Wayns Augmented - Easter 2024
Baroque Masterpieces - Concert Review
“Incredible from start to finish”
Welcome to the Wayns Augmented blogpost for Easter ’24, where we are sharing thoughts from the choir and audience on our Baroque Masterpieces concert (9 March 2024, Winchester Cathedral).
This was a very special concert as we got to enjoy two magical musical experiences for the price of one. Not only did we get to perform Handel’s rousing Dettingen Te Deum and experience “the pure joy in singing [Bach’s] Magnificat” (Martin Tomsett T2) but we also had the best seats in the house for Florilegium’s wonderful performance of the Brandenburg Concerto No 3.
The Brandenburg was a highlight for many. Several choir members particularly enjoyed being able to see clearly “what joy [Florilegium] showed in playing together” (Phil Ferris T2) and to observe closely the way the melody was passed around the ensemble- or as A1 Lynda Beckwith puts it, “the ‘Mexican wave’ of melody that was woven through the strings.”
It was clear both from the atmosphere on the night and the many appreciative comments received that our audience also thoroughly enjoyed the evening. We are grateful as always to Andy Lumsden for leading us through such a glorious night.
Thank you to everyone who shared their thoughts and personal concert highlights. All comments received were awash with joy and peppered with superlatives.
Please enjoy this selection of quotes taken from some of them:
“As my first concert I loved every minute. My family and friends were amazed by the high quality of the choir and want to come to the next one.” Maddy Thompson, S2
“What a total privilege to hear Florilegium at their glorious best...How lucky we are to be able to make such uplifting music in that extraordinary building.“ Veronica Shaw, S2
“Really proud of first sops who really went "con belto/beltissimo" to make up for the fact that there were only 11 of us due to widespread sickness!” Caroline Wainwright, S1
“It was lovely to hear old instruments played so beautifully to create a modern soundscape.” Alison Story-Scrivens, S1
“We thought you were all on fire ! You really sold the Handel Te Deum to us...Well done!!” Cathedral guide/audience member
“Here in the far north of Argentina , in the tiny village of Cachi (altitude 2,532 meters) and having just eaten llama goulash, I received a WhatsApp from my sister saying: ‘Concert was fab. We all thoroughly enjoyed it xx’ “ Sarah Jones S1
“George played in such a relaxed manner, his fingers gliding effortlessly over the keys.” Kate Spencer, A1
“Florilegium - so much to enjoy...Fabulous in the week of International Women's Day to see so many professional women musicians in their prime.” Heather Aspinall, A1
“A friend of mine emailed me. He... ‘was moved by the magnificence of the performance’.” Jo Pankhurst A1
“Joyous, uplifting, exciting. How could we all not be impressed by Florilegium. That wonderful brass!” Tony Gaster T2
And finally, this from new Alto 1 Annabel Larrard, whose comment probably sums up neatly how we all feel, whether this was our first concert with The Waynflete Singers or our fiftieth:
“This concert, my first with The Wayns, was incredible from start to finish. Being part of the choir, singing beautiful Baroque music with Florilegium and the brilliant soloists in Winchester Cathedral is something I will always remember. Thank you.”
Have a very happy Easter!
If you have any ideas or suggestions for future blog posts then please don’t hesitate to contact Jacki Donnellan or Sophie House
