A Breathtaking Concert

Were you at the concert at St Mary's Church on Friday evening?

If not, you missed a truly stunning concert performed by an accomplished and professional group of musicians known as Symphonia Academica.

The orchestra is comprised of members of the BBC Concert Orchestra and other internationally renowned London orchestras, and right from the very opening chords, the audience knew they were in for a special treat.

It would be fair to say that the parish church has never before been filled with music of such remarkable quality. For many members of the audience, the fulsome sounds brought the hairs up on the back of their neck, such was the overwhelming depth, precision and virtuosity of the performance. Very familiar pieces, but brought into our consciousness in a very new way and with a presence that would rarely be heard outside of such prestigious venues as the Royal Albert Hall.

Even the traditional etiquette of silence between movements was set aside as the audience applauded enthusiastically at each opportunity.

The programme opened with Handel's 'Arrival of the Queen of Sheba' and then continued with 'Spring' from Vivaldi's set of concertos, 'The Four Seasons'. A less familiar piece from Robin Milford, written in the 20th Century, provided a delightful contrast: 'Miniature Concerto in G for strings'. Vivaldi's 'Summer' concluded the first half of the concert

After the interval, the four movements of Mozart's ever-popular 'Eine Kleine Nacht Musik' provided a delightful and captivating transition between Vivaldi's 'Autumn' and 'Winter'.

This memorable concert was organised as a fundraiser by Haddenham St Mary's School PTA, with the kind assistance of professional musician and Haddenham resident Daniel Mullin.

The conductor and Director was David Beaman and the Leader and solo violinist was Peter Bussereau. Other members of the orchestra were: (violins) Robin Brightman, Michael Gray, Daniel Mullin, Ikuko Sunamura and Tim Warburton; (violas) Nigel Goodwin and Helen Goatly; (cellos) Julia Graham and Alexandra Mackenzie; (doublebass) Stacey Ann Miller.