Concert Highlights

2007_Apr 07_St Gregory's Green

The orchestra gave 148 performances at St Gregory’s Arts Centre, Pottergate, including concerti, symphonies, oratorios, operas, musicals and ballet, before the church sadly became unmanageable because of licensing restrictions.

This list of highlights includes mention of collaborations with The Central School of Dancing choreographed by Charlotte Corbett, and The Oriole Singers, and solo performances from guests such as Peter Stevenson (renowned resident organist at Princes Street U.R.C., formerly the organist at Portsmouth Cathedral), talented young singer-songwriter and guitarist Rowan Perrow, and The Greenwood Singers (Lisa Cassidy, Valerie Clarke and the late Nicola Greenwood-Wyatt).

Further details are regularly added to this list of highlights. Please contact us if you spot any mistakes or have details or photos you would like to see added.

  • 22ND NOVEMBER 1986: Inaugural Concert of St Gregory’s Choral Society and Orchestra: First Movement of Beethoven’s Violin Concerto, {soloist Jeremy Bradley), and Gounod’s St Cecelia Mass.

  • 14TH DECEMBER 1986: Handel’s Messiah Part 1, with the St Gregory’s Choral Society.

  • 4TH-6TH DECEMBER 1987: Fully staged production of Gilbert & Sullivan’s The Yeomen of the Guard, with the St Gregory’s Choral Society.

  • 6TH NOVEMBER 1988: Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 21 (with soloist Kevin Bashford), and Mozart’s/Muller’s 12th Mass, with the St Gregory’s Choral Society.

  • 28TH NOVEMBER – 2ND DECEMBER 1989: Fully staged production of Gilbert & Sullivan’s The Pirates of Penzance, with the St Gregory’s Choral Society.

  • 1ST JUNE 1991: Mozart Year: Exsultate Jubilate (with Teresa Maddison), Violin Concerto K216 (with Alison Mills).

  • DECEMBER 1991: Mozart Year: Cimarosa’s Oboe Concerto (with Catherine Ross), and the Requiem.

  • MARCH 1992: Haydn’s Creation, a joint production with the Central School of Dancing.

  • JUNE 1992: Antony Hopkins CBE rehearsing Haydn’s Military Symphony.

  • SEPTEMBER 1993: Fully-staged production of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s The Sound of Music, (featuring Martin Wyatt as Captain Von Trapp).

  • MARCH 1994: Fauré’s Requiem with the Central School of Dancing.

  • JUNE 1994: Crusell’s Clarinet Concerto No. 2 (with Mandy Burvill).

  • NOVEMBER 1994: Britten’s St Nicolas (with Chris Steed).

  • NOVEMBER 1995: Vivaldi’s Four Seasons (with Catherine Champion and the Central School of Dancing).

  • 28TH JANUARY 1996: A Birthday Concert for Mozart & Schubert at the Octagon Chapel, Colegate, Norwich: Mozart’s Symphony no 1 in E♭ Major (K16) (written in 1764 when Mozart was in London: he was 8 years old) and the String Quartet in G Major (K80), and Schubert’s Symphony No. 1 in D Major and 3 Minuets for Wind Instruments (1811).

  • MARCH 1996: Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto (with Andrew Maggs).

  • MAY 1998: Brahms’ Requiem (with Sally Bartholomew).

  • JUNE 1998: “Viennese Whirl” – the music of Strauss with the Central School of Dancing.

  • MARCH 1999: Mozart’s Flute Concerto in G (with Claire Bradshaw), and Haydn’s Nelson Mass.

  • DECEMBER 1999: Bach’s Christmas Oratorio part 1 with the UEA Student Chorale.

  • 18TH – 20TH MAY 2000: “Land of the Midnight Sun” – music by Grieg with the Central School of Dancing.

  • 25TH JUNE 2000: Fauré’s Cantique de Jean Racine; Schubert’s Symphony No. 3; Mozart’s Coronation Mass; with the St Gregory’s Choral Society.

  • NOVEMBER 2000: Remembrance Concert including Addinsell’s Warsaw Concerto with Gemma Hitchen.

  • JUNE 2001: Hiawatha’s Wedding Feast with Joshua Ellicott.

2002_SGO with Central School Ballet at St Greg's

  • MAY 2002: Ballet setting of Gounod’s St Cecelia Mass with the Central School of Dancing.

  • MARCH 2003: Final concert at St Gregory’s: excerpts from Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater and Cherubini’s Requiem.

2007_Apr 07_St Gregory's, Pottergate   2007_Apr 07_St Gregory's

St Gregory’s Orchestra continued its activities at Princes Street United Reformed Church from 2004-12, where it presented many concerts including several performances of new music, raising funds for good causes.

  • 21ST MARCH 2004: A Benefit Concert for Medical Aid for Iraqi Children: Strauss’s Egyptian March, Mendelssohn’s Hear My Prayer, Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater, Handel’s Organ Concerto Op 7 no 1 and Schubert’s Symphony no 5; featuring the Princes Street U.R.C. Choir with soloist Valerie Clark, organist Peter Stevenson, soprano Nicola Greenwood and contralto Emma Barton.

  • APRIL 2004: Rossini’s William Tell Overture, Weber’s Hungarian Andante and Rondo for Bassoon with Eleanor Skeate.

  • 7TH NOVEMBER 2004: Concert in aid of Amnesty International and the Medical Foundation for Victims of Torture, and dedicated to the memory of Noreen Miller (1933-2004) whose enthusiasm for the musical life at St Gregory’s was limitless (she sang in choirs, was a rehearsal tea-lady, some-time cleaner and source of constant humour and good works): Maurice Ravel’s Bolero, a masterful bassoon solo from Eleanor Skeate in the demanding Andante and Hungarian Rondo by Carl Maria von Weber, and Franz Schubert’s Symphony no 9 in C major; plus Samuel Barber’s Adagio, Op 11, arranged for organ by William Strickland and performed by Peter Stevenson, and sopranos Lisa Cassidy and Nicola Greenwood singing four verses from Hildegard von Bingen’s The Martyrdom of St Ursula, followed by the first performance of Nicola’s Kyrie Eleison, a piece inspired by Hildegard von Bingen.

  • 5TH DECEMBER 2004: Christmas Sparkles, a tribute concert to the late Colin Lawrence-Couzens (well-known Salvation Army member, local business-man and raconteur, and a friend of Martin’s since 1971; Colin enthusiastically supported the new community and musical life at St Gregory’s from the very beginning in 1973 with the performance of St Nicolas Cantata; for a while, Colin was a committee member of St Gregory’s Trust, and after the church re-opened in 1985 he suggested to Martin that he form an orchestra, which was duly inaugurated in the autumn of 1986): Fucik’s Entry of the Gladiators, Johann Strauss’s Chit-Chat Polka, Egyptian March and Tales from the Vienna Woods, Scott Joplin’s The Entertainer, Franz Berwald’s Concertino for Bassoon and Orchestra with soloist Eleanor Skeate, tenor Steve Holmes singing Handel’s Silent Worship accompanied by Martin on the piano, and Bizet’s Finale: Farandole; plus Three Spanish Carols, set by Nicola Greenwood from poems by Lope de Vega and sung by Emma Barton, Lisa Cassidy and Nicola Greenwood, Peter Stevenson performing Morceau pouvant servir à une messe de mariage by Lefébure-Wély, Egyptian Dance by Catherina, Andrew Lloyd-Webber’s Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again sung by soprano Beverley McInnes, along with two carols sung by the congregation.

  • 6TH MARCH 2005: A variety concert in aid of The Asian Tsunami Appeal: the Overture from Rossini’s The Barber of Seville, Elgar’s Chanson de Matin, Haydn’s Symphony no 88 in G major and Jack Mason’s suite of highlights from Bernstein’s West Side Story; plus a performance of Three Spanish Songs specially composed by Nicola Greenwood and sung with Lisa Cassidy, Contemporary Egyptian Dance performed by Liz and Abeer, and a sequence of operatic songs performed by special guests, The Duncan Four.

2005_May 31_Greenwood Singers and Catherina

  • 12TH JUNE 2005: A variety concert raising funds for The House of Genesis (a small local charity whose objectives are to promote the rehabilitation of the homeless and ex-prisoners, and to live the Christian life in a way that is relevant and comprehensible); the concert was also in honour of the Reverend John Marsh, retiring after some 32 years of ministry at Princes Street: Overture from Rossini’s Semiramide, a selection of George Gershwin Melodies arranged by Henry Hall and Geo L Zalva, Carl Maria von Weber’s Bassoon Concerto in F, featuring soloist Eleanor Skeate, Mozart’s Symphony no 39 in E flat (KV543); plus Plainsong and Three Spanish Songs by Nicola Greenwood, performed by The Greenwood Singers, J S Bach’s Fantasia in G performed by organist Peter Stevenson, and William H Harris’s O What Their Joy and Their Glory Must Be sung by Princes Street U.R.C. Choir and members of the Orchestra with organ accompaniment by Peter Stevenson.

  • 4TH DECEMBER 2005: A veritable feast of music, with proceeds donated to Cruse (the charity for bereavement counselling, which is also based in Princes Street): a Suite from Tchaikovsky’s ballet Swan Lake, Haydn’s Symphony no 99 in E flat major, a lively selection from the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical South Pacific, in which members of the orchestra doubled as vocal soloists; Carl Maria von Weber’s Concertino for Clarinet and Orchestra, featuring soloist Bernard Pitt, who has held the post of First Clarinet in the orchestra since its debut in 1986; Peter Stevenson performed the Toccata from Organ Symphony no 5 by Charles Marie Widor; close-harmony Spanish songs specially written for this concert by Nicola Greenwood and performed by The Greenwood Singers.

  • 19TH MARCH 2006: Haydn’s Sinfonia Concertante with Alison Mills, Catherine Ross, Kate Hallam and Eleanor Skeate.

  • 4TH JUNE 2006: A ‘Mostly Mozart’ Variety Concert, in aid of The Churches Conservation Trust: Mozart’s Overture from La Clemenza di Tito (K621), Andante in F (K616) and Symphony no 25 in G Minor (K183), Joseph Horovitz’s Rumpole of the Bailey, Beethoven’s Duo no 3 in B♭, Two Settings of Spanish Poems by Nicola Greenwood performed by The Greenwood Singers, plus the first and a surprise (even to the orchestra) second performance of Lowestoft composer Mick Brown’s Tone Poem in B♭, The Journey.

  • 26TH NOVEMBER 2006: 20th Anniversary Concert, in aid of UK-based ecumenical charity CHASTE (Churches Alert to Sex Trafficking Across Europe): the first performance of Kenneth Ian Hÿtch’s Concertino for Violin and Small Orchestra, composed specifically for St Gregory’s Orchestra and soloist Rachael Turner, who besides being the composer’s next door neighbour, is a former leader of the orchestra; Sibelius’ Symphony no 2 in D major, Léon Boëllmann’s Toccata from Suite Gothique performed by Peter Stevenson, and 3 Sacred Songs performed by The Greenwood Singers.

  • 18TH MARCH 2007: Sibelius’ Symphony no 1 in E minor and Finlandia, Elgar’s Chanson de Matin and Chanson de Nuit, Fauré’s Morceau de concours and Debussy’s Syrinx.

  • 24TH JUNE 2007: Rossini’s Overture from The Thieving Magpie, followed by Duet for Two Cats performed by Nicola “Tiddles” Greenwood and Valerie “Snagglepuss” Clarke, Carl Stamitz’s Concerto in F Major for Bassoon, Sibelius’ At the Castle Gate and Karelia Suite, and Frank Pond’s ‘cello solo Song for Slava (a tribute to Mstislav Rostropovich).

  • 25TH NOVEMBER 2007: 21st Anniversary Concert: Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto with guest pianist Karen Smith, Haydn’s Drum-Roll Symphony, Delibes’ ballet suite Sylvia, Beethoven’s Adagio in F for Organ performed by Peter Stevenson, plus a Vote of Thanks from the Sheriff of Norwich, Nick Williams.

  • 13TH APRIL 2008: A Concert in aid of Medical Aid for Palestians (an organisation working with local agencies to provide relief in the occupied Palestinian territory and in Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon and Syria), featuring two intense and profound orchestral works: Haydn’s Sinfonia Concertante in B flat major featuring soloists Alison Mills (violin), Eryl Pickworth (oboe), Eleanor Skeate (bassoon) and Kate Hallam (‘cello), with Martin Wyatt playing First Violin; then Tchaikovsky’s Symphony no 4 in F minor, exploring the theme of merciless Fate.

2008_June 29_Beverley, St Greg's

  • 29TH JUNE 2008: ‘A Sparkling Charity Concert’, an exciting, light-hearted variety concert in aid of Soroptimist International of King’s Lynn Appeal for the Willow Tree Farm Young Persons’ Project based at Hillington: the rousing Overture from The Light Cavalry by Franz von Suppé; guest soloist Peter Stevenson performed Louis James Lefébure-Wély’s tuneful Sortie on the organ; Ernest Bucalossi’s The Grasshopper’s Dance (recognisable from the TV advertisement for the Milk Marketing Board, involving a cheery milkman and some dancing bottles!); guest ‘cello soloist Frank Pond then performed Meditation for Martin, which he composed in May 2008 as a birthday present for Martin, reflecting his spiritual and playful nature; First violinist Alison Mills amusingly donned an eye-patch throughout the Orchestra’s lively selection of arrangements of several of the best known songs from The Pirates Of Penzance by Arthur Sullivan, with refrains excellently and dramatically sung by soloists emerging from the orchestra – Martin Wyatt, Steve Holmes, Beverley McInnes, David Reeves – plus a hearty trumpet solo by Helen Couzens; the Bacchanale from Samson and Delilah by Saint-Saëns; The Decibells, a guest group of handbell-ringers from Reepham, gave an outstanding and beautiful selection of their repertoire including An English Country Garden, Skater’s Waltz, A Sixteenth Century Pavane and a Newfoundland shanty called Ranting and Roaring; finally, Haydn’s Symphony no 100 (The Military) took us back to the drama and joy of 1794, featuring an extended percussion line-up which included a specially-made replica of Turkish bells.

2008_June 29_Decibells - Princes St

  • 30TH NOVEMBER 2008: Concert in aid of The Refugee Council Gateway Protection Programme, which gives information, advice and support to refugees; the performance was also dedicated to the memory of Ken Stubbs, a loyal supporter of St Gregory’s Orchestra for many years: a grand opening with the Overture from the first true operetta, Offenbach’s Orpheus In The Underworld, dating from 1858; two poems read by David Reeves led into Wagner’s symphonic poem Siegfried Idyll; guest soloist Peter Stevenson performed J S Bach’s majestic Toccata and Fugue in D Minor (BVW 565) on the church organ; the Orchestra continued with Dance Macabre by Camille Saint-Saëns, then were joined by soloist Joshua Warren playing Max Bruch’s Violin Concerto no 1 in G Minor.

  • 22ND MARCH 2009: Concert in aid of WORKAID, which tackles poverty in developing countries by collecting unwanted tools and equipment, refurbishing items and transporting them to help communities mostly in Africa; the first half of the programme was devoted to the music of Joseph Haydn, 2009 being the 200th anniversary of his death: Trumpet Concerto in E flat, Five Pieces for Musical Clock played by Peter Stevenson on the organ, and Symphony no 49 in F Minor (La Passione); Léhar’s Gold and Silver Waltz played as a tribute to L. Vera Wyatt (1912-2008); Paul Dukas’ The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, a symphonic poem composed in 1897, based on Goethe’s poem of the same name, some of which was first read by David Reeves wearing a Mickey Mouse sorcerer’s hat.

  • 28TH JUNE 2009: Concert given in aid of NORWICH STREET PASTORS (trained volunteers involved in listening, caring and helping on our city streets): Mendelssohn’s Hebrides Overture (also known as Fingal’s Cave and inspired by the ceaseless swell of the waves, expansive skies and desolate landscapes seen during a visit to Scotland in 1829); resident organist Peter Stevenson joined in for Léon Boëllmann’s Fantasy Dialogue for Organ and Orchestra, then performed Boëllmann’s Toccata from Suite Gothique; Violin Concerto in G Major by Haydn (dating from his early years in residency at the court of Prince Nikolaus Esterházy); Gounod’s Petite Symphonie (one of the outstanding nineteenth century pieces for wind ensemble, imaginately scored, with delicate “conversations” between the instruments and a lyrical flute solo in the second movement); finally, an orchestral arrangement of songs from Gilbert and Sullivan’s “Japanese” masterpiece, The Mikado – despite the catchy charm of Sullivan’s music, nobody can resist Gilbert’s words, so soloists emerging from the orchestra were Chris Jones, Beverley McInnes, conductor Martin Wyatt, David Reeves and Steve Holmes (the latter trio hilariously united as Three Little Maids!).

  • 15TH NOVEMBER 2009: A REMEMBRANCE-TIDE CONCERT in aid of TEENAGE CANCER TRUST (raising funds for a new unit at Addenbrookes Hospital): the Overture to Egmont by Beethoven (incidental music for Goethe’s tragedy about Count Egmont, a Sixteenth century Flemish nobleman who fought to liberate the Netherlands from Spanish domination); personal reflections of remembrance told by Andrea Kenkmann were followed by an updated version of Arlen & Houberg’s Wizard Of Oz song, Somewhere Over The Rainbow, sung by guest soloist Rowan Perrow, accompanied by Stella Brownsea on piano; David Reeves on recorder and Alan Hellesdon on piano-accordion performed Micawber’s Lament (composed by David Reeves); Peter Stevenson joined the Orchestra for Remo Giazotto and Albinoni’s Adagio in G Minor for Organ and Strings (1945); the audience were then invited to sing with the Orchestra The Supreme Sacrifice, a Hymn for Remembrance; the first half finished with Elgar’s Romance for Bassoon and Orchestra (1910), featuring soloist Eleanor Skeate, and Farandole, a movement from Bizet’s incidental music for Daudet’s play L’Arlésienne (The Girl From Arles); finally, the Orchestra gave us Symphony no 8 in G by Dvořàk

  • 28TH MARCH 2010: A European Premiere of Stainer’s Crucifixion, performed with a new orchestral arrangement by Craig C. Hawkins; featuring soloists Eric Forshaw (Tenor) and Richard Duncan-Johnson (Bass) and a large choir.

  • 25TH APRIL 2010: ‘A Concert with an Educational Theme’ in aid of Oxfam’s Haiti Earthquake Appeal: Academic Festival Overture by Brahms; Taffanel’s Allegretto and Allegro for Flute performed by Meryl Dempey, accompanied by Peter Stevenson on the piano; Haydn’s Symphony no 92 in G, known as “The Oxford Symphony”; the Overture from Nicolai’s Merry Wives of Windsor; From a Distance sung by Rowan Perrow, accompanied by Adam Lawrence on electric guitar; and a Suite from Lerner & Loewe’s My Fair Lady featuring solos from members of the orchestra.

  • 4TH JULY 2010: ‘An American-themed Concert’ in aid of UNICEF’s fight to put things right: Bernstein’s West Side Story Suite (solos from David Reeve and Beverley McInnes); Scott Joplin’s The Entertainer; Peter Stevenson on the organ played Variations on “America” by Charles Ives; a selection of melodies by George Gershwin featuring guest soloist Georgina Benison; a selection of Oklahoma! melodies by Rodgers & Hammerstein with guest singers in the Gallery; finishing with the epic “New World” Symphony by Dvořák.

  • 14TH NOVEMBER 2010: REMEMBRANCE CONCERT in aid of Cruse Bereavement Care: an epic, thoroughly moving concert, starting with Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture; guest soloist Frank Pond played his own emotionally stirring cello composition, Kindertransport; plus Beethoven’s Symphony no 5, and Schumann’s Piano Concerto in A Minor, featuring guest soloist Kevin O’Regan.

  • 12TH DECEMBER 2010: A CHRISTMAS CONCERT supporting the international development charity CHRISTIAN AID: in the first hour the orchestra played Part One of Handel’s Messiah plus the Hallelujah Chorus, featuring soloists Steve Holmes, Paul Smith, Richard Duncan, Lisa Cassidy and Valerie Clarke, along with male and female choirs overlooking from either side upstairs; festive music filled the air in the second half, with three orchestral pieces by Fučik (Entry of the Gladiators, Souvenir Waltz and Florentiner Marsch) interspersed with guests – Alan Strong singing Flanders & Swann’s The French Horn Song accompanied on the piano by Beverley McInnes, Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah sung and performed on electric guitar by Rowan Perrow – and finally the audience were invited to sing along to the carol It came upon the midnight clear.

  • 20TH MARCH 2011, 3:00pm: SUNDAY AFTERNOON ORCHESTRAL CONCERT in support of AGE U.K. (NORWICH): Rossini’s Italian Girl in Algiers Overture; Flanders and Swann’s The Gnu Song performed by John Foster and Alan Strong accompanied by Peter Stevenson; A Beatles Medley arranged by Manny Mendelson; Gilbert and Sullivan’s aria The Sun Whose Rays sung by Rowan Perrow accompanied by Beverley McInnes; Mozart’s Bassoon Concerto in B♭ (K191) featuring soloist Eleanor Skeate; Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6 – The Pastoral; finally, an address from The Sheriff of Norwich, Derek James.

  • 3RD JULY 2011: CONCERT in aid of Princes Street United Reformed Church, and dedicated to the memory of Geoff Foote (July 1915 – April 2011), Founder-Leader of St Gregory’s Orchestra. Rapturous applause throughout for this concert with a main focus on works by Edward Elgar – Pomp and Circumstance (Opus 39) March no.1, Chanson de Matin, Chanson de Nuit, Enigma Variations (Opus 36) and Salut d’Amour – but also Mozart’s Violin Concerto in A (K219) with soloist Alison Mills, and César Franck’s Panis Angelicus introducing star guest vocalist 14-year-old Ellie Hitchcock-Wyatt; plus a special guest performance from Alan Strong, singing Misalliance and The Hippopotamus Song by Flanders and Swann, accompanied by Beverley McInnes on piano.

2011_Nov 13_St Gregorys crop

  • 13TH NOVEMBER 2011, 3:00pm: A packed house for our 25TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT FOR REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY, in aid of UNICEF for their East Africa Children’s Crisis Appeal, joined by pianist Kevin O’Regan, The Oriole Singers (who are also conducted by Martin Wyatt in Norwich) with soloists Steve Holmes and Teresa Maddison, in a programme featuring Richard Addinsell’s The Warsaw Concerto, Requiem by Gabriel Fauréand Symphony no 7 by Beethoven, interspersed with poetry readings – The Whistle of Sandy McGraw by Robert Service from Rhymes of a Red Cross Man (1916) read by Reg Andrews wearing his medals, and Last Night I Had The Strangest Dream by Ed McCurdy read by Win Foster, former Trustee of St Gregory’s – and Martin Wyatt sang They Didn’t Believe Me by Jerome Kern from the 1914 musical The Girl From Utah – and he was presented by an engraved plate and much appreciation from the orchestra, audience and an address by the Lord Mayor of Norwich, Councillor Jenny Lay. For photos of this concert, please visit our Facebook photo album.

2011_Nov 13_Martin

  • 4TH DECEMBER 2011, 3:00pm: CHRISTMAS CONCERT with The Oriole Singers, supporting The Alzheimer’s Society (the charity which works with leading scientists to research the cause, cure, care and prevention of dementia): Handel’s Messiah Part 1 and the Hallelujah Chorus, followed by a Norfolk Dance Suite by local composer Alan Helsdon, a medley of popular Christmas songs arranged by Beverley McInnes, Micawber’s Fancy / Micawber’s Lament by David Reeves and a closing congregational carol, Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne.

  • SUNDAY 4TH MARCH 2012, 3:00pm: SPRING AFTERNOON CONCERT with The Oriole Singers, in support of Rethink Mental Illness (the largest national voluntary sector provider of mental health services and support groups, directly helping nearly 60,000 people every year): Spring from The Seasons by Haydn (featuring Gennie Plunkett, Soprano, Christopher Steed, Tenor, and Richard Duncan Johnson, Bass) and Symphony No 8 by Beethoven.

  • SUNDAY 1ST JULY 2012, 7:30pm: THE GENIUS OF GEORGES BIZET in support of Let’s Do It Anyway (raising funds for worthy causes in the local community): Overture from Doctor Miracle, L’Arlésienne Suite no 1, Entr’acte and Orchestral Suite from Carmen featuring soloist Beverley McInnes, and Bizet’s Symphony in C.

  • SUNDAY 11TH NOVEMBER 2012, 3:00pm: Our traditional Remembrance Concert, given in aid of Princes Street United Reformed Church, which faces large bills for essential repairs and maintenance: Richard Addinsell’s emotionally charged Warsaw Concerto (from the 1941 film Dangerous Moonlight) with piano soloist Kevin O’Regan; Giacomo Puccini’s Crisantemi (1890); Roses of Picardy by Haydn Wood and Fred E Weatherly, featuring soloist Beverley McInnes; Movements from Antonin Dvořák’s Czech Suite; Tchaikovsky’s Symphony no 5 in E minor, Op 64.

2012_Nov 11_Remembrance Concert

  • SUNDAY 9TH DECEMBER 2012, 3:00pm: CHRISTMAS CONCERT, given in aid of the Norfolk charity Nelson’s Journey, supporting young people’s bereavement needs. Part 1: Orchestral Suite from Iolanthe by Gilbert & Sullivan, arranged by Charles Godfrey – in theory this is an orchestral arrangement, but W S Gilbert’s words are so irresistible that some members of the orchestra felt obliged to burst into song (Stella Brownsea, Steve Holmes, Andrew Mitchell, Beverley McInnes and Mike Seabrook); and Mozart’s Concerto in B♭ for Bassoon with soloist Eleanor Skeate. Part 2: the Orchestra vacated the stage for a special guest appearance by Wensum Valley Brass (a small group formed by members of the brass section of Norwich City Concert Band) performing Grieg’s Sarabande and Wedding Day, Pitoni’s Cantate Domino, Wagner’s Pilgrim’s Chorus, W Byrd’s Earl of Salisbury’s Pavane, A Gabrieli’s Canzona 13, traditional American Just A Closer Walk arranged by Don Gillis, Amazing Grace arranged by Luther Henderson, Coventry Carol and O leave your sheep arranged by Kenneth Cook and March For A Pageant by Kenneth Cook. Also featuring a soprano solo of Adolphe Adam’s O Holy Night by Beverley McInnes with piano accompaniment by Stella Brownsea.

Our thanks to the front-of-house and coffee-bar helpers, and members of Princes Street United Reformed Church for making us welcome in this beautiful building: not just a place of worship but also home to numerous local organisations.

Unfortunately, Princes St United Reformed Church underwent undergoing traumas, with the main worshipping area closed because of insurance problems, and the prospect really was that the church would close. Blofield Church immediately offered us hospitality for concerts and we have been delighted by the warm welcome, kindness and enthusiasm of the minister, church stewards and audiences. And lately, we have been performing at Jubilee Hall and St Luke’s Church, both on Aylsham Road in Norwich.
  • SUNDAY 3RD MARCH 2013, 3:00pm: CONCERT at the Church of St Andrew and St Peter, Blofield: The Music of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) and Franz Joseph Haydn (1732-1809). Part 1: the Overture from one of Mozart’s earliest Operas, composed when he was just nineteen, Il re pastore (The Shepherd); Two Waltzes, each just over a minute long, arranged for Orchestra; Despina’s Aria from Act 1 of Cosi fan tutte with soloist Beverley McInnes; Flute concerto in G with soloist Meryl Dempsey. Part 2: the Overture from Mozart’s La clemenza di Tito; finally, Symphony no 102 in B♭ by Haydn.

  • SUNDAY 7TH JULY 2013, 7:30pm: SUMMER CONCERT at the Church of St Andrew and St Peter, Blofield. Part 1: Hebrides Overture (also known as Fingal’s Cave) by Felix Mendelssohn, In The Mystic Land Of Egypt by Albert Ketèlbey, and an Orchestral Suite from My Fair Lady by Lerner & Loewe, featuring several vocal soloists from the Orchestra. Part 2: Beethoven’s Symphony no 6, The Pastoral.

  • THURSDAY 31ST OCTOBER 2013, 7:30pm: A special bonus concert at Jubilee Hall, Aylsham Road, Norwich, to launch THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION NORWICH POPPY APPEAL 2013, featuring an address by The Sheriff of Norwich, Graham Creelman, OBE. Part 1: Chanson de Nuit by Edward Elgar to accompany the Parade of Standard-Bearers, the last movement from Symphony no 6 by Tchaikovsky, The Dam Busters’ March by Eric Coates, Roses of Picardy by Haydn Wood featuring soprano Beverley McInnes, and Rossini’s William Tell Overture. Part 2: Symphony no 5 by Beethoven.

Thanks to Pat James for filming and uploading this blend of Rossini, Tchaikovsky, Coates and Beethoven from the October concert.

2013_Oct 31_SGO, Jubilee Hall 09

2013_Oct 31_SGO, Jubilee Hall 16

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  • SUNDAY 8TH DECEMBER 2013, 3:00pm: WINTER CONCERT at the Church of St Andrew and St Peter, Blofield, in aid of church funds. Part 1: Orchestral Selection from The Pirates of Penzance by Gilbert & Sullivan, and an Audience Carol, O come, O come Emmanuel, and Rossini’s Overture from William Tell. Part 2: Beethoven’s Symphony no 5.
  • SUNDAY 23RD MARCH 2014, 3:00pm: A MUSICAL JOURNEY at Jubilee Hall, Aylsham Road, Norwich: Eric Coates’ rousing Knightsbridge March from his London Suite, known as the theme tune for the BBC Radio programme In Town Tonight; The Young Prince and The Young Princess from Scheherazade and the lively Spanish Caprice by Rimsky-Korsakov; wonderful solo vocalists rose from the Orchestra throughout a selection from The Pirates of Penzance by Gilbert and Sullivan; and finishing with the turbulent Finlandia by Sibelius. The Orchestra was joined by prize-winning harpist Henriette Poos, who also performed solo pieces, Guitare by Alphonse Hasselmans, Étude de Concert: “Au Matin” by Marcel Tournier and, for an encore upon the conductor’s request, the Prelude from David Watkins’ Petite Suite.
  • SATURDAY 19TH APRIL 2014, 6:30pm: “The Easter Story as a Metaphor for the Transformation of our World” – a Son et Lumière presentation at St Luke’s Church, 61 Aylsham Road, Norwich, NR3 2HF, with Minister Rev Nicholas Veysey, featuring music by St Gregory’s Orchestra: Caprice de Nannette from Suite no 1 by Coleridge Taylor, the last movement from Tchaikovsky’s 6th Symphony, the 2nd Movement from Beethoven 7th Symphony, the 1st Movement from Beethoven 6th Symphony, and concluding with Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus.
  • SUNDAY 25TH MAY 2014, 3:00pm: MOZART: A CELEBRATION OF HIS MUSIC at Jubilee Hall, Aylsham Road, Norwich: Overture from The Marriage of Figaro; Despina’s Aria from Act 1 of Cosi fan Tutte (featuring soloist Beverley McInnes); Flute Concerto in D (featuring soloist Meryl Dempsey); Symphony no 40 in G Minor.
  • SUNDAY 6TH JULY 2014, 7:30pm: Concert at The Church of St Andrew and St Peter, Blofield: a Selection from South Pacific by Rodgers & Hammerstein; Flute Concerto in D by Mozart (featuring soloist Meryl Dempsey); and The New World Symphony by Dvořák.
  • SUNDAY 13TH JULY 2014, 3:00pm: SUMMER CONCERT at
    St Luke’s Church, 61 Aylsham Road, Norwich, supporting “City Saints in Action” (an informal group of Christians from across churches in Norwich with the aim of serving those who fall through the net of social provision): a Selection from South Pacific by Rodgers & Hammerstein; Oboe Concerto by Cimarosa (featuring soloist Rose Herbert); and The New World Symphony by Dvořák.
  • SUNDAY 23RD NOVEMBER 2014, 3:00pm: AUTUMN CONCERT at St Cuthbert’s Church, Wroxham Road, NR7 8TZ, with proceeds in aid of ‘Hope Into Action’ (Registered Charity 1137686). Featuring: Light Cavalry Overture by Franz von Suppé, 2nd Movement from Symphony no 7 by Beethoven, Orchestral Selection from Carmen by Georges Bizet, and Symphony no 8 (The Unfinished) by Franz Schubert.
From 2015, many of the Orchestra’s concerts were performed at the historic Maddermarket Theatre in the centre of Norwich.
  • SUNDAY 11TH JANUARY 2015, 7:00pm: St Gregory’s Orchestra enters the Theatre of Music with an INFORMAL CONCERT FOR FRIENDS at The Maddermarket Theatre, free entry, offering a repeat of the programme from the November concert, enabling the Orchestra to try out the venue for the first time prior to a major concert in April, and take some publicity photos!
  • SUNDAY 12TH APRIL 2015, 7:00pm: SPRING CONCERT at The Maddermarket Theatre, with proceeds in aid of the Theatre: Voices of Spring by Johann Strauss, the Overture to Orpheus in the Underworld by Offenbach arranged by Carl Binder, Andante for Flute (K315) by Mozart (featuring soloist Meryl Dempsey), Orchestral Selection (plus vocalists) from The Mikado by Gilbert & Sullivan arranged by George Cruickshank, and Symphony No.6 (The Pastoral) by Beethoven.
  • SUNDAY 9TH AUGUST 2015, 7:00pm: SUMMER CONCERT at The Maddermarket Theatre, with proceeds in aid of the Theatre: Overture: Fingal’s Cave by Mendelssohn; Suite, L’Arlésienne by Bizet, Trumpet Concerto by Haydn (featuring soloist Helen Cozens) and Symphony No.8 by Dvořák.
  • SUNDAY 8TH NOVEMBER 2015, 7:00pm: REMEMBRANCE CONCERT at The Maddermarket Theatre, with proceeds in aid of the Theatre: A celebration of the music of Edward Elgar: March no 1 (Pomp and Circumstance), Chanson de Nuit, Chanson de Matin, Cello Concerto in E minor (featuring soloist Mike Seabrook) and Enigma Variations.
YouTube clip of the concert (Elgar’s Chanson de Matin & Chanson de Nuit)
  • SUNDAY 10TH APRIL 2016, 7:00pm: SPRING CONCERT at the Maddermarket Theatre, with proceeds in aid of the Theatre: Symphony no 2 in D minor by Sibelius, Suite and Finale from Swan Lake by Tchaikovsky, and Violin Concerto in E minor by Bruch (featuring soloist Dylan Latham, a pupil at Norwich School). This concert marked flautist Meryl Dempsey’s final appearance with the Orchestra after ten years.

  • SUNDAY 12TH JUNE 2016, 7:00pm: SUMMER CONCERT at the Maddermarket Theatre: An All-Mozart Programme. Overture, Don Giovanni, from The Magic Flute; Procession of the Priests & Sarastro’s Aria; Concerto for Bassoon (Soloist: Eleanor Skeate); Symphony no 39.

 

  • SUNDAY 6TH NOVEMBER 2016, 7:00pm: AUTUMN CONCERT at the Maddermarket Theatre: our 30th Anniversary Concert. Overture, Egmont ~ Beethoven; Tales from the Vienna Woods ~ Johann Strauss the Younger; Pavane ~ Gabriel Fauré; Orchestral Suite, Iolanthe ~ Gilbert & Sullivan; Symphony no 41 (The Jupiter) ~ Mozart.
  • On Saturday 3rd December, the Oriel Singers performed Handel’s Messiah Part One at St. Luke’s Church. They repeated the concert on Friday 9th December at St. Peter Mancroft Church.
  • SUNDAY 9TH APRIL 2017, 7:00pm: ITALIAN CONCERT at the Maddermarket Theatre: Karelia Suite – Sibelius; Clarinet Concertino ~ Weber (featuring soloist Rachel York); Symphony No. 4 (The Italian) ~ Mendelssohn; The Gondoliers (Selection) – Gilbert & Sullivan.
  • SUNDAY 11TH JUNE 2017, 7:00pm: LONDON CONCERT at the Maddermarket Theatre: Overture, Merry Wives of Windsor ~ Nicolai; Oboe Concerto ~ Albinoni; Knightsbridge March ~ Eric Coates;  Suite from My Fair Lady ~ Lerner & Lowe;  Symphony no 104 (The London) ~ Haydn.
  • SUNDAY 15TH OCTOBER 2017, 3:00pm: BLOFIELD CONCERT at St Andrew & St Peter Church, Blofield, Norfolk: in aid of St Andrew’s Church Funds: The Italian Girl in Algiers Overture ~ Rossini;  Hungarian Rondo for Bassoon and Orchestra ~ Weber (with Soloist Eleanor Skeate); Czech Suite ~ Dvorak; Symphony No 6 ~ Schubert.
  • SUNDAY 3RD DECEMBER 2017, 7:00pm: CHRISTMAS CONCERT at the Maddermarket Theatre: Messiah Part One ~ Handel; Vibe City Street Brass.
  • SUNDAY 25TH MARCH 2018, 18:30pm: CONCERT at St Luke’s Church, Aylsham Road, Norwich: “Before Pilate” by Peter Creswell – an hour length Easter Oratorio, with soloists and the Oriole Singers.
  • SUNDAY 29TH APRIL 2018, 7:00pm: SPRING CONCERT at the Maddermarket Theatre: Overture: The Italian Girl in Algiers – Rossini;  Erlkönig – Schubert / Berlioz;  Czech Suite – Dvôrák; Poem for Prospero – new composition for Cello and Orchestra, composed and conducted by Ian Hytch; Symphony in G Minor – New Composition by Peter Creswell.
  • SUNDAY 17TH MARCH 2018, 18:30pm: CONCERT at St Luke’s Church, Aylsham Road, Norwich: “The Road to Emmaus” – A new composition by Peter Creswell. This concert was performed again on FRIDAY 22ND JUNE at St. Peter Mancroft Church.
  • SUNDAY 15TH OCTOBER 2017, 3:00pm: BLOFIELD CONCERT at St Andrew & St Peter Church, Blofield, Norfolk: Zampa Overture – Herold;  The Acrobat – Greenwood (soloist: Simon Shirley, trombone); Show Boat Selection – Hammerstein II; Symphony No. 101, “The Clock” – Haydn.
  • SUNDAY 25TH OCTOBER 2018, 3:00pm: WINTER CONCERT at St. Cuthbert’s Church, Wroxham Road, Norwich: 1812 Overture – Tchaikovsky; The Acrobat – Greenwood (soloist: Simon Shirley); Show Boat Selection – Hammerstein II; Symphony No. 5 – Beethoven
  • SUNDAY 24TH MARCH 2019, 3:00pm: SPRING CONCERT at Princes Street URC, Norwich: Overture ‘Egmont’ – Beethoven; Bassoon Concerto – Stamitz (Soloist: Eleanor Skeate); Norwegian Dances – Grieg; Symphony No. 9 ‘The Great C Major’ – Schubert.
  • SUNDAY 30TH JUNE 2019, 3:00pm: SUMMER CONCERT at Trinity United Reformed Church, Unthank Rd., Norwich: Selection from ‘Oklahoma’ – Rodgers & Hammerstein; Sonata for Clarinet and Orchestra – Ian Hytch (Soloist: Rachel York); Symphony No. 9 ‘From the New World’ – Dvorak.
  • SUNDAY 20TH OCTOBER 2019, 3:00pm: BLOFIELD CONCERT at St Andrew & St Peter Church, Blofield, Norfolk: Serenade for Strings – Edward Elgar; Swan Lake Suite – Tchaikovsky; Symphony No. 5 – Tchaikovsky. The concert was performed again on SUNDAY 24TH NOVEMBER at St. Cuthbert’s Church at 3.00pm.

  • SATURDAY 2ND NOVEMBER 2019, 10:30am: BLOFIELD CONCERT at St. Luke’s Church, Norwich: ‘Messiah’ (parts 2 & 3) – Handel (Soloists: Carrie Sant, Anne Moore, Chris Steed, Vernon Holt), with the Oriole Singers. A retiring collection supported “City Saints in Action”. The concert was performed again at St. Peter Mancroft Church on FRIDAY 8TH NOVEMBER at 1.30pm.
  • SATURDAY 14TH MARCH 2020, 10:30am: A CONCERT FOR PEACE at St. Peter Mancroft Church, Norwich: Tchaikovsky ~ Symphony No. 4.  A retiring collection supported Amnesty International.

  • SUNDAY 3RD OCTOBER 2021, 3:00pm: A CONCERT at St. Andrew & St Peter’s Church, Blofield: Music included the Hebrides Overture by Mendelssohn, a flute concerto by Mozart and Beethoven’s 8th Symphony. 
  • SATURDAY 30TH OCTOBER 2021, 1:00pm: CONCERT – MUSIC FOR GAIA at St. Peter Mancroft Church, Norwich: the Hebrides Overture by Mendelssohn; Beethoven’s 8th Symphony; Bruckner – Scherzo from Symphony No 7Concert 30th Oct St Peter Mancroft Church
  • SUNDAY 21ST NOVEMBER 2021, 3:00pm: 35TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT at St Cuthbert’s Church, Sprowston: Procession of the Sardar by Ippolitov-Ivanov; Evening Prayer from Hansel and Gretel by Humperdinck; Flute Concerto in G by Mozart; Bruckner – Scherzo from Symphony No 7

  • SATURDAY 12TH MARCH 2022, 1:00pm: St GREGORY’S DAY CONCERT at St. Peter Mancroft Church, Norwich: Tchaikovsky – Swan Lake Suite; Sibelius – Karelia Suite; Delibes – Sylvia Suite. A retiring collection for the British Red Cross Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal.

  • SUNDAY 19TH JUNE 2022, 7:00pm: SUMMER CONCERT at St. George Colegate Church, Norwich: Beethoven – Egmont Overture; Mozart – Horn Concerto No 2; Sullivan – music from The Gondoliers; Schubert – Symphony No 6. A retiring collection for the Matthew Project.

  • SATURDAY 29TH OCTOBER 2022, 1:00pm: UKRAINE FUNDRAISING CONCERT at St. Peter Mancroft Church, Norwich: Rossini – William Tell Overture; Chaminade – Flute Concerto (soloist Scarlett Askew); Mussorgsky – ‘The Great Gate of Kyiv’ from Pictures at an Exhibition; Beethoven – Symphony No 5. A retiring collection for Norfolk Supporting Ukraine.

  • SATURDAY 20TH NOVEMBER 2022, 3:00pm: AUTUMN CONCERT at St. Cuthbert’s Church, Sprowston: Rossini – William Tell Overture; Chaminade – Flute Concerto (soloist Scarlett Askew); Bizet – L’Arlesienne; Mozart- Symphony No 40. 

  • SATURDAY 11TH MARCH 2023, 1:00pm: CONCERT FOR UKRAINE at the Salvation Army Citadel, St. Giles Street, Norwich: Sibelius – Finlandia; Hérold – Clog Dance from La fille mal gardée; Elgar – Salut d’Amour ; Sibelius – Symphony No 1. 

  • SUNDAY 18TH JUNE 2023, 7:00pm: SUMMER CONCERT at St. George Colegate Church, Norwich: Gilbert & Sullivan – excerpts from the music of Iolanthe; Mozart – Clarinet Concerto (soloist Rachel York); Mendelssohn – Symphony No 4 (‘Italian’). 

  • SUNDAY 8TH OCTOBER 2023, 3:00pm: A CONCERT at St. Andrew & St Peter’s Church, Blofield: Rossini – Barber of Seville overture; Ketèlbey – Mystic Land of Egypt; Sphyinx (flute soloist Scarlett Askew); Creswell – Elegy; Franz Joseph Strauss – Horn Concerto (soloist Oliver Smith); Schubert – Unfinished Symphony; Strauss – Chit Chat Polka
  • SATURDAY 14TH OCTOBER, 11:00am: CONCERT FOR UKRAINE at the Salvation Army Citadel, St. Giles Street, Norwich: Beethoven: Egmont overture; 
  • Ketèlbey – Mystic Land of Egypt; Syrinx (flute soloist Scarlett Askew); Creswell – Elegy; Franz Joseph Strauss – Horn Concerto (soloist Oliver Smith); Schubert – Unfinished Symphony

Last updated: 24th October 2023