It was a glorious day for our 40th Anniversary Gala Concert on Sunday last.  No worries about audience members queuing up in the rain for the doors to open, and no doubts that we would be able to serve refreshments on the terrace after the concert.

The concert itself must class as one our the best in recent years.  Gregory Kinda’s playing of Beethoven’s 4th Piano Concerto was both masterful and inspired, with the orchestra knowing exactly when to take charge and when to leave him in the lead.  His astonishing encore, Chopin’s huge Scherzo No 2 was a veritable tour de force.

Then came the Mozart C Mass in C minor.  It was time for all our energies and effort spent in rehearsal to come to the fore.  And it did.  No glitches, louds and softs in the right places, choir matching Carlos’ tempi (well, most of the time), and soloists who were absolutely transcendentant.  For the Choir, there was new experience of singing at times as two separate choirs.  It was a challenge both strategically and musically, and we rose to the occasion..

It was evident over drinks and nibbles afterwards in the setting sun that everyone, audience, soloists, orchestra and choir alike, had just taken part in an experience which would stay with them for some time to come.

A very fitting way to celebrate 40 years!

More photos are available for viewing by courtesy of Michael Mannington at volunteerphotography.org/40th-anniversary-concert