Although this blog is called artsandmoresw4 – Clapham Common to those without the knowledge of London postcodes – I suprisingly haven’t covered anything from the area. SW4 is not totally a cultural desert, but most people visit Clapham for reasons other than the arts, and mainly for the numerous late-night bars and clubs it offers. Clapham North has artists’ studios (with additional hot yoga); Studio Voltaire, also with artists’ studios, in Nelson’s Row is a much respected gallery in the art world and will be at the world-renowned Frieze Arts Fair this October, though to my mind has a low profile within the area (if you want to find out more know it does have an open weekend this Fri 5th/Sat 6th October). In fact if you questioned what percentage of people go to Clapham for an arts event each month (excluding the festivals on the common) compared to other south London areas like Brixton, Deptford, Dulwich and Peckham it would likely be the smallest percentage of the lot. Buzzer goes eek.

The recent, and I am pleased to say, successful campaign by Omnibus_Clapham to save the local Victorian library building – there is a newly-built modern one now in Clapham High Street which looks actually more like a gallery, very impressive – and turn it into an arts centre showed that local people are willing to support local arts events. The wonderful Miriam Margoyles, local writer John O’Farrell, comedian Mark Thomas, the Moonfleet Trio and Arthur Smith all had sold out fundraising shows, and SW4 arts appreciation could be seen alive and kicking and, quite frequently, laughing too.

Earlier this year I was fortunate (for me) to decide to join the Clapham Community Choir (no auditions, should you ask) and through this find that the amazing conductor of the choir, Jessie Maryon-Davies, a classically-trained pianist, also presented, with fellow musician Amanda Lake, Clapham Chamber Concerts at St. Paul’s Church, Rectory Grove SW4 and has done for five years. Whilst I am known to be very ‘into’ my music it has to be said it tends not to be the classical variety, and though I may have seen the occasional advert in the members’ monthly Clapham Society hand-delivered newsletter (a thriving society, if you’re local do support it, reasonable rates) I never had the personal connection or local classically-minded friends that made me sit up and listen and think yes, that sounds great, I will go and see what it’s like.

I don’t know if I was put off by the Chamber Concerts title (I didn’t quite realise what a chamber concert was, pardon my ignorance, though I am now reliably informed it is small scale music performed in a relatively intimate setting) and have deliberately not titled this article ‘chamber concerts’, the title instead quietly referencing a rap group and a relevant David Bowie song title, or my brain just hadn’t taken it in. It’s not that I don’t listen to Classic FM or, dare I admit increasingly as I get older, Radio 3, play the odd opera record, or go to the occasional once-a-year classical music concert. Classical music just happens to play less a part of my musical life than pop/rock/soul gig going. Now acquiring ‘the personal touch’, as it were, meant that intrigue, hidden Bartok feelings, and ‘being supportive’ led me to go along to CCC earlier this year (March to be precise) and be very glad I did. I was blown away by the professional standard, the choice and variety of music, by individual musicians, and by the excitement of the event, all within in a Clapham High St. walking-distance beautiful old church setting. So blown away I went again (June) and for the second time was not disappointed, just impressed even more.

So it is with some ‘real classical’ experience that I strongly suggest that if you live in London you go along – I can’t drag you, it’s not acceptable these days! – on Friday October 5th 2012 to St.Paul’s Church, Rectory Grove (and diary date November 23rd), with or without friends, for 7.30pm and hear Beethoven, Britten and Shostakovich brought alive in Clapham for just ten quid. If you like classical music you will love it I am sure. If you haven’t been to a classical concert, take a chance, you will be suprised and probably very happy you made the autumnal effort.

Amanda and Jessie grew up in the area and are young people giving something back that is positive, professional and also enriching, on a personal and community level. The concerts have a broad appeal, sometimes including jazz, and are never more than £10, and concessions available. There is a website – http://www.claphamchamberconcerts.co.uk – if you want to check more details. In fact CCC could easily stand for Classic Cool Contemporary.

If you only come to SW4 for the night life try and pop in here first, you’ll have plenty of time to go elsewhere afterwards, and will start your evening on a musical high. SW4 arts on the up? Yes, I think it is.