Detroit violinist Lucy Alessio to perform music by composer vicar Rev Stephen Gamble at Barrowden church in Rutland

Music composed by a fiddle-playing vicar is to be premiered in one of his parish churches by a violinist jetting in from the United States.

Pieces composed by the Rev Stephen Gamble will be among among the programme played by Detroit violinist Lucy Alessio at St Peter’s Church, in Barrowden.

The concert is on Friday, June 9 from 7.30pm and will also feature Barrowden church pianist, Jean Swinbanks, who is originally from America, giving a further transatlantic vibe to this village event.

“I am delighted Lucy can come over and play, she is a very talented and charismatic performer,” said the Rev Gamble who is part-time vicar of the Welland Fosse Benefice and based at Barrowden.

“It will be her first visit to England, so it should be an exciting experience for her.”

“I am also pleased for Barrowden church congregation who have worked hard over many years to enable the church to be used for concerts and community use, only for covid to scupper their plans. Now we are beginning to see their hopes being realised.”

Lucy will also play works by Bach and some American folk music, while Jean will perform standard jazz classics from Gershwin and Jobim, through to the music of Michael Buble and Diana Krall.

Tickets are available from Barrowden Community Shop, or online at www.wegottickets.com/event/581879/

“I love Stephen's music because it is simple, expressive, and genuine,” said Lucy.

“As a performer, it gives me a lot to work with.

“Stephen is able to capture so many contrasting moods, but my overall impression of his music is that it's often joyful and just very fun to play.”