The final series of concerts by the Westbourne Orchestra in this important 75th anniversary year commenced with a concert at the Christchurch Priory on November 19th. The concert commenced with Weber’s overture to the opera Der Freischültz (The marksman). Then followed Pavane by Gabriel Fauré this one piece being conducted by deputy conductor David Brooks.   The highlight of the first half of the concert was Poulenc’s Organ Concerto with soloist celebrated Priory Organist Geoffrey Morgan which presented a great challenge to the organist as well as the orchestra and the timpanist in particular.  
 
Dvořák’s Symphony No 8 was selected for the second half of the concert.  This is something the orchestra really enjoys playing, which they did with great expertise and enthusiasm.  Trumpeter Ron Best excelled himself with his introduction to the fourth movement.

A similar programme was presented and St Ambrose Church, Westbourne on the 25th November and at St Peter’s Church Parkstone on the 26th. The difference being that at both these concerts the Organ Concerto was replaced by Leo Delibe’s delightful Copéllia Ballet Suite No.1 with its wealth of melody and delicately coloured orchestration.

Proceeds, after some Orchestra expenses, are to go to the Christchurch Priory East End Restoration Fund. All proceeds of the following two concerts will go to St Ambrose and St Peter’s Church funds.

The Orchestra is very grateful for the cooperation and all the help they received from the staff at all three venues and particularly for the fine display of interval refreshments at the church concerts on the 25th and 26th.

The sudden fall in temperature on the 25th in particular and the 26th unfortunately resulted in a much smaller audiences than normal. Nevertheless from the comments below it can be seen that those who did brave the inclement weather had very enjoyable experience.

WOS Review 22/VK
28th November, 2005

Comment sent
To Geoffrey Morgan

As a very lowly member of the Westbourne Orchestra who sits at the back of the first violin section I would just like to say how very much I enjoyed the Poulenc on Saturday.

When we first started to rehearse I really thought it would never come off as I found it so very difficult.
It was quite a feat for the Orchestra but also greatly demanding and a great challenge for the organist as well.  Nevertheless your rendition was absolutely superb and we have had a number of compliments from several members of the audience and orchestra members as well.

The WOS is extremely grateful that you agreed to undertake this work. It is an experience and a privilege we shall never forget. Kind regards, (VK)

To Vic King

I am so glad you enjoyed the Poulenc. So did I!  I always enjoy playing it, and realise how difficult it is for the orchestra.  I thought it came off remarkably well.  You had obviously worked very hard at it!

The timpanist requires special commendation.  She managed the very difficult score with great-dedicated skill and concentration having to cope with its multitudinous tempo changes throughout.

With best wishes for the continued success of the Westbourne Orchestral Society. (GM )

 “Of my 12 members of the audience at the Priory, about half loved the Poulenc & the others were pleased to have heard it!
The rest of programme was well received & all enjoyed the (unfortunately dry – no refreshments) Priory. Councillor Beesley of Bournemouth Council enjoyed the concert - violinist (DB)

 “Great concert” – violinist (RU), “Brilliant concert” – clarinettist (BS)
 
 “Playing at the Christchurch Priory is a privilege and the highlight of my amateur orchestral playing experience so far” - very new to the Orchestra young violinist (WK).

“Thoroughly enjoyed the concert and congratulations on the Souvenir Programme a bargain at £1” – member of audience Christchurch Priory

“I thoroughly enjoyed to concert at the Priory particularly the Pavane. It is so peaceful and tranquil.   Nice to have soft seats as well.”  - audience member (MGB).

The Dvorak was wonderful- absolutely superb – St Ambrose audience member (JB)