On Sunday 7th November Ferndown U3A members travelled to the Albert Hall in London for the Classical Spectacular. The concert lived up to its name and was truly spectacular combining of favourite classical pieces and state of the art technology, ranging from a flood of pure white light to electrifying multi-coloured laser displays.
The Royal Royal Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by John Rigby was joined by the British Imperial Military Band and the London Chorus. We were also treated to some wonderful singing from James Cleverton, baritone, and Jesus Leon, tenor, who sang the duet from the “Pearl Fishers.” The Ballet Star, Begona Cao gave a truly moving performance of the “Dying Swan” and the dazzling special effects added to the mood of each piece. The concert ended with the “1812 Overture” which with pyrotechnics, thundering canons and muskets was a real highlight.
Thanks goes to the Events Committee for organising the day and to Graham the coach driver for ensuring we travelled safely.
The PROGRAMME:
ORFF O Fortuna from Carmina Burana
SAINT-SAËNS Finale from ‘Organ’ Symphony
VERDI Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves
ROSSINI William Tell Overture
STRAUSS Also Sprach Zarathustra
STRAUSS Blue Danube Waltz
SOUSA Liberty Bell March
GRIEG Morning and In the Hall of the Mountain King
BIZET Pearl Fishers Duet
ROSSINI Largo al Factotum
TCHAIKOVSKY Swan Lake Finale
HANDEL Zadok the Priest
STRAUSS Radetzky March
SAINT-SAËNS Dying Swan
SIBELIUS Finlandia
Land of Hope and Glory
Jerusalem
Rule, Britannia!
Nessun Dorma
1812 OVERTURE