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Little Waldingfield History Society was delighted to host a baroque concert last weekend in aid of the St Lawrence church fabric fund, fulfilling a long held ambition of Gill Harritt to put on a concert for villagers. We had a huge response, absolutely filling the church with people and wonderful music.
Because LWHS clearly could not have an independent view of a concert arranged by a trustee and concert player, Jenny Antill, our SCC councillor, has kindly given permission to reproduce her review, which follows:
We managed to put the election firmly behind us last weekend by attending a first rate musical evening at St Lawrence's Church organised by the Little Waldingfield History Society.
An audience of around 120 people enjoyed a varied and eclectic programme of works from Bach, Morricone, Paganini. Vivaldi and Albeniz. All pieces were attractive and played with a high level of professional polish. The high spots of the evening were the two well-known Bach concertos, one for two violins and the other for oboe and violin. These are pieces that take no prisoners and both were executed with precision and style.
The ensemble was brought together by Little Waldingfield resident and trustee of the LWHS Gillian Harritt. She is an accomplished violinist who was a member of the orchestra of the Royal Opera House for many years. Other members of the group, oboist Emma Jane Willan, guitarist Jad Azkoul, violinist Julian Azkoul , all first rate professionals, have close family connections with Gill. Also joining the ensemble was our favourite keyboard player from Chilton, the ever urbane and accomplished Patrick Friend, and the cellist Nick Parry.
It was remarkable to be able to hear music making of such a high professional standard so close to home. Proceedings were helped along immeasurably by the excellent acoustic in the very beautiful St Lawrence's Church, a venue that is remarkably free of the reverberations and echoes experienced elsewhere. Concert promoters take note!
Proceeds from the event went towards the maintenance of this wonderful Grade 1 listed church, which dates from the 13th Century. An appeal to raise funds to pay for extensive renovation works has recently been launched.
At the sad but inevitable conclusion, the players received a very well deserved standing ovation for their incredible performance, which had truly captivated the audience - a wonderful evening indeed.
LWHS will soon be presenting a large cheque to St Lawrence PCC with the proceeds from the evening and form further sales of our recently published updated history of the village.
Little Waldingfield Suffolk, Our Village History From 1840 to 2014 is on sale priced £18.00 collected or £21.00 posted (softback only), and is available from:
- Andy and Sue Sheppard on 01787 247980, or
- Di Langford on 01787 248298.
The next history event is in the Parish Room on 20th May when Roger Clark, a farmer, past president of the Suffolk Horse Society and former Master of the Essex & Suffolk will present a talk entitled “My customers and other animals” - do come along for what is sure to be a fascinating presentation.
Andy Sheppard 17th May 2015