SAUL's sponsorship of these concerts has now become a highly popular
annual event in the Lodge's calendar. The proceeds, about £1,000, will
go towards B'nai B'rith charitable work.
SAUL's Council had decided that this concert should mark the memory of
the late Harry Gilbert, a well loved and long standing lodge member, who
passed away in May this year. Harry was one of the initiators of the
cooperation with the Purcell School and one of the driving forces each
year. He loved the work with the young musicians. His widow Ursula and
his son Stephen were among the audience.
The pupils of the school come from many parts of the world, its
reputation is second to none and many go on to become successful
professional musicians. Our performers were good examples of young
people, aged 15 to 18, who are on the brink of arriving in the field of
professional performers, and most have already performed with orchestras
in different parts of the world. A wide range of talents enchanted us -
a cellist from Thailand, a trombonist from Hertfordshire who used the
grand piano to achieve some remarkable effects with his trombone, a
viola player from Worthing, a splendid young pianist from Nottingham and
a clarinet player from Seoul in South Korea. The tuba is not normally
heard as a solo instrument, but Oliver Brooks played a Vaughan Williams
Tuba Concerto most impressively.
For many in the audience, the highlights of the evening were the
performances of two young ladies. A young Russian violinist, Alina
Makhina, enchanted the audience with her rendering of Saint-Saens'
Introduction and Rondo Cappricioso. Make a note of the name - this is a
young lady with a musical future.
The pianist, Lara Melda, won the BBC Young Musician Competition in 2010
and has already played with different orchestras in UK and on the
Continent of Europe and has bookings in various concert halls in the
near future. Her "Reflets dans l'Eau" by Debussy was a real joy.
This annual cooperation with The Purcell School produces a very
satisfactory win/win situation. The school and the pupils benefit in
that the pupils have an appreciative audience - and they love to play in
front of an audience - and the school receives a donation to its
Scholarship Fund. B'nai B'rith charities benefit from the sale of
tickets. There is an additional side benefit for the performers and
other pupils who enjoy the wonderful selection of home made cakes on
offer during the interval refreshments.
