The 2025 Music Night season at Middle Temple opened to universal acclaim. The prize-winning pianist Irena Radić played a virtuosic programme of Rachmaninoff, Debussey and Chopin. The format was one we are used to: a formal dinner in Hall with an hour’s recital after grace. The audience would have kept her for multiple encores but were eager to meet her over a drink, or coffee in the Prince’s Room. 

The next Music Night, on Monday 19 May, is completely different. First, it is a Qualifying Session. I am very grateful to Benet Brandreth KC who will speak about the use of rhetoric in courtroom advocacy. The talk is directed to student members, but everyone is welcome to attend. Secondly, following the talk, we will have drinks all together in the bench apartments. Benchers, members, students and guests will all be able to mix and chat to each other. The dress code is not the usual formal dining dress code, but instead, smart casual. We will then move into Hall where the fabulous London Dance Orchestra will play during dinner, and then will up the tempo after dinner for dancing (for those who feel so inclined). The London Dance Orchestra are the resident band at the Ritz Hotel in London and play every Sunday night at the Ned. They are superb and I warmly encourage you to attend. The evening will finish by 22:30.

 
In July we change the format again. On Monday 14 July we will have one of the best known UK-based ensembles playing two giants of the chamber music repertoire. First, the quartet from the Nash Ensemble will play Haydn’s Quartet No.1, Opus 77, and then, if that were not enough, they will end the recital with Schubert’s Death and the Maiden. The recital will take place before dinner and will be open not only to members of the Inn and their guests, but also members of the other Inns and their guests. The dress code will be smart casual. After the recital, for members of Middle Temple and their guests only, there will be supper served in the Bench Apartments. The supper will be more informal than the usual fare offered in Hall and we will be serving Bench Wine to all attendees. The tickets will therefore be offered for the recital alone, or for the recital and dinner, and will be priced accordingly. There are only about 70 spaces available for supper and so early booking is well advised as the recital is likely to be sold out.

 
Finally, in November, we will try the last of this year’s trial formats: a promenade concert, drinks and food, in the library. I will release further details in due course, but please think about adding the date to your diary now to listen to the Intesa Duo who will play their bass viols and sing a varied programme spanning several hundred years of repertoire. The promenade concert will take place on Monday 24 November.

It is impossible to cater for every member’s individual musical tastes in just four events a year. However, the range of performers and the different formats of the 2025 Music Nights should provide everyone with an opportunity to come together with fellow members of Middle Temple, to chat, to listen, and to enjoy fabulous music. I very much hope to see you at the remaining Music Nights this year.

Robert-Jan Temmink KC
Master of the Music