becomes full, stewards will direct you to parking in the village. Pleae allow time to park and walk to the venue. Concerts will start promptly. Latecomers can only be admitted if there is a suitable break in the repertoire. Thank you for your understanding.

We can offer 2 spaces immediately outside the church grounds for blue badge holders. Please email [email protected] to book a space, subject to availability and on a first come first served basis.

Terrain:

There is a relatively steep tarmac single track road down the hill to the church from village. The car park is rought. There is a paved path to church.

Induction Loop:
Yes

Toilets:
No toilets in the church. It is a short walk to the adjacent hall where male and female toilets are available.

Wheelchair Access:

Wheelchair access

Visit East Lothian

Visit Scotland East Lothian

Event information

Get in touch

If you need any information you don't see on the website, please email [email protected].

Contact Address

Lammermuir Festival
Poldrate
Haddington
East Lothian
EH41 4DA

Website by Inigo

Goldberg Variations

Humbie Kirk, Humbie

Humbie Kirk, Humbie

Address

Getting there by bus

Getting there by train

Getting there by car

Accessibility

Visit East Lothian

Follow us

Event information

Get in touch

Contact Address