New Burlington Quartet, Troubadour Ted, Acafella
by Loraine & Peter
Wenham and Sherly Stanbury, Elmsett, 20 March
2010
20th March was the 21st MMM Concert by Candlelight and also the
swan song concert at Offton Church and what a wonderful occasion it
proved to be!
Proceeds of the concert went to
Woolverstone Wish at Ipswich Hospital, but altogether these MMMs
have raised over £13,000 for various charities since
2003.
The church, as always, bathed in
a wonderful candlelight glow as we settled down for the New
Burlington Quartet to play. Their joy and enthusiasm were uplifting
and their musical skills not spoilt by the atmosphere in the old
building on this last winter evening, which made retuning their
instruments necessary.
After finishing on the high note
of New York, New
York the covers
were rolled back revealing a stupendous spread of food for us all
to enjoy. In the tower under the bell ropes Pieter Rondeboom
oversaw the pouring of Prosecco to compliment the food. Thanks must
go to Drs Chris and Sue Wiltshire of Bramford who donated the
sparkling wine and also sponsored New Burlington Quartet from
London. We were delighted to see a beautiful cake on display as
this of course was the 21st concert. The cake had been made, iced
and donated by Christine Jarrold, the hairdresser of Somersham, who
does cake making for a hobby.
After the ‘gourmet’ interval, we sat down again to listen to Ted,
local folk hero and wit. All enjoyed his programme, especially the
bits where we joined in the chorus; Suffolk is famous for not
having hills, for carpet bowls but also for sailing (obviously a
favourite of this former Dales' man!) Ted’s Offton Song is a sort
of musical history of the area, but we were also treated to other
tunes. Wow!
After a short interval for a
slice of the delicious cake, Acafella Barbershop Quartet took the
stage. Four cheeky `young’ men with lovely voices blending to form
a melodic whole. I have never been able to understand how folk sing
in tune without music, but Acafella certainly did and they gave us
a truly delightful performance including some Beatles and Simon and
Garfunkel numbers. 
We were all on a high, so it was therefore sad to learn that
Maartje the organiser is to move on to other things. Will someone
come forward to take over organising these concerts in this
beautiful old church? We certainly hope so. Meanwhile, those of us
from Elmsett would like to thank Maartje and her husband Pieter for
their warmth and enthusiasm. Lighting the candles, arranging the
flowers - the jobs must have been almost endless!
Thanks also to the folk of St
Mary’s Offton for loaning their church for these
concerts.
Cappella Neerlandica
by
Carolin Comberti, Ipswich, 21 February
2010
On
21st February
on a damp, cold evening a crammed Offton church enjoyed an
excellent concert by Cappella Neerlandica, a group of 7 Dutch
male singers who had come over for a short tour of Suffolk,
including Norwich Cathedral and Great St Mary’s in Cambridge, to
perform a stunning programme of Medieval church music. We were
treated to a performance of Guillaume de Machaut’s Messe de Notre
Dame in the first half where the voices blended beautifully to
convey the intricacies of the early Gregorian harmonies with
exciting crushed notes and complicated
rhythms.
We were then presented to a
delicious spread of refreshments with a wide selection of Dutch
cheeses, fruit, wine, breads and biscuits and we had the
chance to socialise with other members of the congregation and with
the soloists, all of whom spoke excellent English. The church
looked very warm and glowing, lit by 'hundreds' of candles and with
efficient overhead strip heaters to keep out the cold. I ate my
snack standing at the font which was draped decoratively with a
colourful cloth thus providing a very good cocktail
table.
In the second half we heard the
Lamentations of Jeremiah by Thomas Tallis, a very different piece
with long legato phrases and subtle intertwining of the parts which
the singers rose to the challenge of impressively, with a fine and
clear blend of voices. The acoustics were very bright and clear,
aiding the performance and helping the voices and our spirits to
soar. A most enjoyable evening.
Las Guitarras
by Ms Ann Whelan, Bramford, 7 November
2009
IMPRESSIONS
November 7 was a dark cold wet night, but stepping into
candlelit Offton church with its warm welcoming atmosphere set the
tone for what was to become a most enjoyable evening.
Nicolas Edwards and Angus Scott (Las Guitarras) provided a varied
programme of classical pieces, which were enhanced by their
informative introductions.
The tapas in the interval brought with it much discussion, as we
were encouraged to try all the dishes and give our opinions for
future reference.
Generosity was the theme of the evening. Mark and Olga Holtom, a
couple new to the village, brought along salmon and caviar for all
to share. Las Guitarras gave their performance for free. The
Bildeston Crown donated some of the tapas and several took part in
the auction at the end. The £1051.60 raised went to Millennium Farm
Trust. What a lovely way to spend an evening. Thank you Magical
Musical Moments.
7 November 2009
LAS GUITARRAS
in aid of Millennium Farm
Trust
www.m-f-t.org.uk
raised £ 1051.60
Angus Scott (l) and Nick Edwards
(r)
Classical guitar
www.lasguitarras.co.uk
This concert was generously sponsored
by
ARCO East Anglia-Bury St Edmunds
Award-winning Chef Chris Lee of The Bildeston Crown
Balaam's Music-Bury St Edmunds
Claas UK-Bury St Edmunds
East Anglian Wholesale Florists Ltd
East of England Co-operative Society
Sainsbury-Bury St Edmunds
SB Surveyors-Sudbury
Snack-Plaza Willem de Boer-Urk NL
Thompson-Morgan UK Ltd
Spontaneous whip-round by the audience
Octave Vocal Ensemble
by Maureen & Eddie Green, Needham Market, 10
January 2009
In the seventies we were regular worshippers in Offton church; we
eagerly anticipated, therefore, a return visit not to worship but
to attend the New Year Concert.
The evening was extremely cold but as we entered the church the
candlelit atmosphere certainly gave a sense of welcome and the
anticipation of a special event. The brasses were shining in the
reflected light and the flowers quite fitting making a bold red and
white statement in each window.
The Octave Vocal Ensemble, although depleted in number
due to illness, performed a great variety of song and
instrument; all the pieces were put in context so that we could
fully enjoy them and there was a lightness of touch in the
humour.
During the interval people conversed animatedly and the atmosphere
was of great inclusion whether a regular concert goer or not. For
us it was especially memorable to meet with many with whom we had
shared times in the village.
The food and drink enabled us to enjoy a variety of cheeses and
savouries, all well labelled so that we knew what we were eating
and we were given an imaginative choice.
The £1000 raised for the NSPCC was generous and
substantial; a great tribute to the organisers. It was a
pleasurable and original setting in which to experience a
concert.
Click here for web album
Click here for Octave web
site
Orlando Jopling
by Rev. Margaret Wainwright, Ipswich, 29 November 2008
Orlando Jopling’s performance at Offton Church on 29th November
can best be described simply using the name of the organisers –
Magical Musical Moments. Magical and musical it most certainly was.
Orlando’s skill on his cello was bemusing and entrancing. As he
worked his way through three of Bach’s unaccompanied cello suites,
he kept us spellbound, listening with all our attention as if to
the most riveting of stories. For this, Bach primarily must of
course take the credit – but it was Orlando who brought the music
so vibrantly to life.
Added to this, it was the first time I had experienced Offton
Church in secular mode, and what a party we had during the
interval! The refreshments and the company were more than
excellent.
Altogether, it was a most entertaining and instructive evening.
In an undidactic way, Orlando explained the inner working of the
music, so that as we listened we had some understanding of what
Bach was striving for as he composed it, and this made a huge
difference. It was also interesting to hear about Orlando’s English
cello, an instrument of the late 18th century, made by Benjamin
Banks (I hope I’ve got that right!) So, by his skill, his sheer
musicality and his unassuming charm, Orlando won over even the
least musical amongst us; and the icing on the cake was his
enchanting pizzicato encore. I hope very much to hear him
again.
£800 was raised. A big thank you to Orlando!
For information on Orlando's mission, www.cellopilgrimage.blogspot.com
For web album click here
New Burlington Quartet
by Richard and Patricia Hann, Ipswich, 1
November 2008
As we negotiated the dark and winding country lanes, on the way
to Offton Church, torrential rain forced the car to throw up sheets
of water on either side. This was our first visit to MMM and we
were relieved when we eventually caught a glimpse of the stained
glass windows glowing out of the darkness. Inside, a warm and
friendly atmosphere, with brass chandeliers, twinkling candles, and
the ‘advertised’ comfortable pews, greeted us. There followed a
wonderful concert in aid of NSPCC.
The New Burlington Quartet began their programme with Mozart's
Divertimento in D Major. This proved to be a good introductory
piece, with its unexpectedly intense slow movement. It was followed
by Mozart's 'Dissonance' quartet, named after the modern-sounding
opening section, in which the players brought out the drama and
passion. They continued with a spirited performance of the rest of
this remarkable quartet, bringing out its full depth of
feeling.
After an interval, when we were treated to wine and a variety of
delicious cheeses, the Burlingtons continued with Beethoven's
quartet in C minor. They brought out the excitement of the opening
movement, and relished the inventiveness of the rest of the
work.
It provided an excellent ending to the programme. After much
applause, the Quartet gave us an extra treat, which turned out to
be a lively and amusing puzzle. What was it? Well, not Piazzolla as
we guessed, but Duke Ellington!
Drs Chris and Sue Wiltshire were presented with a bouquet and
a gift bag in recognition of their sponsorship of New
burlington Quartet.
It was a delightful evening, and a pleasure to hear this young and
enthusiastic quartet. This will not be our last visit!
www.nbq.org.uk
To view more pictures click on appropriate
album
Concert photo collection by courtesy of Mr Marco Wamelink
Four Voices
by Frances Gilson, Willisham, 8 March
2008
Saturday the 8th of March saw the culmination of the 2008 series
of MMM concerts in Offton Church. Once again, all tickets had been
sold and extra chairs had to be brought in. The audience enjoyed a
superb concert, given by four very accomplished singers (Deborah
Edwards, Barbara Windsor, Julian Ochwat and Gary Griffiths)
collectively known as Four Voices, plus their very talented
accompanist Lisa Cheadle. The first half comprised famous quartets,
duets and solos from such operas as The Magic Flute, II Trovatore,
The Pearl Fishers and Rosamunde.
A fine buffet was served during the interval and when the four
singers returned to the stage, their change into more casual dress
marked a change in the mood of the music.
The second half began with a rousing visit to Old MacDonald's
Farm and continued with songs from Into the Woods, West Side Story,
Chicago and many more, finishing with You've Raised Me Up. When the
audience demanded an encore Four Voices obliged with a spirited
rendition of The Rhythm of Life.
The three concerts in this season were to raise money for
Ipswich-Beira Health Initiative, a charity sending Ipswich Hospital
doctors to train doctors in Mozambique. Rachel Sloane of BBC Radio
Suffolk was presented with a cheque for £1000 (to which £200 was
subsequently added) and Offton Church with a cheque for £525.
A fitting end to a splendid evening!
Click here for the web album of this
event
For more information on Four Voices visit their website
//fourvoices.co.uk
Collegium Regale of King's College Cambridge
by Mike Burnett, Greenstreet Green, 10 January
2008
Magical Musical Moments..., another resounding success. These
intimate candlelight concerts held in St Mary’s Church Offton have
become part of the social calendar for people far and wide.
On January 10th 2008, we were entertained by Collegium Regale. A
close harmony group of seven formally dressed young men who are
part of the King's College Cambridge Choir with voices ranging from
Alto I to Bass II.
They sang, during the first half of the evening, a selection of
works from around Europe, starting in England with ‘Lamentations’
by Thomas Tallis travelling through Holland, Belgium, Germany and
Italy ending this musical tour with ‘Strike it up, Tabor’ by Thomas
Weelkes back in England.
After the interval, the evening saw Collegium Regale in a more
informal style with the dark bow ties replaced by bright coloured
and sparkly examples – one even made of wood! Their sombre first
half folders changed to brightly coloured ones too, some of which
even matched their bow ties!
In this part of the very entertaining evening, we heard a
variety of songs from Dashing Away with the Smoothing Iron
to The Londonderry Air and some arrangements of modern
songs, which included the Beach Boys and Blue Moon, made popular in
1961 by the Marcels.
All proceeds of these concerts go to charity. The current
sponsored one is Ipswich-Beira Health Initiative, who are working
to improve health care in Mozambique.
For full information about this organisation
click here
Cantocordia
by Melita Frost, Dovercourt, 8 December
2007
On a miserable Saturday morning in December, my husband Alan
happened to hear Rachel Sloane on Radio Suffolk mention a concert
of Medieval and Renaissance music to be held in Offton church that
very evening.
This seemed a very appealing way to conclude a darkly dismal
December day.
I was not to be disappointed; my expectations were in all ways
exceeded by the reality. We enjoy attending concerts in churches
from time to time, so we had some prior knowledge of what to
expect. However, for ambiance, a warm welcome and superb
entertainment, our evening at Offton will be hard to beat.
We knew no-one at Offton, but Maartje, the organiser of Magical
Musical Moments, greeted us most warmly and made us feel instantly
at home. The wine and cheese served during the interval made us
feel nostalgic for a recent holiday in France during which we had
indulged our liking for French cheeses to the full!
But alongside this, was the wonderful atmosphere of the church
itself. The scale of the building is small and intimate. With its
white painted interior walls the church is a perfect venue for a
chamber concert. Great care was taken over the lighting, spotlights
were used sensitively to illuminate the musicians and other focal
points, but best of all, are the brass candelabra, which provide a
glow so warming on a dark winter’s
night.
Cantocordia are a group of four musicians from the Beccles
and Norwich areas who sing and play medieval and Renaissance music
on copies of authentic ancient instruments. These include the
recorder, psaltery and crumhorn. The group perform in Tudor
costume, which have been carefully researched and in some cases
painstakingly handmade by one of the players, Anna
Holzer-Montifield.
The programme was introduced by Karen Wareham
and consisted of a wide selection of songs and dances spanning the
centuries from the 12th to the 16th.
One memorable piece was Karen’s rendition on the recorder of "The
English Nightingale" in which it was clearly possible to make out a
dialogue between two birds. Shakespeare’s song "Rain and Wind" from
Twelfth Night, with its highly appropriate refrain "the Rain it
Raineth Every Day," was a popular finale to the first half and had
the audience joining in enthusiastically!
The second half ended with seasonal songs including the Boar’s Head
carol.
All in all, we had a wonderful evening and hope to come
again.
Our thanks to everyone at Offton.
Cantocordia have their own website
//cantocordia.com
Nightingale Quintet
from a Performer's Perspective
by John Helleur, Ipswich, 24 February 2007
Concerts in Offton church are always warm and friendly
affairs, and Saturday’s Nightingale Quintet concert was no
exception. For this newly formed group of local players, it was an
ideal venue to launch their woodwind quintet into the Suffolk arts
calendar.
Offton church is a very intimate space with an excellently clean
acoustic. Because of the friendly ambience, it's not at all
daunting playing to a packed church of around 100 people, even with
the nearest audience members within a couple of feet of the flute
and oboe. The good acoustic helped the ensemble considerably, as it
was very easy to hear each other.
Offering a wide variety of music, from Ragtime to Hungarian
Dances, and Granados to Mozart, seemed to go down well with the
enthusiastic audience, as did the sets of readings which
interspersed groups of musical items. We hope that the event
achieved its charitable as well as entertainment aims.
John Helleur
PS If you are interested in our ensemble, please visit
//nightingalewinds.org.uk
Collegium Regale of King's College Cambridge
by Harry Thorne (16), Offton, 11 January
2007
Collegium Regale had a lot to live up
to after the previous MMM concerts, because the audience expected
great things from the King’s College music scholars. They were not
disappointed.
After a brief introduction Collegium Regale's first part of the
concert included music by Byrd and Tallis, which was gloriously
performed, with melodies intertwining perfectly. The singers were
confident and knew their parts faultlessly. The group then moved on
to something lighter, folk songs. These were delivered with the
same precision as before but sounded more relaxed. During the
interval, cheese and German sekt was served and people talked
amongst themselves in anticipation of the next
part.
The second half was all announced from the stage. It consisted
of more modern items. The repertoire Collegium Regale sang ranged
from a Welsh traditional tune to Billy Joel’s “And so it goes” (my
particular favourite). It was a very entertaining and varied second
half, which impressed all the audience.
The concert was a complete success
with Collegium Regale selling many CD’s and receiving a huge amount
of praise.
£500 was raised by the concert in aid
of Macmillan Cancer Support.
A huge thank you for booking these superb singers and supplying
food and drink for the ever grateful audience.
For full information on the group please visit
//collegiumregale.co.uk
The Pavão Quartet
by Rachel Sloane, Felixstowe, 3 December
2006
When it’s dark and wintry outside, let’s be fair, it takes a bit
of effort to leave your warm sitting room to drive the lanes of
Suffolk to a small parish church for a concert. But in December how
glad I was that I made the effort.
I had heard about the Magical Musical Moments concerts on my BBC
Radio Suffolk programme when I had interviewed the organiser
Maartje Rondeboom. When she invited me to the candlelit concert at
Offton church to hear The Pavão Quartet perform, whom I had also
featured on a programme, I was delighted to accept.
The string quartet trained and was formed at the Royal Academy
of Music and appear regularly on TV, and concert halls worldwide.
They are led by Kerenza Peacock from Suffolk, who introduces the
items (a mixture of classical and contemporary music) and who tells
stories of their life performing together in a successful classical
ensemble. The young women (Kerenza, Jenny Sacha, Natalia Gomes and
Bryony James) are highly talented performers, very attractive to
look at and have a friendliness that must help their popularity
with concert promoters and audience alike.
As part of their programme they also played for us a specially
arranged version of “Away in a Manger” that they had recorded to
raise money for the charity “Breakthrough to Breast Cancer” and
that was available as a download from their website. You could have
heard a pin drop in the chancel, as the final notes faded. It was
beautiful. (And yes, I did arrange another interview and broadcast
of the carol on BBC Radio Suffolk the next day!)
The concerts at Offton are usually accompanied by wine and
cheese but, to mark the birthday of the concerts, a real spread of
goodies was produced … and there was great amusement when the
glamorous ladies of the quartet put down their instruments and
helped to serve the buffet. Definitely not something they do at The
Wigmore Hall!
Several old friends were also coincidentally in the audience
and, after catching up on news over the interval, all agreed that
the combination of the intimate atmosphere, the candlelight,
hospitality and beautiful music, was a winning combination.
Magical Musical Moments at Offton church? Highly
recommended!
Click here for web
album
Click here for Pavão
Quartet web site
Seven Up
by David Schofield, Ipswich, 18 February
2006
It has been a privilege these past few winters to drive to
Offton for the MMM evenings at St. Mary’s Church with its excellent
acoustics.
My knowledge of music is limited. Do I really know whether the
musicians I am listening to know their stuff? Do they have command
of their instruments?
What I do know is that I have sat in total silence, enraptured with
what I was hearing and seeing. It is likely that I do not
appreciate the technical aspects of these performances, but you
know when something wonderful is happening in front of you.
And so it was again when the Seven Up Brass Ensemble entertained us
in the middle of February. Seven friends, who got together,
apparently to play at another friend's wedding, thoroughly enjoyed
each other's company and found that a good sound ensued.
Therefore
, they decided to see if others would be interested in sharing
their joy of brass. And, YES, we did.
Three cornets accompanied by a horn, tuba, euphonium and trombone
made a great sound with a variety of music from Lennon &
McCartney to Scott Joplin to Schubert and back again.
Great!
Further variety, in both halves of the evening’s entertainment, was
provided by the vocals of Juliet Parker & Michelle Pilborough.
With a generous interlude to enjoy an excellent glass of wine and a
number of less common cheeses it was a great night.
People like me don’t buy tickets to listen to brass ensembles,
chamber music, saxophone /clarinet quartets, etc. at Snape or
Glyndebourne (yes, I know that’s opera), but I have been given the
opportunity at Offton to have a taster of several of these.
Thoroughly good evenings, which really should not be missed by
anybody. You might not like some of it, but at least you will find
out what your taste really is!
The organisers are to be applauded for their efforts and enthusiasm
in staging these evenings. This winter MMM raised £1375 which was
shared by St Elizabeth Hospice, Macmillan cancer relief,
Alzheimer's Society and Offton Church Fabric Fund.
Mr & Mrs Munson of Flowton were the lucky ones to win the Stena
Line prize. Proficiat!
The Rigotti Ensemble
by Barry Salmon, Ipswich, 14 January
2006
The second of this season's Magical Musical Moments Concerts
by Candlelight held in Offton Church on Saturday 14th January was
given by The Rigotti Ensemble, one of the few flute, oboe and
clarinet ensembles in the country. This young and gifted group
consists of Katie Bedford (flute), Michael O'Donnell (oboe/cor
anglais) and James Meldrum (clarinet), all of whom are students at
the Royal College of Music. That they have all had a wide
experience in orchestral and ensemble playing became immediately
obvious in their performance of such widely diverse items as
Beethoven's Grand Trio (Op 87), De Lorenzo's Trio Romantico (a real
tour de force), Holst's Terzetto (written in three different keys
simultaneously) and Arnold's Divertimento. In all the pieces they
displayed a deep understanding of the music, a great sense of
ensemble playing and a sensitivity to dynamics.
A nice touch during the evening came after the interval, which
included some excellent refreshments, when the audience was able to
discuss with the trio their experiences in music and for them to
demonstrate the difference between an oboe and a cor anglais. If
the standard of performance that the capacity audience heard and
thoroughly appreciated is to be found in all our conservatoires,
then 'classical' music is in safe hands and these three young
players have a very bright musical future indeed.
Click here for web
album
Ipswich School Chamber Orchestra
by Alan Munson, Flowton, 3 December
2005
This year’s season of candlelit concerts in Offton Church
started off with Ipswich School Chamber Orchestra, directed by
Andrew Leach. The church was packed with parents and locals all in
support of the performers and the evening’s charity, St Elizabeth
Hospice. As you walked in you were greeted with a welcoming
atmosphere of calm and tranquillity. The candlelight and the subtle
use of lighting used as a backdrop for the orchestra added to the
ambience.
The evening’s performance began with J S Bach’s Minuett, Trio
and Polacca from Brandenburg Concerto No. 1, a wonderful
work that grew from a Sinfonia with Allegro, Adagio and Minuett
into a Concerto by adding a second Allegro and Polacca. The work
was excellently performed, which set the scene for the evening.
Soloists followed; Anna Churchill sang Giordani's ‘Tu Lo Sai’,
cellist Harry Thorne played two movements from Vivaldi’s Cello
Sonata No. 5, soprano Jacy Race had us perched on our seats with
her fine rendition of ‘Agnus Dei’ from Paukenmesse by Mozart
and finally harpist Anna Campbell very sensitively played Bacarolle
by Grandjany. Anna recently achieved the accolade of being top
student for GSCE music, ahead of 19,000 others.
The first half ended with a trio; Edward Leach and James Westrip
on oboes and Tim Passmore on bassoon, playing Corelli’s Sonata
No.6.
After the interval with various Spanish cheeses and wine, we sat
down to an exciting performance of excerpts from Handel’s
Messiah.
The evening provided a platform for the young musicians to
perform for a real audience. The programme was professionally
executed, a credit not only to Andrew Leach and Ipswich School but
to the students themselves who, many of them will, I’m sure, have
promising futures. For us it was a real pleasure to see young
talent perform together in such superb surroundings. St Elizabeth
Hospice received £335, Offton Church £125.
Click here for web
album
Stacks of Sax
by Margaret Laflin, Somersham, 9 April
2005
STOP PRESS - hotfoot from the last of this season's Magical
Musical Moments held in Offton church on Saturday evening, 9th
April, we can report another truly delightful evening. The
entertainment supplied by 'Stacks of Sax' was first rate - and it
wasn't all 'sax' either! They brought along with five saxophones, a
ladies quartet, an accompanist and an excellent compere (who had a
good fund of the obligatory between-items jokes!) The capacity
audience revelled in Cole Porter, Richard Rogers and Glenn Miller
favourites to name a few and altogether were treated to a varied
programme from a versatile group. The interval was a happy hubbub
as friends chatted and enjoyed the excellent cheese and wine.
At the end of another season of these concerts the team must be
congratulated, not just for raising a total for the three concerts
of £1,474 for church and charities, but for providing Offton and
local friends with such happy and enjoyable social occasions. Well
done, indeed, and can we hope there will be a next year?
I cannot resist sharing one of the compere's jokes - the group was
performing in an isolated village church and was invited into the
Rectory for refreshments. As they walked through the churchyard,
the compere noticed two sheep penned up and remarked on them to the
vicar, who told him that they are known as 'Ancient and Modern'.
The compere assumed that one was old and the other a youngster. "Oh
no", chuckled the vicar, "it's because they are both 'hims'!" -
Groans from the audience!
Click here for web
album
For info on Stacks of Sax please click here to visit
their website
Double Bill New Year's Candlelit Concert
by Brenda Durrant, Offton, 15 January
2005
The latest Magical Musical Moments by Candlelight Concert was a
tremendous success. The Church was filled almost to overflowing and
the audience was thrilled with the performances.
There was something for everyone, whether young, old or in-between.
By popular request Trio Ted, Cara & Scott returned and they
delighted us with many songs, among which a beautiful rendering of
'Don't Stop Thinking about Tomorrow'. Ted also presented a fourth
edition of his popular Offton Song.
Click here for web
album
The interval was complemented by bubbly and an array of tasty
food.
The second half had a very different flavour.
Frits Piekema, a retired Dutch Cavalry Officer, had flown in
at his own expense to participate in the concert as 'Frank
Sinatra'.
He looked the part and convincingly delivered favourites such as
'New York, New York', 'The Lady is a Tramp' and of course 'My
Way.'
As 'Frank' did not possess his own high chair, the one used that
evening was presented to him after the show. The musicians received
flowers and 'bottles' as appropriate.
We all had a thoroughly good time and a share of £525.79 was
distributed locally to the fabric fund of Offton Church, Offton
& Willisham Village Hall, Motor Neurone Disease Association and
Alzheimer's Society. Further afield to Cancer Research UK and a
children's home in India that took in 100 Tsunami orphans.
Click here for web
album
A date for the next concert has not yet been set, as repair work is
being done in the Church, but will be announced as and when.
Mixed Emotions
by Allana & Ron Baxter, Shotley Gate, 13
November 2004
On 13th November, a cold and gloomy evening, we made our way to
St. Mary's Church at Offton, not quite sure what to expect, but we
knew we were going to listen to music...!
As we approached, the church shone out warmly in the darkness
heralding the warmth within. Candles glowed from every surface
transporting us to a more gentle age.
Mixed Emotions lived up to their name and entertained us to a
perfect mix of music, thoughtful, humorous and reminiscing. The
cello, guitar and keyboard were an unexpected combination, and the
range of music was equally unexpected, moving happily from classic
to jazz with a number of original compositions thrown in for good
measure.
We enjoyed a wonderful evening and although this was our first
visit to both the church and a Magical Musical Moments concert we
were made welcome and felt ourselves among friends. We are looking
forward to the next concert.
Opus
by Glenn King, Offton, 28 February
2004
For the third and final performance in the successful series of
Magical Musical Moments concerts, Offton welcomed the Opus clarinet
quartet to the church.
Once again, tickets were sold out for this performance, although
some empty seats were evident when the threat of snow discouraged a
few visitors from further afield.
The cold evening was, however, immediately warmed by the group’s
opening piece, their arrangement of Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, a
composer and theme that they would return to later in the programme
with Summertime from Porgy and Bess.
The programme ranged from the smooth sounds of city jazz through to
more swinging jazz numbers and the inclusion of popular
compositions by Henry Mancini, Scott Joplin and Duke Ellington had
feet tapping in the pews.
For those who would like to hear more of Opus, this wonderfully
versatile group have recently recorded a CD which they plan to
release in March.
The main programme was supported by local talent, Alice Porter,
whose delightful playing at the keyboard both before the
performance and during the interval added to the ambience of the
candlelit church.
The interval provided the now familiar delicious spread of quality
international cheeses, breads and wines and credit needs to be
given to the team of volunteers who have so ably supported this
programme of concerts in support of such deserving charities.
Perhaps we can look forward to more Magical Musical Moments next
winter.
Trio Ted, Cara & Scott
by Elenaor Bond, 10 January 2004
The trio perform in nearby pubs, but during a local Festival
of Talents, were spotted and invited to prepare a full evening's
entertainment for Magical Musical Moments. This they did to great
acclaim. All were pleased to have the trio perform and demand for
tickets was such that they could have been sold twice over. The
audience was rapturous. After this huge success, they are surely
asked back!
Highly Strung
by Scott Dolling, Needham Market, 8 November
2003
If the rest of the season can be judged by the first event, the
community will certainly believe that these concerts have that
magical touch.
Saturday 8th November saw the first of these evenings and Highly
Strung, a locally based string quartet, played host with an
excellent set.
The players excelled in the wonderful ambience of Offton's
beautiful candlelit church and provided an enchanting mix of
classical light and traditional music. The church was packed with
both villagers and those who had travelled from further afield to
enjoy the experience.
There were many notable moments during the event. The inclusion of
the flute in the first half embellished an excellent classical
session, that culminated in Mozart's flute quartet in D
major.
After a fruitful interval, which saw a great range of cheese and
wine available for all, the quartet's diverse ability struck home.
The violinist solo was magical herself. Moving through some
carefully crafted Celtic folk from Scotland, we travelled through
some of Scott Joplin's work before finally resting with a superb
arrangement of the first movement of the Brandenburg Concerto
Number 3. J S Bach himself would have been proud of this.
The concert was a resounding success and we look forward to hear
how much was raised for charity. The organisers will be rightly
proud of their
endeavours.