“Music for the soul” was the title of the successful Warminster Philharmonic Orchestra’s summer concert last Saturday evening.
Torrential rain, grey skies and a strong breeze ushered the undeterred crowd into the Thomas Arnold hall. New and returning audience members were keen to enjoy the musicianship and beautiful sounds of some of the classical greats to lift their spirits whilst raising money and awareness for the Wiltshire Mind charity.
Music is a universal language, understood by all cultures, ages and all types of people and there was definitely something in the evening’s programme for everyone. Opening with Serenade for Small Orchestra by local Welsh composer William Mathias to set the mood, the audience were then transported on a soundscape journey to Scotland for Hamish MacCunn’s, now popular, Land of the Mountain and the Flood. The first half concluded with a rousing waltz from Borodin’s famous opera Prince Igor leaving the audience satisfied with the famous ‘Stranger’s in Paradise’ theme tune singing pleasingly in their ears.
The second half opened with Beethoven’s Egmont Overture, a musical request from the brass section, providing ample opportunity to show off the tuba, trombones, trumpets and horns at their best. The evening concluded with Bizet’s L’Arlesienne Suite No. 2 celebrating with an encore of the Faradole often heard at the proms.
During the first half, James Colquhoun, one of the trustees for Wiltshire Mind, introduced the work that Wiltshire Mind does. Talking about the way they support people who are experiencing mental health problems or emotional distress. This encouraged the audience to dig deep into their pockets and alongside the ticket sales and raffle monies, the Warminster Philharmonic Orchestra were delighted to donate £1025 to the charity at the end of the evening.
Amanda Williams, founder and conductor of the orchestra comments “Music has the ability to put us all in the right frame of mind to achieve anything. Quite often our rehearsals fall on busy days but after a good play and a chocolate biscuit at break time, everyone feels buoyed, comforted and in good company.”
“We are now thinking ahead to our Christmas concert and commence rehearsals on Tuesday 5th September at the Minster Church of St Denys. We are always delighted to welcome new musicians, without audition of approximately grade 5 and above standard and invite new players to join our warm and friendly group.”
For more information about joining us go to www.warminsterorchestra.org.uk
calling 01985 216376 or emailing wiltshiremusicmaking@hotmail.com or find us on facebook Warminster Philharmonic Orchestra.
Wiltshire Mind can be contacted by emailing: fundraising@wiltshiremind.co.uk
