The Sir Henry Wood / BBC Season of Promenade concerts came to a finale in the Royal Albert Hall on 9 September……..and so this year’s equally successful season of Summer Music at Sandford, which started with Connor Wilcox recital of Beethoven & Ravel, also came to a rousing end last month with Blaithin Cotter’s organ recital.
For 15 weeks from May to the end of August, music lovers were treated to an eclectic programme of music recitals from Bach to Balfe and new modern compositions, from voice to piano, classical guitar to the church’s newly restored organ, now with a piston system. It is a privilege to enjoy these lunchtime concerts and talented musicians in the beautiful intimate surroundings of Sandford Church. I really enjoyed listening to the music of Bach and Chopin with the church’s stained glass windows highlighted by the summer sun. It’s a nice to have the chance to meet the performers and the knowledgeable and friendly audiences afterwards.
Thanks are due to David for producing this annual series and for arranging the detailed programmes, notes and bio’s, it is really very much appreciated by all. Also to the background volunteers for doing the all-important job of actually opening, meet & greet and closing the church. We all look forward to next Summer’s season 2024………but I am sure there might be one or two further music recitals at Sandford / St Philip’s in the meantime? Ronnie Hamilton