Music from the Movies

Orchestra and members of the audiences were delighted to see conductor of nearly thirty years Sam (Iron Man) Newgarth back on the rostrum after his very serious illness at the beginning of the year.  He is now fully recovered from a heart attack and pneumonia and fit to tackle this very demanding programme of music by the 76 year-old Orchestra of some 60 plus musicians, which he directed with resolute confidence and encouragement.

 After the introductory Listen Up! Fanfare by Gareth Wood there followed ten items of music from films from the thirties to the eighties, including  “Things to Come” – Bliss 1936, “Dangerous Moonlight” – Addinsell 1941, “Dambusters” - Coates 1954, “The Big Country” - Morass 1958, “Spartacus” – Khachaturian 1950 and “Romeo and Juliet” - Prokofief.

There is always plenty of praise for soloists but it is not always appreciated how important the percussion is to the Orchestra's performance.  In this instance the four ladies of the WOS percussion section acquitted themselves with great expertise and precision especially in “Things to come”, “Thunderbirds” and “Star Wars” to mention but a few.  All other sections are completely dependent on the percussion being “On the Ball” so to speak as they were at all times during the concert series.

That is not to say there were not excellent solo performances by a number of other Orchestra musicians including leading Violin Jane Bultz, Oboe Heather Makiola, Clarinet Jim Grant, Flute Brenda Clerici and Cellist Rob Hanmore. Also this report would not be complete without special mention of solo pianist Christine Taylor for her moving and sensitive  “Warsaw Concerto” from the film “Dangerous Moonlight”.
There were very many complimentary comments from audience members.  Here are just two:

 I have a fondness for the marches of Eric Coates.  Knightsbridge and all that. Was not that the theme to the In Town Tonight programmes on the old home service with Brian Johnston? . I was delighted that “The Dambusters” March was included in the programme. When I was five years of age, this and the “Teddy Bears Picnic” were my very favourites! 
Heather Rawlings

I wish to express my grateful thanks to all the members of the Westbourne Orchestra Society for giving me such an enjoyable and uplifting evening of wonderful music. I cannot imagine the tremendous effort it took to renew and clean the many instruments affected by the disastrous fire** which took place at St Ambrose Church.  A great achievement carried out over a short period of time by a group of dedicated musicians intent on fulfilling their programme. The 24th of November was an evening to remember. I salute you.
May Banham

Afterwards this octogenarian lady confessed to moments when tears were running down her cheeks moved as she was by the performance and the memories the music evoked.

Proceeds from the concert series amounted to over £1200, which after deduction of expenses will be given to the venue hosts.       
St Clements music fund which sponsors "Coda" to have a home in the Boscombe area.  Coda Principal Jack Maguire, co-leader of the BSO Bournemouth Symphony orchestra, teaches the fiddle to young people as a follow on from school encouraging them to keep making music for fun.  Jack and his wife enjoyed playing with the Orchestra at St Clements.

The WOS is indebted to the hosts for permitting the concerts to take place and providing interval refreshments.

The next concerts take place in March 2007 and will include the Rachmaninov 2nd Piano Concerto with pianist Hiroaki Takenouchi

** Just 4 days before the second of the three concerts a fire broke out in St. Ambrose Church, presumably arson, requiring several fire engines and up to about 50 firemen to tackle. Damage estimated at £250K minimum.  St Ambrose Church is the home of the Westbourne Orchestra and it will be well into the New Year before it can be used again for rehearsals.

With over 60 Orchestra members this required a massive reorganisation programme and relocation exercise.

The WOS is most grateful to St Michael’s Church, Bournemouth for providing the new temporary home.

Vic King, 26th November 2006