June 2008 - Barrow Parish Church

The Loughborough Orchestra held it's Summer concert at the Parish Church in Barrow Upon Soar on 21st June with a varied programme of favourites, instantly recognisable and with a wide appeal. The evening started in traditional form with an overture - The Bartered Bride by Smetana. Concert nerves were perhaps a little in evidence at the beginning but the mix of quiet passages interspersed with a lively dance tune meant the concert got off to a solid start. The second piece by contrast was Faure's Pavane. Quiet and melodic featuring the principal flautist Alison Parrott, it allowed the orchestra to show off it's romantic playing and the acoustics of the church provided ideal conditions for it to be heard. The guest soloist ended the first half and what a treat this was. Harpist Soraya Vermeulen may still be studying for A levels but she gave a performance of Handels Harp Concerto that any experienced soloist would have been proud of. The audience thought so too and after 2 curtain calls Soraya played an encore piece. Harpicide at Midnight by Pearl Chertok was totally different, a jazzy piece for solo harp showing how versatile the instrument can be. The interval was buzzing following these stunning performances and Soraya is surely a name to look out for on the international stage in the next few years. The second half started with Schuberts Unfinished Symphony. Having only 2 movements, although believed to have been intended eventually as a traditional symphony, the piece is a perenial favourite and the orchestra didn't disappoint. The concert ended with a spirited performance of Handels Water Music, the 6 movements featuring different sections of the orchestra and the french horns clearly enjoying the spotlight with perhaps the 2 most well known themes. After such a tiring programme conductor Liz Thomas looked very satisfied with the evenings performance and the audience showed their appreciation for all the hard work.