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News & Events:FINAL Music in Maytime Concert 3rd May 2010Presented by the Friends of St. Giles
Late in 1995 a group of Parishioners discussed funding and formed a committee with the prime purpose of raising cash for the maintenance of our church. Thus in June 1996 “THE FRIENDS OF ST. GILES” was born One of the early ideas was to put on Concerts in the church on the first day of the year and on Mayday. The TV Sports commentator Brian Moore, a member of the St. Giles congregation, became one of “The Friends.” He and his connections were very helpful in finding performers and sponsors - in local shops and businesses - for the concerts. Sadly, in 2001, Brian Moore died and the New Year’s Day Concerts since then have been in his memory. The main feature around which each programme has been structured has been “The St. Giles Brass Ensemble” under their Conductor Ray Jewkes. In recent years, Richard Wood has also helped Ray put programmes together by locating some of the soloists. So, for many years, we have been able to hear “Fine Music in a Fine Old Church. Sadly, some members of the brass ensemble now have to travel long distances to Farnborough and the time has come for the ensemble to retire. This Maytime Concert was therefore the last in this series. We say Farewell and give Very Sincere thanks to all who have helped over the years and all who have supported the concert in the stalls and gallery. “The Friends” will continue to raise some of the much needed funds for the upkeep of this Fine Old Church and we hope you will continue to support us.
An article written by Alison Reynolds Friends of St Giles the Abbot, Music in Maytime Farewell Concert And so, for the last time, St Giles Brass Ensemble played the ‘Fanfare for a Dignified Occasion’ by Bliss, and those of us fortunate enough to have tickets settled in for one final, first-rate concert. Elizabeth Mace, clarinet, returned to delight us with Paul Reade’s evocative ‘Victorian Kitchen Garden Suite’ and Giampieri’s exhilarating ‘Carnival of Venice’, with its familiar folk tune embedded in a real showpiece. Elizabeth’s captivating playing had the audience totally engaged. David Bednall, the only performer new to St Giles, accompanied Elizabeth and our other soloist, Zara Wright, violin. Zara chose four contrasting pieces, beginning with Fauré’s beautiful ‘Berceuse’ and William Kroll’s jolly, and then expansive, ‘Banjo and Fiddle’. Shostakovich’s ‘Romance’ from ‘The Gadfly’ was followed by Monti’s marvellous whirling ‘Czardas’ which was very enthusiastically received. Both our soloists were excellent, but for this last concert the Brass Ensemble deservedly took the leading role and chose ten diverse items for our entertainment. As ever the music was swinging, stately, delicate, rollicking and amusing by turns and the players should all be named: trumpets, David Hughes, Derek Watson, Chris Hickox, Andy Teague and John Spencer; Horns, Chris Horton and Gerry Boniface; Derek Fairman, Euphonium; Trombones David Blowers, Anthony Peagam and Ken Burton, and Tubas, Alec Randall and John Rogers, under the direction of Ray Jewkes. We had Stanley’s splendid ‘Trumpet Tune’, the ‘Handelian Suite’ by Denis Wright (with its not very Handelian gigue) and the ‘Grand March’ from ‘Aida’ as well as the sultry ‘Jealousy’ by Jacob Gade. Well loved tunes abounded, including the poignant ‘A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square’ and the razzle dazzle of ‘Puttin’ on the Ritz’. Julia Hoadley spoke for everyone when she thanked Ray and all the players for the pleasure they have given us over the years as the stalwart heart of this magnificent series of concerts. Thanks too to Yvonne Burr, and Richard Wood and his team for all they have done. We have indeed been lucky to enjoy so much ‘Fine Music in a Fine Old Church’. Alison Reynolds |
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