The ensemble numbered thirteen for this concert, but this was in no way unlucky for the appreciative audience, who were treated to some high class music making during this very enjoyable evening.

The concert opened with an arrangement of the well-known Widor Toccata for organ. The piece was well-suited to a cello group, with the vast range of the instruments easily coping with the high and
low register organ part. Particularly impressive were the
huge chords at the climax of the piece.

This was followed by the little known Elegy by Dave Brubeck. At least, it was little known to me, but I was left wanting to hear this touching and moving piece again, due to the sensitive interpretation by conductor Paul Lewis and the ensemble. The beautiful
solos from Clare Pusey were worthy of particular mention.

A quantum leap in time backwards took us to the music of Handel and a lively account of two movements from the Sonata in G Minor, followed by another Elegy (this time spelt Elegie!) from the little known composer Josef Werner. This posed a problem for Iestyn Henson, our informative and amusing compère for the evening, who struggled to find much information about Herr Werner! Nonetheless, he managed to fill a couple of minutes like a true pro!
Can’t really remember what he came up with though! Sorry Iestyn…

Next came the very enjoyable “Time Travel”, written by Tony Osborne. You could almost feel the concentration of the cellists, as they relished tackling the exciting rhythms!

The first half of the concert concluded with the David Popper Requiem, one of the highlights of the evening. There was much to admire in this performance, but one was left admiring
the musicality of the interpretation.

After some particularly fine cake at the interval, the second half of the concert began with the Verdi version of Ave Maria,
but I think I prefer Mozart’s version…

Another bout of intense concentration accompanied a performance of Strauss’ Pizzicato Polka,followed by smiles (of relief?) at the end!

We were now on the home straight of the evening’s entertainment and were treated to three more pieces from the pen of Tony Osborne – Down at the OK Corral, Habanera and the ultra cool Green Bass Blues. The ensembles enjoyment of these pieces was obvious
and there were many smiles in the audience too!

The finale for the evening was a performance of Karl Jenkins’ Palladio, arranged especially for the ensemble by Clare Pusey. She did a fine job in maintaining the drive of the original score
and the cellos responded splendidly.

The audience were left wanting more after a
thoroughly enjoyable evening!