Author: Viv Edwards

Oxted & Limpsfield Music Society Concert 2017

The Trust were once again delighted to be asked to showcase the talents of our young musicians following the Oxted & Limpsfield Music Society AGM at the United Reformed Church in Oxted on Monday 3 July 2017. Seven young musicians, ages ranging from 10 to 18 provided a varied concert for this most discerning audience.

Seb played the Romance by Svendsen to start the evening, and he played with great poise and feeling. William then performed Chopin’s Nocturne in C sharp minor, played sensitively with a range of dynamics. Luca sang Maria from West Side Story by Bernstein, again with great sensitivity, demonstrating how his voice has matured. Max used his alto and soprano saxophones in the Mi-Temps from Sonatine Sportive by Tcherepnine and the 1st movement from Bach’s Sonata in G minor, demonstrating the range and versitility of the instruments, with some accomplished technical playing. Freya displayed an impressive range of technical skills and sensitivity in the Introduction and Polonaise 12 from Arabesken by Bohm, on violin. Matty Oxtoby gave us a polished performance of Wedding Day at Troldhaugen by Greig, using the full range of pianistic dynamics. Finally, George Easton, on trumpet, concluded the concert with Goedicke’s Concert Etude, mastering the difficult passages well, and showing excellent breath control.

The audience gave an enthusiastic ovation to all the performers, who mixed with the society members afterwards over refreshments. Michael Barlow, who organised the evening, and Sarah Willcock accompanied the performers with great sensitivity. Another successful evening, providing these young musicians with a great opportunity to display their musical skills.

Our photo shows the performers after the concert; Freya, George, Seb, Luca, William, Max and Matty.

A great fund-raising year for the Trust

Our memorable year as a chosen charity of Cllr Pat Cannon, chief executive of Tandridge District Council has ended with a presentation of a cheque for £6,000. This amazing amount was generated over the past twelve months at various events promoted by Tandridge DC.

A number of Bouffler young musicians attended these events and performed to huge acclaim. The Trustees attended events too, and were also able to raise the profile of the Trust with a presentation about Robert Bouffler, and the Trust to Tandridge Voluntary Services. The Trust was represented at a Civic Reception and a Civic Service, but the big event of the year was the St Patrick’s Day Charity Ball, a sell-out at Surrey National Golf Club where a significant sum was raised, notably through an impressive auction and raffle. Four of our Young Musicians performed at the Charity Ball too – Madeline and Matilda sang, Nadine played the Maple Street Rag, and was then joined by Stephen, who amused the large audience by singing “The Gas Man Cometh”, finishing with the ever-popular O Sole Mio. Various other fund raising events were held, from Christmas Lights Switch-on events, a wine-tasting evening, and a Jive Aces concert. So it’s been a wonderful year for the Trust, both financially and in terms of the profile of the Trust. More then anything, it means that in East Surrey, the music-making continues for our Young Musicians.

Our photo shows our Chair, Katherine Saunders, and our Hon Treasurer, Viv Edwards, receiving the huge cheque from Cllr Pat Cannon and his consort Jill.