Saturday 27th September 2025 – 1:45 – 2:30
Apple Sellers Duo
Martin Purdy – Piano, Ian Mayer – Double Bass
Music:
Rather than providing a pre-arranged programme, the duo will select their music on the day.
The following paragraph(s) will be updated closer to the performance.
To give you a flavour, the Apple Sellers Duo will be performing a mixture of narrative songs, some traditional and some more modern, typically including re-workings of old northern folk songs such as ‘To The Beggin’ I Will Go’ and ‘The Cockerham Devil’. Along the way we will encounter an American spiritual ‘Mother In The Graveyard’, Merseyside shanty ‘Bold Riley’, a song about the true story of a travelling Cheshire troubadour whose harp ended up in a museum until the woodworm ate it away, ‘Richard of Alderley’, and far more besides.
Background
The Apple Sellers are a contemporary folk duo from the North West of England whose blend of modern classical and traditional folk and spiritual music captivated on their last performance for us.
Featuring the acclaimed musician and storyteller Martin Purdy, frontman of the award-winning folk trio Harp and a Monkey, and gifted multi-instrumentalist Ian Mayer, from Chetham’s School of Music in Manchester, the pair’s unique approach has seen them gain standing ovations at both folk festivals and classical music events.
Ian and Martin first met in (and continue to meet in) a community orchard, and bonded over a shared passion for the power of musical storytelling. The result is an evocative sound underpinned by piano, double bass, harmonium, shruti box drones and strong harmony vocals.
What others say…
“Superb music making, instructive introductions and wonderful harmonies.”
“The Merseyside shanty ‘Bold Riley’ and American spiritual ‘Mother in the Graveyard’ gave us goosebumps.”
“Loved it! Quality musicianship, great stories and wonderful harmonising.”
“They are both so talented.”
“Something different: highly musical, touching and charming.”
Next week’s concert – Outstanding Young Pianists