Category: Concert Review

Posted on

Autumn Gala Concert Review

A Spectacular Evening of Music.

Allum Manor & Hall, Borehamwood

Sunday 28th September 2025 | 7:30pm

An unforgettable evening with the Elstree Mozart Players (EMP), conducted by Derek Holland, and featuring internationally renowned guest conductor Owain Arwel Hughes.

The concert dazzled with a rich and varied programme, from stirring orchestral works to operatic favourites.

A true highlight was the performance by international opera star Janice Watson, who captivated the audience with arias by Bach, Dvořák, Puccini and Delibes.

She was joined by Elizabeth Venner in the beloved Flower Duet from Lakmé and a charming Mozart duet from The Marriage of Figaro.

Dylan Lehner gave a virtuosic performance of Malcolm Arnold’s Trumpet Concerto, and Juliet Maclean shone in a moving cello solo from John Foulds’ Keltic Lament.

The orchestra’s versatility was on full display, from dramatic film scores (Aces High by Ron Goodwin) to lyrical miniatures like The Watermill and La Calinda.

A heartfelt thank you to our wonderful audience – together, we raised £450 in support of Prostate Cancer UK and Breast Cancer Now, in association with the Rotary Club of The Studios of Elstree and Borehamwood.

A night of incredible music, international talent, and community spirit.

Thank you to all who joined us!

Posted on

Autumn Gala Concert 2025

in collaboration with The Rotary Club of the Studios & Elstree and Borehamwood

Sunday 28 September 2025 • 7.30 pm

Allum Manor & Hall, Elstree, Hertfordshire
Conductor: Derek Holland • Leader: Lucy Cumming
Featuring: Soprano Janice Watson & Guest Conductor Owain Arwel Hughes CBE

The highly anticipated Autumn Gala Concert 2025, presented by the Elstree Mozart Players in proud partnership with The Rotary Club of the Studios & Elstree and Borehamwood, promises an evening of musical splendour and community spirit.

Under Derek Holland’s baton with Lucy Cumming as concert leader, this gala showcases two distinguished conductors:

Derek Holland and guest conductor Owain Arwel Hughes CBE, renowned in the British classical music world.

The concert also presents an exceptional vocal appearance by soprano Janice Watson, joined in the celebrated Flower Duet with Elizabeth Venner.

Programme Highlights
• The Land of the Mountain and the Flood – Hamish MacCunn
• Trumpet Concerto – Malcolm Arnold (soloist Dylan Lehner)
• Serenade for Orchestra – William Matthias
• Prelude for Orchestra – Arwel Hughes
• Arias with Janice Watson
• Flower Duet – Bizet (Janice Watson & Elizabeth Venner)
• Cello Concerto – Antonín Dvořák (soloist Edwin Gatward)
• Aces High – Ron Goodwin

The programme balances stirring orchestral works with featured solo performances and vocal gems, capturing both tradition and dynamism.

Supporting a Cause
This concert also supports two crucial charities: Breast Cancer NOW and Prostate Cancer UK, aligning cultural celebration with charitable giving.

Ticket Information

Join Us

A partnership between the Elstree Mozart Players and The Rotary Club of the Studios & Elstree and Borehamwood reflects the clubs’ long‑standing support for community arts initiatives

This Autumn Gala is perfectly timed for local audiences seeking exemplary orchestral music in an intimate, elegant setting. With distinguished artists, beloved repertoire and charitable purpose, it promises to be a memorable highlight of the autumn cultural calendar.

Media enquiries:
Elstree Mozart Players Press Office
Email: elstreemozartplayers@outlook.com Telephone: 0208 386 3151

Posted on

Civic Festival Concert 2025

“Where Passion Meets Precision – A Summer Evening of Classical Splendour”

All Saints Church, Borehamwood

Sunday 29th June 2025

At this years Elstree & Borehamwood Town Council’s Civic Festival, the Elstree Mozart Players (EMP), directed by Derek Holland, delivered a vibrant evening of classical music at All Saints Church.

Highlights included Beethoven’s Creatures of Prometheus overture, Barry Solomon’s expressive performance of Vaughan Williams’ Oboe Concerto, and Alison Perry’s standout soprano cornet solo in Demelza. Soprano Elizabeth Venner delighted with Edwardian musical theatre selections, while newcomer Serena Leader impressed with Saint-Saëns’ Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso.

The programme also featured Roderick Elmer’s witty Scherzo: The Uistman who couldn’t tell a story and Mendelssohn’s Scottish Symphony, preceded by a spirited encore of Monti’s Czardas. The concert concluded with favourites Elizabethan Serenade and Vanity Fair, leading to a powerful performance of Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 3.

A musically rich and heartwarming evening, affirming EMP’s passion, precision, and community spirit.

Photos: Andrew Grady, Clive Butchins & Laurence Wiseman