Unusual baroque, divine harps and melody
’Twas the Month before Christmas …. for Toad Lane Concerts at St Mary in the Baum.
December 6:
The Telemann Baroque Ensemble - Alfred Pollard oboe, Kevin O’sullivan bassoon, Elaine da Costa and Sarah Snape violins, Roger Bisby cello and Peter Collier harpsichord.
They clearly revelled in the generous acoustic of St Mary in the Baum and made a glorious sound.
The relatively unusual groupings added to the interesting range of baroque works.
With harpsichord and cello as a basis, we had Telemann’s Concerto for Strings and an unusual Trio by Schaffrath featuring the viola.
Double concertos by Fasch and Reichenauer featured the two brilliant woodwind soloists.
December 13:
Rascallity Harp Duo - Alice Roberts and Kathryn Mason (both RNCM and Manchester University)
One harp is heavenly but two divine … especially in these celestial acoustics.
Atmospheric pieces by Monika Stadler, Meinir Heulyn and Jessica Gallo, followed by Kathryn’s own Christmas Reel led to the evocative Sunken Forest Suite played by Alice and narrated by Kathryn.
Other charming duo pieces followed, finishing with a delightful ‘Christmassy’ piece as an encore.
December 20: More than Melody Ladies Choir Christmas Special under conductor Jonathan Gibson and accompanist Brian Milligan. This was Toad Lane Concert number 1,068 since taking over from the council in 2001.
A joyful cornucopia of
seasonal songs from this popular ladies choir rounded off another varied and successful year.
27 December:
closed for Christmas and the
New Year.
»●The Queen’s Awardwinning Toad Lane Concerts are every Wednesday at 12.30pm at the Grade 1 listed church of St Mary in the Baum, Toad Lane, Rochdale, OL16 1DZ. Entrance fee is £6. No refreshments available. Contact 01706 648872 for further information.