YOUNG MUSICIANS PERFORM AT GLOBE AND VINTNERS’ HALL, LONDON - Archived

HRH Princess Alexandra attends Reception

On 30th April 2002 young musicians from Salisbury Cathedral School were joined by Salisbury Cathedral Choir to perform at a Musical Reception in the Vintners’ Hall, London in the presence of HRH Princess Alexandra.

The children made history when they became the first visiting group to give an informal lunchtime concert at The Globe Theatre, courtesy of Mark Rylands, Artistic Director. Tourists clearly enjoyed the concert, with many impressed at the high quality of the musicians aged just between 8-13 years.

The main thrust of the day was the evening Musical Reception at the elegant and historic Vintners’ Hall to raise funds for the School Development Appeal. Guests enjoyed a glass of champagne and were entertained with music by Haydn, Albrechtsberger, Sammartini’s Siciliano from the Concerto in F for descant recorder (Soloist Kate Mynott) and Vivaldi’s Cello Concerto in C (soloist Bryony Moody).

A fanfare from the Brass Kings in the Minstrels’ Gallery announced the arrival of the Princess into the Hall. Simon Lole, Director of Music at Salisbury Cathedral, introduced the choir who sang Charles Wood’s Hail, gladdening light, Harberg & Arlen’s Somewhere over the Rainbow and Parry’s My soul, there is a country far beyond the stars. The finale of the 1st Movement of Mozart’s Violin Concerto No 3 in G, with 12 year old Katie Littlemore as the soloist, accompanied by the school orchestra was applauded by a delighted audience.

Canon Treasurer of Salisbury Cathedral, June Osborne, speaking in her capacity as Chairman of the School Development Appeal Committee said, “We would like to thank The Worshipful Company of Vintners for the generous loan of their hall. HRH Princess Alexandra made the evening extra special by her obvious interest and warmth. Music is a vital element in the future of our children. I am extremely grateful to everyone involved for making it such an unforgettable event.

To date the evening has raised £26,000 from a raffle and a Charity Auction conducted by Mr Duncan McEuen of Christies.