Macclesfield is set to play host to a unique winter concert.

Violinist Stephen Cordiner, piano player Olly Hamilton and guitarist Pete Mason, who many will know as the co-owner of Mash Guru, will take to the stage for Baroque to Electric on Monday, December 22.

Moving from string quartet and piano arrangements of Baroque classics in the first half, to a more cinematic sound world with electric guitar in the second - all inside the atmospheric setting of St Michael's Church.

Stephen said: "I've only been in Macclesfield a short time, but people here have been so welcoming.

"The town has an incredible mix of creativity and down-to-earth warmth.

"A conversation with Pete at MASH about Baroque music was what set this whole idea in motion."

The concert will open with string quartet and piano, performing movements from Corelli's Christmas Concerto, Vivaldi's Winter and Bach's Jesus, Joy of Man's Desiring, alongside a few unexpected twists including Einaudi's I Giorni and Oasis' Don't Look Back in Anger.

In the second half, Pete joins the ensemble as the group explores the musical connection between Baroque theme and variation and the shared harmonic language found in many modern songs. The cinematic blend of strings, keys and electric guitar in the church acoustic will be something special.

Improvised electric-guitar lines weave over repeating Baroque chord patterns, moving through Handel, Purcell and Corelli and new instrumental versions of Amazing Grace, Eleanor Rigby, Hotel California, Heroes and Carol of the Bells.

St Michael's Church (Credit: Nub News)

Meet the Performers

Pete Mason – Electric Guitar

A highly respected guitarist in the Manchester and Macclesfield music scenes since the 1990s.

Pete has performed in multiple successful bands, spanning rock, folk and electronic.

He co-runs MASH Guru with Jane Birch, one of Macclesfield's most beloved independent venues, known for its live music, retro aesthetic and vibrant, inclusive creative community.

Pete continues to perform widely across the region and is closely connected to many of the town's musicians and artists.

Stephen Cordiner – Violin (17th-century violin)

A versatile violinist who has recorded backing strings for major artists including Emeli Sandé, Paloma Faith, Badly Drawn Boy, Hamzaa, Lily Allen, DJ Spoony, Stuart McCallum and The Brand New Heavies.

He regularly leads string sections for UK recording projects across classical and crossover genres.

Olly Hamilton – Piano & Keys

Olly's career spans performances with many leading UK ensembles including the BBC Philharmonic, Manchester Camerata, Sinfonia Viva, Northern Ballet Sinfonia and the Hallé Choir.

Alongside his orchestral and ensemble work, he is a music director, pianist and arranger, regularly appearing on programmes such as Songs of Praise, Sunday Worship and Daily Service.

Olly is widely respected for his ability to move between classical performance, arranging, improvisation and studio work.

Ticket details and more

The concert has already received warm support from local audiences with strong early ticket sales and posters displayed by local venues and businesses across the town.

"A special thanks go to Rebecca Prunty from The Castle, whose help promoting the event has been invaluable," said Stephen.

There will also be mulled wine for sale during the interval, served by Rebecca, adding to the festive feel of the night.

Tickets are priced at £15, or £10 for under 18s and OAPs, and can be purchased online here.