David Owen Norris

The event was superbly organised by two of the EMF's most staunch supporters, Kevin Paynes and Sue Parker and what a wonderful day it proved to be. The Clothworkers Hall (originally a church) turned out to be a superb venue with wonderful acoustics which suited the event admirably. The day began with an introductory talk by the EMF's founder and artistic director, Em Marshall. She covered the origins of the EMF and illustrated her talk with excerpts from an amazing variety of composers from Bantock to Elgar, York Bowen to Vaughan Williams, Holbrooke to Matthew Curtis (whose Festival Overture was an EMF commission and premiere) to illustrate what we are all missing in the concert hall. Jo Peach then introduced us to a selection of piano music from Purcell to Richard Rodney Bennett in an illustrated recital of over 30 minutes. Not content with that she then proved a superbly sympathetic accompanist to the flautist Jessica Wilkes an extremely accomplished 17 year old from Harrogate. Her recital included a lovely arrangement of The Serious Doll from Elgar’s Nursery Suite and works by Bax and York Bowen. This was immediately followed by a recital for baritone and piano by David Heathcote and Gary Midgley of English songs by Ireland, Denis Browne, Vaughan Williams and ending with the five Finzi Shakespeare settings brought together under the title of Let us Garlands Bring. Again the audience were treated to really insightful performances beautifully sung and played and introduced by the performers. A happy touch!

	Quintessential

Time for a well deserved lunch! The afternoon session began with a remarkable illustrated recital by the pianist and raconteur, David Owen Norris, entitled "Elgar at the Piano". Having heard a similar illustrated recital before by Norris I was really looking forward to this item and neither I nor the audience were to be disappointed. The highlight was a superb performance of Norris's own realisation of the Concert Allegro but also included a wonderful piano arrangement of the Prelude and Angel's Farewell from the Dream of Gerontius.

This was followed by an excellent recital for soprano and piano by Amanda Crowley and the indefatigable Jo Peach in songs by Purcell, Quilter (we were to hear several versions of Now Sleeps the Crimson Petal during the day!), Vaughan Williams and Sullivan as well as some contemporary songs by Christopher Fox. Before the break for tea, Kevin's wife Sarah proved an expert accompanist on the piano for another Harrogate youngster, Rebecca Else on the violin in works by Elgar, Vaughan Williams and Howells.

Following a well deserved tea break, Sarah (singing alto) joined her husband Kevin (bass), Gareth Reaks (tenor), Gwendolyn Wellmann (mezzo) and Christopher Gibbs (baritone) for a really delightful finale. They constitute the vocal group Quintessential and covered a repertoire from the 16th to the 20th century beginning with Wilbye and ending with Lennon and McCartney. The last rendering of Now Sleeps the Crimson Petal turned out to be one of the best with a super arrangement for the 5 songsters by Gareth Reaks, a beautifully blended rendition. We got an encore whether we like it or not (and we did!) and that proved to be 3 nursery rhyme arrangements by Paul Hart. A super end to a super day. Thanks so much to Sue and Kevin and all the wonderful performers for a fantastic day!

Dr David Green


LONDON FRINGE EVENT – ST GILES IN THE FIELD

Elizabeth Kenny

The second event to raise awareness of and raise funds for the EMF was an evening concert held in London on April 2nd in the wonderful church of St. Giles in the Field, tucked neatly but rather precariously behind the looming tower of Centre Point at the origin of Tottenham Court Road.

The concert followed hot on the heels of the first EMF fund raising event held in Leeds one month earlier, and featured the Syred Consort and their conductor Ben Palmer, organists David Stratkauskas and Jonathan Bunney, and our guest soloist, the eminent lutenist Elizabeth Kenny. Not surprisingly, all the music we heard was English and it was a delight to be treated to an organ arrangement of the Serenade from Delius' incidental music to Flecker's Hassan as we took our seats.

	Ben Palmer, conductor of the Syred Consort

Following a stirring introduction from the EMF Founder and Managing Director, Em Marshall, as to what the EMF was all about, the programme proper began with Vaughan Williams' Lord, Thou hast been our refuge. This was followed by Stanford's Magnificat and Nunc dimittis in G, Finzi's Lo, the full, final sacrifice, Britten Rejoice in the Lamb and ended with Howells' Magnificat and Nunc dimittis (Collegium Regale). The choir were inspirational and gave both insightful, reflective and where necessary full blooded performances, on occasions truly raising the roof.

They also proved to be accomplished soloists in their own right as was amply demonstrated in what was, for me, one of the highlights of the evening, Rejoice in the Lamb. During the hour long programme the choir were given two well deserved breaks when the audience were treated to some exquisite English lute music. Elizabeth Kenny also introduced the works and reminded the audience of a previous period, during the Tudors, of the pre-eminence of English music with composers such as Dowland much in demand at home and abroad. As it is the avowed intention of the EMF to restore English music to its rightful place in the repertoire, her comments were most appropriate. An excellent evening and thanks once again to Syred Consort and Elizabeth Kenny.

Dr David Green