Aylesbury Lunchtime Music presents

Arie Dakesian

17 September 2026

Starts: 12:45pm, Doors: 12:15pm

Duration: 1 hour (approx.)

£7 adults on the door (<18s & carers free)

Guitarist Arie Dakesian

Programme

  • Sebastia (Dakesian)

    Arie’s own composition based on Bach

  • 1896-1981

    Rondeña (Sainz de la Maza)

    Regino Sainz de la Maza y Ruiz was a Spanish classical guitarist and composer. Rondeña was composed in 1962

  • A Folk Prologue (Avetisyan)

    Avetisyan originally composed this vibrant melody, which has since been skillfully arranged for classical guitar by Dakesian. The piece is deeply rooted in Armenian musical heritage, capturing the authentic spirit and modal richness of the region.

  • Capriccio No. 18, Op. 195 (Castelnuovo-Tedesco)

    Variations 1-5

    El sueño de la razón produce monstruos (The sleep of reason produces monsters) is among Goya’s most famous images, this has been considered as one of the artist’s self-portraits. The man, either sleeping or dreaming (sueño in Spanish carries both meanings), is surrounded by evil-looking owls, a sinister lynx with pointed ears, and bat-like creatures.

  • Variations on Paganini’s Carnival of Venice (Tárrega)

    The “Carnival of Venice” is based on a Neapolitan folk tune called “O Mamma, Mamma Cara” and popularized by violinist and composer Niccolò Paganini, who wrote twenty variations on the original tune.

  • Mediterrations (Dakesian)

    “Mediterrations” is an original musical composition created by the acclaimed classical guitarist Arie Dakesian. Drawing heavily on his Lebanese-Armenian background, the piece blends traditional Eastern folk and Mediterranean styles with French chansonnier influences.

  • 1865-1957

    Etude Op. 76 No. 2 (Sibelius)

    Published in 1922 as part of the 13 Pieces for Piano, Op. 76, Sibelius’s Étude No. 2 in A minor is a charming, quick-tempo miniature.

  • 1921-1992

    Buenos Aires (Piazzolla)

    i Otoño (Autumn), ii Invierno (Winter), iii Primavera (Spring), iv Verano (Summer)

    The Cuatro Estaciones Porteñas, also known as the Estaciones Porteñas or The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires, are a set of four tango compositions written by Ástor Piazzolla, which were originally conceived and treated as different compositions rather than one suite, although Piazzolla performed them together from time to time. The pieces were scored for his quintet of violin (viola), piano, electric guitar, double bass and bandoneón. By giving the adjective porteño, referring to those born in Buenos Aires, the Argentine capital city, Piazzolla gives an impression of the four seasons in Buenos Aires. The order of performance Piazzolla gave to his “Estaciones Porteñas” is: Otoño (Autumn), Invierno (Winter), Primavera (Spring), Verano (Summer). It was different from Vivaldi’s order.

Performers

  • Arie Dakesian

    Guitar

    Arie is a Lebanese-Armenian classical guitarist, currently living and studying in London at the Royal College of Music.

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Key information for concert goers

When

Every Thursday at 12:45pm (except August & over Christmas). Performances last around 60 minutes. Please enter quietly as there is a noon service in the Lady Chapel.

How much?

Entry is £7 per adult (card or cash), under 18s and carers are free. The price includes a programme. Donations are welcomed to subsidise the larger ensembles.

Where?

Performances are at St Mary’s Church in the heart of Aylesbury Old Town. See directions for further details.

Do I need to book?

No, just turn up. Doors open at 12:15 pm. Make sure you arrive in good time to get a seat.

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