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.
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.
“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
The Barry Solomon Trio: Barry Solomon – oboe, Serena Leader – violin, Derek Holland – Keyboard
A gala concert supported by the Rotary Club of the Studios & Elstree and Borehamwood, in aid of Spinal Muscular Atrophy UK, (SMA UK) raised over £500.00 for this supported charity for the club’s president for 2024-25, Sam Covill.
In attendance was the Mayor of Elstree and Borehamwood for 2024-25 Cllr Alpha Colins and his consort, Revd Louise Collins., along with the president of Elstree Mozart Players Cllr John Graham.
This concert was highly anticipated, as it is not every day a renowned international opera singer such as Janice Watson appearances at a small urban church in outer London, Hertfordshire. Her association with Derek Holland and the Elstree Mozart Players goes back a few years now, long may it continue.
The support act was pretty good too, Barry Solomon – principal oboist, Serena Leader – violinist in 1st violins from The Elstree Mozart Players and of course their conductor – Derek Holland.
The Trio began with Bach’s concerto in C minor for Oboe & Violin with Derek on Keyboard. The playing was bright and clear with spot on tempi, a joy to hear. The audience gave them hearty applause.
Janice then took to the stage and sung 3 Lieder by Richard Strauss – Aller Soehlen, Morgen and Zueignung, Derek accompanied her on Keyboard. A ravishing treat for the ears, her voice was glorious in every part of her range. We were all spellbound and applauded loudly at the end.
Serena Leader followed this with 2 well-loved saloon works by Elgar – Salut d’amour and Chasson de Martin, with Derek Accompanying. A satisfying and complimentary foil to the songs Janice had just sung.
Janice returned to the stage, to sing arias from the world of opera. She began with Vissi d’Arte from Puccini’s Tosca and filled the church with a magnificent sound. Next, she sung Mimi’s aria from Act 3 of Puccini’s La Boheme, the pathos and beauty she projected were palpable. She finished this section with Softly awakes my heart from Samson and Delilah by Saint-Saens. A wonderful colouring of her voice brought out he pleading and flirtatious elements of Delilah’s words.
Serena and Barry returned for 2 pieces from films. Firstly, the lovely theme from Schindler’s List, with Barry playing the Cor Anglais part, lifted straight from the original orchestral score. Next, Barry gave us another glorious tune from The Mission, Gabriel’s Oboe. Derek filling in the rest of the orchestra for both pieces on the Keyboard.
To finish the first half, Janice sung 3 numbers from Musicals, beginning with a Rodger’s and Hammerstein cracker, The Hills are alive, from The Sound of Music. The Church was alive with the sound of music, beautifully sung. The second number was Bill, by Jerome Kern from Showboat and what wonderfully expressive singing from Janice. The final number, Roxie from Chicago by Kander & Ebb, a sassy and saucy song and Janice didn’t hold back on either. A real hit with the audience.
To begin the second half, Serena played a Kreisler gem, Praeludium & Allegro, a fantastic display of technical brilliance, she brought the house down and prepared the way for Janice.
More German Lieder, Schumann’s Song Cycle – Frauenliebe und Leben. Before each song, Janice gave a short explanation, which added to our understanding of the words and mood. Her touching, expressive and sensitive singing, provided all the explanation we needed! A gem of a performance and enthusiastically applauded.
Barry & Serena provided a baroque interlude, a Trio Sonata by Graun for Violin, Oboe and Keyboard. Barry played the baroque Oboe d’amore for authenticity. Applauded warmly much to the delight of the performers.
Janice returned with more opera arias. Lascia ch’io pianga from Handel’s Rinaldo. What a glorious sound she made in a church setting. Then back to Puccini, O my Beloved Father from Gianni Schichi. Another wonderful performance, showing just what range and experience Janice brings to the art of opera and singing in general. Much appreciated by the audience.
The Barry Solomon Trio returned for a final time. Serena played Tchaikovsky’s intimate and touching Melodie, then Barry followed with a light classic by Ronald Binge – The Watermill. Both received well by the audience.
The finale was all Janice. Returning to musicals, she sung 2 Rodgers and Hammerstein numbers. Firstly, If I loved you, from the tragically beautiful Carousel, then to finish, Edelweiss from the Sound of Music, but with a twist! She asked the audience to join in on the second verse. We were all up for that, it’s not often you get a chance to sing with the renowned Janice Watson.
Janice received a standing ovation, and I would say matchless is the word that comes to mind when describing her voice tonight, what a memory we take away from this event. Bravo! Fantastic!! Please do it again!
