This summer, the Elstree and Borehamwood Civic Festival proudly presents the Civic Festival Concert 2025 — a captivating evening of orchestral music performed by the highly regarded Elstree Mozart Players. Set in the enchanting surroundings of All Saints Church, Borehamwood, this concert promises an inspiring programme featuring both timeless classics and contemporary gems.
Founded in 2018 by conductor Derek Holland, in partnership with Pat Strack and Andrew Grady, the Elstree Mozart Players have quickly established themselves as a vital part of the region’s cultural life. Unlike traditional orchestras, the orchestra is assembled on a concert-by-concert basis, blending professional musicians, semi-professionals, and skilled amateurs to achieve a professional standard of performance with a warm community spirit.
Their mission is to make orchestral music accessible and engaging for local audiences, while fostering emerging talent and performing an adventurous repertoire that balances beloved classics with contemporary compositions.
Concert Highlights
This concert programme, conducted by Derek Holland and led by Lucy Cumming, offers a varied and rich selection of works, including:
Beethoven’s Prometheus Overture — an exhilarating opening that captures the drama of mythic heroism.
Saint-Saëns’ Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso, featuring virtuoso violinist Serena Leader.
Vaughan Williams’ Oboe Concerto, performed by the accomplished oboist Barry Solomon, offering a serene English pastoral tone.
A new-age highlight, Roderick Elmer’s Scherzo for Orchestra, injecting playful energy and contemporary flair.
The charming Demelza for Soprano Cornet by Hugo Nash, with soloist Alison Perry showcasing rare cornet repertoire.
A selection of Songs from Light Opera, delivered by soprano Elizabeth Venner.
Light music classics such as Ronald Binge’s Elizabethan Serenade and Anthony Collins’ Vanity Fair.
The evening culminates with Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 3 “The Scottish”, a sweeping symphonic portrait of Scotland’s rugged beauty.
Ticket and Venue Details:
Tickets are affordably priced at £12 in advance, with on-the-night prices of £20 for premium seating and £15 for standard.
They will be available from 1st June via Ticket Source at www.ticketsource.co.uk/elstree-mozart-players.
The concert takes place at All Saints Church, renowned for its excellent acoustics and welcoming atmosphere. Situated in the heart of Borehamwood, the church is accessible to all and provides a beautiful backdrop to this cultural highlight.
It is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy live music of the highest calibre, support a dynamic local orchestra, and engage with the cultural heartbeat of Elstree and Borehamwood.
So mark your calendar for Sunday, 29th June, and prepare to be transported by an evening of thrilling music and heartfelt community celebration.
