The evening also had readings from Sophie’s most recent novella What Does It Feel Like, read by acclaimed actress and family friend, Hermione Norris.
The concert took place at the 300-year old St George’s church, Handel’s own church, in Hanover square, London last Wednesday.
Ana maria Rincon, guest soprano, ‘A Heady Mix’ organiser and long-time friend of Sophie, said: “I first met Maddy (Sophie Kinsella) over thirty years ago, when I came to her flat to rehearse a concert with her fiancé Henry and Laurence Cummings.
“Over the years, we’ve performed together (Maddy is a supremely talented pianist), holidayed together and we’re godparents to each other’s children. So, when I heard of Maddy’s glioblastoma diagnosis, my first thought was to organise a fundraising concert to celebrate the power of music, of friendship and of community – all in aid of furthering research into this devastating illness.
“Thank you all for coming, to raise money and awareness of glioblastoma, to celebrate the power of music and friendship.”
The perfomers
Other performers included The Amici Singers, London Handel Orchestra, and the Putney High School Choristers, who also sang a piece written by Sophie, herself a Putney High alumna.
One of the guest performances was from world-renown recorder player, Piers Adams. Hailed by The Washington Post as “the reigning recorder virtuoso in the world today”, Piers is best known as the front man of the trailblazing baroque ensemble, Red Priest, which has given thousands of concerts, TV and radio broadcasts across the world, as well as topping the UK classical album charts.
Former trustee of The Brain Tumour Charity, Berrie Norton, said: “It was an amazing concert. I loved the music. I’m a musician and I have never, ever heard recorder playing like we heard from Piers Adams last night. It was absolutely incredible.”
Sophie’s latest novella, What Does it Feel Like?, charts her character Eve’s brain tumour diagnosis. Eve’s story is based on Sophie’s own diagnosis of a GBM brain tumour in 2022 and her subsequent treatment.
Sophie said: “Since my glioblastoma diagnosis in 2022 I have been surrounded by the love and support of so many friends, family and readers from around the world. I’m incredibly grateful too for the wonderful medical care I’ve received. Brain cancer is an exceptionally hard to treat disease and needs so much more research.”
Sophie has sold over 45 million copies of her books in more than 60 countries, and she has been translated into over 40 languages. She is the author of many number one bestsellers, including the hugely popular Shopaholic series and The Burnout, which was published last October. She has also written seven bestselling novels as Madeleine Wickham and several books for children.
Dr Michele Afif, CEO of The Brain Tumour Charity, said: “We’re honoured to have Maddy’s support for the vital work we do as a charity- driving change, accelerating research and providing support to anyone affected by a brain tumour diagnosis.
“Her books and stories continue to be loved worldwide by so many and she is such an inspiration to the brain tumour community. A Heady Mix was such a wonderful celebration of friends, family and music. Thank you Maddy and family, and everyone who made it so special.”