Musical evening at St Lawrence's Church

 We managed to put the election firmly behind us last weekend by attending a first rate musical evening at St Lawrence’s Church organised by the Little Waldingfield History Society.

An audience of around 120 people enjoyed a varied and eclectic programme of works from Bach, Morricone, Paganini. Vivaldi and Albeniz.  All pieces were attractive and played with a high level of professional polish.  The high spots of the evening were the two well-known Bach concertos, one for two violins and the other for oboe and violin.  These are pieces that take no prisoners and both were executed with precision and style.

The ensemble was brought together by Little Waldingfield resident and trustee of the LWHS Gillian Harritt.  She is an accomplished violinist who was a member of the orchestra of the Royal Opera House for many years.  Other members of the group, oboist Emma Jane Willan, guitarist Jad Azkoul, violinist Julian Azkoul , all first rate professionals, have close family connections with Gill.  Also  joining the ensemble was our favourite keyboard player from Chilton, the ever urbane and accomplished Patrick Friend, and the cellist Nick Parry.

It was remarkable to be able to hear music making of such a high professional standard so close to home.  Proceedings were helped along immeasurably by the excellent acoustic in the very beautiful St Lawrence’s Church, a venue that is remarkably free of the reverberations and echoes experienced elsewhere.  Concert promoters take note!

Proceeds from the event went towards the maintenance of this wonderful Grade 1 listed church, which dates from the 13^th Century.  An appeal to raise funds to pay for extensive renovation works has recently been launched.

Gill Harritt with Jed Azkoul