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The Watford Observer - Friday, October 29th 2004 Stirring
tunes during gala concert
Under the baton of Stuart Dunlop, The Peace Hospice's gala
concert on Saturday, October 23rd, provided a memorable musical
evening, beginning with Verdi's Grand March from Aida. Who
can fail to be stirred by such works especially when followed by
Handel's Hallelujah Chorus from The Messiah? Indeed, Watford
Philharmonic's Vice President and Compere, Richard Baker,
encouraged us to follow tradition in standing throughout the
latter but only one brave man obliged.
Making her first solo public appearance was Jane Lambert,
soprano, a youthful figure in scarlet, singing Mozart's Voyagers'
Chorus from Idomeneo. Her tutor, Sylvia Mitton, had every
reason to be delighted with her performance. Sylvia then
sang an aria from The Marriage of Figaro followed by the stirring
Easter Hymn from Cavalleria Rusticana by Mascagni, her glorious
voice clearly attaining the heights.
Surprising us all was Richard Baker with his
"singing" solo during his narration of Tubby the Tuba,
featuring John Evanson on the big brass.
This amusing piece brought the first half of the concert to a
light-hearted conclusion. The Hospice Peace Anthem by Cohen
opened the second part and the orchestra, in fine fettle,
performed Borodin's Polotsvian Dance and Tchaikovsky's beautiful
Eugene Onegin Waltz.
Leading up to the grand finale Sylvia Mitton returned to sing a
selection from Porgy and Bess and Carousel. Parry's
Jerusalem filled the hall with the audience joining in and Elgar's
Pomp and Circumstance March, incorporating Land of Hope and
Glory. This gave us plenty of opportunity for enthusiastic
flag waving when everyone stood up to show their appreciation.
This enjoyable, worthwhile concert raised £15,000 towards
Hospice funds. An additional £1,500 was donated by the
Harlequin Centre Management.
by Wendy Keeling Taylor
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