Burnham on Sea U3A
A CULTURAL WEEK-END IN BURNHAM-ON-SEA
A report on the Elgar weekend as seen by a non-U3A delegate.
The town hall, or should I say The Princess, was the venue last week-end for two days of relaxing enjoyment, initially listening to a world authority on the life of Edward Elgar (1857-1934)
It was extremely well organised by the Burnham-on-Sea University of the Third Age (U3A), who meet on a regular basis with a very enthusiastic group of members at the Community Centre. To my shame, I had no idea of the benefit of this organisation with a varied set of interests to suit us oldies! Their initial publicity was so good as to attract fellow members from as far apart as Essex, Cranleigh and the neighbouring City of Wells.
The life of Elgar, portrayed with suitable recordings was given by Julian Williamson, a London based conductor. His anecdotes were amusing and illuminating telling us how the self-taught musician, along with the driving force of his wife, Alice and his associate publisher Jaegar, prompted and encouraged him. He composed evocative nostalgic works as the Enigma Variations, Pomp and Circumstance marches and choral works, Dream of Gerontius, The Apostles and The Kingdom.
The Saturday afternoon concert featured the lyrical playing of the Bristol String Quartet. Augmented by pianist Kate Robey they gave a robust performance of Elgar's Piano Quintet in A minor and movements from Ravel and Schubert string quartets. The Sunday afternoon concert opened with a superb piano recital given by David Lloyd playing works by Haydn, Debussy and one of Mozart's difficult sonatas. This very talented musician performs chamber music with the Goya Ensemble on a very regular basis at Berrow Church during one of the summer months.
The concluding session was given over to our Burnham & Highbridge Brass Band, and rightly so. They were absolutely brilliant with their musical director, David Fisher who maintained a very lively performance throughout, adding emphasis to his CV as a Kneller Hall trained musician.
Maurice Jackson. (edited)
Pictures from The Classical Music Weekend.
The following picture were taken on Saturday 27th February. Many thanks to Brian Bevan.
The following picture were taken on Sunday 28th February. Many thanks to Judy Allen.
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Burnham on Sea
University of the Third Age (U3A)