Our music

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Director of Music - Linden Innes-Hopkins GRSM ARCM FRCO

The Parish Choir sings at the 10 a.m.
Holy Communion Service and rehearses on Friday evening at 8 p.m. and before the service at
9.30 a.m.

If you might be interested in joining please have a word with the Director of Music or one of the choir members after the service or contact the Parish Office.

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future concerts

Concert-diary.com

May 7th....DOECKE CALLANAN DUO.......Flute & Piano
May 14th...JONATHAN MARTEN......................Organ

May 21st...No recital *

May 28th...Jane Whitehouse...........................Flute
Christine Grieg..............Piano

*preparation for HARRY CHRISTOPHERS and THE SIXTEEN evening concert arranged by Enfield Grammar School

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A Memorable Saturday Night

A request in church when “the notices” are announced. You may recall the sort of thing: “Please donate some cakes for the fete”, “Help would be appreciated at the Bring & Share lunch”, “Please come along to a coffee morning”. Well deserved requests which usually get a deserved response. But how about this one. “Please help move the front pews in readiness for the forthcoming concert”. Those pews look pretty heavy but I went along on the appointed evening and they were moved in no time at all. Many hands make light work.

The concern in question took place on Saturday 20th October. It was entitled “Choral Contrasts” and was to be performed by the Adoramus Choir and Orchestra. I had heard of Adoramus by reputation and somehow I knew that a rich musical treat awaited if tickets could be obtained. Luckily some were available, so the day was eagerly awaited.

However, by a cruel twist of fate, that was also the date of the Rugby World Cup Final in which, unexpectedly, England would be playing against South Africa. As one who enjoys the occasional international on TV, I was naturally in something of a quandary, whether to forfeit my ticket for the concert.

But, commonsense prevailed and I gladly took my place in the audience. All thoughts of stadiums in Paris soon went as some 90 singers and musicians began to take their places.

David Hooke, an old friend of St. Andrew’s and the Musical Director of Adoramus, introduced the first half of the programme. Mass in B flat major by Schubert. He announced the various movements of the mass and explained his interpretations of the composer’s thoughts and beliefs. A screen, erected above the performers, gave a visual text, adding to the overall effect.

The performance, with excellent soloists, was of a very high standard. On completion, the choir, soloists, orchestra and conductor received warm applause in appreciation of their performance of a masterpiece.

The second half was, as its title suggested, one of contrast. A programme of contemporary works with worship as its common theme. Again, a high quality of soloists backed by the choir and orchestra performed with great feeling and emotion. Two pieces of particular note were sung: ‘a cappella’ from the side aisles and at the back of church and the result was memorable.

St. Andrew’s has witnessed many fine musical events over the years and continues to do so. Adoramus certainly lived up to its reputation and we give grateful thanks to all concerned and involved in arranging for them to perform here.

It was certainly worth moving the pews for!

David Hastings.

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