Many of the finer musicians in Loveday performed to a warm and enthusiastic audience in the acoustically friendly Emms Centre Atrium for the annual House music evening. There was a great variety of texture and mood to entertain a notable number of families and friends on a rare dry, sunny and comfortable day.
With two high Union Jack flags adding a patriotic backdrop to the occasion, it seemed apt for James Bennett to open the proceedings with Gustav Holst’s “Jupiter” as a trumpet solo, the tune to “I vow to thee my country”. A number of boys perhaps then had the promise of that Euro 2012 quarter-final clash between England and Italy on their minds, others the brief reflection of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.
The Classical works from Vivaldi to Shostakovich filled the first half with plenty of good colour: the piano, cello and violin were the preferred choice, and each of the soloists demonstrated notable musicianship and sensitivity. There should be a particular mention to Harry Moore and Ian Lee for their special performances.
After a brief interval for cool glasses of Pimms, there was foot-tapping in the auditorium as Alexander Hills and Giorgio Bounous began the second half by increasing the tempo. There was scope for successful duet and quartet items for saxophones and guitars. Kuziva Ndewere eventually took to the piano, after a late start from home, to play one of the more extravagant medleys (I think I heard at least six different tunes!). The Loveday Big Band concluded the concert in an impressive style to create an exuberant mood: the conductor invited the audience to sway to “I want to hold your hand”.
Tremendous thanks should go to all of the musicians who took part and for all their hard work in practising for the occasion: it certainly was a delight to witness wonderful sounds and great house spirit.
RCEKK
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