On Wednesday 26th September, the citizens of
Sandbach braved the rain to meet at St Mary’s Church Hall for what was to be a
spectacular evening of music well worth braving the weather for.
With professional musicians: ‘Shropshire and Other Lads: A. E
Housman in Words and Music’ as well as an art exhibition and Spotlight Concert,
the people of Sandbach were in for a treat.
The concert started promptly at 7pm with the first young
musician taking to the stage to open the first concert of the season. All the
young musicians in the concert featured either on piano or voice which themed
the concert nicely for the second half. The age range of these talented
musicians ranged greatly from primary school to sixth form age groups and they
played all styles of music from Show Tunes to French Classical! The talent of
these young people was truly exceptional; one talented musician played his own
composition for guitar and voice, as another student who took a little trip
down Broadway featuring songs from Porgy and Bess.
This was all followed by an interval, allowing time for a
civilized glass of wine, or soft drink and time to socialise whilst admiring
the art exhibition featuring some outstanding artwork by the graphics students
at Sandbach School. The concert series also raises money for many charities,
with money raised from this concerts raffle going to Cancer Research.
The Musicians from ‘Shropshire and Other Lads’ include
pianist: Ian Buckle, singer: Andew MacKenzie-Wicks and reader: Philip Holland
who said: “I really enjoyed and appreciated my visit to Sandbach Concert Series
on 26th September. It was a great thrill and honour for me. Great, intimate
venue, friendly people, and some very talented young performers in the
'Spotlight Artists'.”
The group expressed the poetry of A. E. Housman through
music, with some beautiful solo piano pieces, songs and readings. The audience
were captured by the captivating words of ‘The First of May’, ‘Loveliest of
Trees’ and ‘The Lent Lily’ as well as many other short pieces.
The next concert is on Wednesday 31st October at
7pm and will feature Musicians from the Hallé Orchestra including Jim Muirhead-
Clarinet, Nicholas Trygstad- Cello and Hilary Suckling- Piano. We shall see you
there!
By: Laura Stubbs
