There was glitter as well as music in the air for this, my sixth concert with the Saffron Walden Symphony Orchestra. Larger in numbers than usual, the orchestra sounded great, and with a programme of Fairy Tale music by Rossini, Humperdinck and Tchaikovsky, it was popular too, with a sold out Saffron Hall, filled to the brim with children, many in costume to go with the theme.
On the subject of costume, though, I think I have to take the prize. In a brilliant baroque suit with the extraordinary wig (and make up) fashioned by Antonio Reche-Martinez, I rather think I surpassed myself this year!
I have to say, it was a strange experience to look into a mirror and truly not recognise any part of me … I had completely vanished, and there stood Dandini (the servant in Rossini’s Cenerentola) in baroque powder and frills… This kind of gave me more confidence, striding on stage…
And so…flinging gitter from my hankie, the stage was set for an afternoon of stories, art and music, hosted by the wonderful Words in Walden festival.
We started with the overture to La Cenerentola, Rossini’s heart warming take on the Cinderella story, subtitled “The Triumph of Goodness”.
Then came the prelude to Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel.
Lastly, the suite from Tchaikovsky’s Sleeping Beauty ballet, with the final waltz bringing a great wave of applause, so familiar and loved is that great showpiece.
All of this was projected up onto the big screen for all to see.
The orchestra and conductor Richard Hull did the music proud, and I had a great time with my crazy fairy tale castle hairpiece. Last of all a quick encore, from Prokofiev’s Love for Three Oranges, sending the audience off with their heads full of tunes. Some of the audience went off with the paintings too, which were raffled for the Home-Start Uttlesford charity, raising almost £700, and many stayed to get books signed, and to chat with me, which was really lovely.
Most satisfying of all was knowing that here were families returning to hear different music with their children and hear some unusual versions of much loved tales. Some were even inspired to go off and create their own art. We hear so much about the arts being side-lined in education and about children not having opportunities, all of which is sadly true. So all the more reason to be filled with gratitude for Words in Walden, Saffron Hall, the orchestra and conductor and above all Jo Burch for believing in this concept and indeed fighting for this concert and keeping it on track. They all gave these children an unforgettable afternoon of beauty, creativity, and integrity for the price of a cinema ticket. That really is a bit of fairy tale magic, and I was proud to be a small part of it.
My thanks to Rob Furber and Stephen Llewelyn for the lovely photographs.
Coming up next, Carnival of the Animals and A Midsummer Night’s Dream – full details on my events page HERE.
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