REVIEW

By Claire Garnett

The Serenata concert was held on Sunday December 9 in the Eastgate Studio and proved to be full of festive spirit.

Two talented young clarinetists opened the programme with a set of clarinet duets by Mike Mower. Ellen Finnie and Sophie Ward Murray gave a confident performance, playing with a mellow sound, good intonation and a firm grasp of varied rhythms.

They played together as one, with the two instruments exactly matching dynamic and note length, showing the work which has gone into practice. The Kipper, a jazzy bit of fun, was the favourite while the last of this set, That’s Enough of That was certainly not enough as an encore was called for.

The girls also played an arrangement of Pachelbel’s Canon with a good build-up of runs of notes. We have surely not heard the last of these two talented young musicians.

Lyndal Bale then took the stage to sing five Christmas songs, which she introduced with interesting detail of their history. Lyndal sang unaccompanied with a rich contralto tone and an impressive range of dynamics. I Wonder as I Wander was especially beautiful.

Caroline Adam joined her on the piano for Deck the Halls and the small but appreciative audience showed their talent by singing the ‘fal-al-al- las’ of the chorus.

In the final part of the concert the audience sang some snowy songs accompanied by the piano and two clarinets. This choir was in fine voice - especial congratulations to the two gentlemen who took on the role of Good King Wenceslas in a strong royal style and the afternoon ended with a very lively Come and Join the Celebration complete with actions. As they left, the audience expressed their enthusiasm and enjoyment of the concert.

There are three Serenata Concerts planned for the new year to be held on January 20, February 17 and March 17. Programmes are now being made up and anyone who would like to sing or play at one of these should get in touch with Claire Garnett on 01721 740256 rc.garnett@btopenworld.com