Category: Concert Review

Saturday, 8th February 2025, All Saints Church Borehamwood

Elstree Mozart Players delighted an enthusiastic audience with a joyous celebration of Gilbert and Sullivan’s enduring legacy at their Scratch Concert on Saturday, 8th February.

The concert was attended by both The Mayor of Elstree and Borehamwood, Cllr Alpha Collins, and the Mayor of Hertsmere Borough Council, Cllr Richard Butler, with both Mayors being accompanied by their consorts.

The program, a carefully curated selection from twelve of the duo’s comic operas, showcased the wit of W.S. Gilbert’s lyrics and the brilliance of Arthur Sullivan’s compositions.

The evening commenced with the stirring Overture from The Yeomen of the Guard, setting the stage for a lively and engaging performance. The concert then moved through a series of solos, duets, and ensemble numbers that demonstrated the range and vitality of Gilbert and Sullivan’s works.

Highlights included Graham Bright’s spirited rendition of “When I was a lad” from HMS Pinafore, Laurie Marks’ charismatic take on “My name is John Wellington Wells” from The Sorcerer, and the ever popular “Three Little Maids From School” from The Mikado, performed with charm and precision by Elizabeth Venner, Janice Watson, and Louise Sherlock.

Janice Watson was a standout of the evening, bringing both vocal excellence and theatrical flair to her performances. Her ability to balance comedic timing with musical precision was particularly evident in The Mikado and her other ensemble pieces, earning her warm applause from the audience.

The second half maintained the high energy, featuring the rousing “Loudly let the trumpet bray” from Iolanthe and the moving “None shall part us” from Iolanthe, performed exquisitely by Elizabeth Venner and Laurie Marks.

The evening concluded triumphantly with a full ensemble performance of the Finale from HMS Pinafore, leaving the audience thoroughly entertained.

Under the baton of Derek Holland, the orchestra provided impeccable accompaniment, ensuring that both seasoned G&S enthusiasts and newcomers alike experienced the full charm of these beloved operas.

Laurie Marks’ direction and Louise Sherlock’s choral leadership added to the evening’s success, with both seasoned performers and first-time G&S singers contributing to a memorable event.

This concert reaffirmed the timeless appeal of Gilbert and Sullivan and showcased the impressive talents of the Elstree Mozart Players and their guests. With such a rapturous response, future G&S concerts will surely be highly anticipated.

Gratitude must also be extended to those who made this wonderful evening possible: Cllr John Graham, President of the orchestra, along with Rotarians Sasha Capocci and Cllr Sandra Parnell, Karren Fielding ans Imine Mason.

Special thanks also go to Pat Strack plus Andrew & Erika Grady, who worked tirelessly to prepare, promote, and assist throughout.

Additional thanks must go to Pam Kubica, the Church Warden of All Saints Church for allowing the orchestra to use the church for this concert.

The concert successfully raised funds for Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), one of the two charities supported by Cllr Richard Butler, Mayor of Hertsmere.

Mark your calendars forthe next Elstree Mozart Players “Gilbert & Sullivan “From Scratch” Concert on Saturday 8th February 2025, at All Saints Church, Shenley Road, Borehamwood.

The concert will commence at 7:30 pm, featuring a fantastic line-up of soloists including Elizabeth Venner, Janice Watson, Laurie Marks, David & Susan Smith, Louise Sherlock, Graham Bright, and Victoria Boss. This promises to be an evening filled with charm and melody.

Being a scratch concert, we warmly invite singers to join us. There will be an afternoon rehearsal on the day of the concert, providing a wonderful opportunity for you to take part in this joyous performance.

The concert with raise funds for one of the Mayor of Hertsmere Charities for 2025, namely The Campaign Against Living Miserably, CALM.

For further details or to register your interest as a performer, please contact Derek Holland at derek.holland3@btopenworld.com.

Tickets prices for the concert:

£20.00 for adults, £15.00 concessions

Advance tickets will be available for £12.00 from 2nd January 2025

Purchase tickets from: Ticket Master: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/elstree-mozart-players

Elstree Mozart Players Press / Ticket Office: Email: elstreemozartplayers@outlook.com

Phone: +44 (0) 20 8953 7363 / +44 (0) 7790 305428