It's the most beautiful, atmospheric little church I know of, close by the River Derwent (and therefore in danger of flooding, as the parishioners know to their cost). The graveyard, lit on a summer's evening by a low sun through what is really a wildflower meadow with gravestones, looks like the perfect place to spend eternity.
Last night we were joined by two of the next generation of recorder virtuosi - Frances and Alannah, who played with members of the group on Feed the Birds and Oom Pah Pah. As well as our large family of recorders, we also played flutes, clarinet, accordion and guitar at various points during the evening. We are nothing if not versatile!
The audience was delightful. They can come back any time!
We started with a couple of little surprises, which might be more commonly heard at Christmas time. Of course, our previous attempt to entertain the Isel community was last December, when the electricity supply failed and we gamely played on by candlelight in the freezing cold, while a few very brave audience members sat stoically and listened. Most people failed even to arrive at the church, however, because of the fearsomely icy roads. So that concert was curtailed halfway through. The next tune would have been one perfectly suited to a concert in aid of bells, so we thought we'd carry on last night where we left off in December.
(You can see more photos of the beautiful churchyard, and the famous bells by clicking on this link . The bells will be dedicated by the Bishop of Carlisle on Tuesday, June 11th.)
PROGRAMME
First half
Ding Dong - traditional, arr. Val Hetherington
Hush, Hush, Hush - traditional Austrian Christmas song
Volte 11 and Volte 12 - Michael Preaetorius (1571-1621)
Pase el Agoa - Villancicos (Cancionero de Palacio)
Galliard: 1000 Ducats in the bag; Pavane: Tausend Dukaten - Tielman Susato (1500-61)
Galliard: Muy Linda - Anthony Holborne (1545-1602)
Divertimento - J.B.Vanhal (1739-1813) arr Klaus Bjerre 2003
Serenata - Brian Bonsor (1926-2011)
Second half
PIPING HOT WITH FRANCES & ALANNAH
Feed the Birds - from Mary Poppins
Oom Pah Pah - from Oliver
Oranges and Lemons - trad. arr. Rachel McConkey
Scots Songs Medley - arr Ally McGurk. Mostly trad apart from "Keep Right On" by Sir Harry Lauder.
North Country Medley - trad. arr. Rachel Hecht McConkey
Paper Doll - Johnny S.Black arr. D. Bloodworth
By the Light of the Silvery Moon - Gus Edwards (1879-1945)
Circus Medley - various composers, arr. Rachel Hecht McConkey
La Java Bleue - Vincent Scotto (1874-1952)
