FOREST SCHOOL CHAMBER ORCHESTRA

Lunchtime Concert at Chelmsford Cathedral

26.02.10

Regular visitors to Chelmsford Cathedral, Forest School brought their Chamber Orchestra this time, in a concert which included some very impressive movements from the Pergolesi Stabat Mater for soprano, alto and strings. The five girls of the Schola Cantorum sang it beautifully, with sympathetic support from the string players.

Mozart's Bassoon Concerto, soloist Elspeth Piggott, was also notable for the accompaniment from the strings.

The concert began with a robust Allegro from the Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, contrasted with some more tender moments in Grieg's Elegiac Melody.

These talented young musicians ended with some of Vivaldi's Concerto for two violins and continuo, finishing with an energetic fugue. What a shame time prevented us from hearing the rest …

The Chamber Orchestra is directed by Susan Sheppard, and the items were introduced by impresario James Sanderson, Forest School's Director of Music.

FOREST SCHOOL CHAMBER GROUPS

lunchtime in Chelmsford Cathedral

Early Spring sunshine, a packed Cathedral, and a "formidable" programme from Forest School's chamber musicians.
After a brisk, up-beat Arrival of the Queen of Sheba, an impressive Haydn Missa Brevis. These remarkable young musicians achieved a pleasing liturgical sound, which occasionally touched the sublime, in particular in the Amen of the Gloria, and the Benedictus from soloist Emma Lewis.
The String Quartet were just off to Chetham's for a national workshop weekend, and shared with us their prepared piece, the Toreador's Prayer by 20th century Spanish composer Turina.
And to finish, a full sound and some promising soloists in the Bach Double Violin Concerto.