Anniversaries, Trianon Music Group at Snape Maltings, September 15 Trianon commands large forces; over a 100 singers and nearly as many in the orchestra.

Anniversaries, Trianon Music Group at Snape Maltings, September 15

Trianon commands large forces; over a 100 singers and nearly as many in the orchestra. The Overture to Candide, by Leonard Bernstein was, therefore, an excellent choice to open the proceedings and demonstrate their collective power. At a cracking pace they radiated enthusiasm, culminating in a splendid final chord that was remarkable not only for the fortissimo but for its precision.

Equally exuberant was A Gershwin Portrait, featuring selections from his musicals, Porgy and Bess and including a smattering of Rhapsody in Blue. Soprano, Doreen Wiltshire, sang the solo parts.

More restrained were the Brahms part songs. The sopranos and altos sang two songs from his Opus 17 work which had the unusual accompaniment instruments of harp (Meriel Barclay) and French Horns (Lisa Cheadle and Marian Hellen). All the choir united to sing the final Brahms song - Waldesnacht Opus 62 No.3 - a sensuous unaccompanied piece.

In lighter mood the orchestra played four of the Opus 5 Norwegian Dances by Grieg.

The second half of the concert was devoted to Elgar in tribute to probably the most significant anniversary in this programme, the 150th anniversary of his birth. Trianon gave a creditable and moving performance of The Music Makers, Opus 69 and concluded the concert with the stirring Finale from “The Coronation Ode, Opus 44 “Land of Hope and Glory”. Mezzo-Soprano, Judith Fisher, sung the solo parts admirably.

It was an excellent evening from every aspect, not least the conducting of Adrian Brown who guided Trianon in delivering this memorable concert. Whilst not wishing to detract from Adrian's achievements I should, however, like to mention Professor Christopher Green OBE, who was originally scheduled to be the conductor until prevented by ill-health.

For those who do not know it, Chris was one of three founder members who formed Trianon in 1959 for students to rehearse and perform three concerts a year in their holiday periods. I know that Chris was very disappointed not to be wielding the baton but he should take comfort from the remarkable gift he has given to the Group. Thanks to him it is a thriving organization testified by the many “students” who have joined Trianon and stayed throughout the last 48 years and the youngsters it still attracts. Adrian, himself, was a student in the early years of the Group and acknowledges the debt of gratitude he owes Chris.

Everybody wishes Chris better health and I hope he takes comfort from the fact that, even without him at the helm, Trianon is flourishing.

Judith Newman