Deep South journey at St. Andrew's Hall

Britten Sinfonia taking us to the Deep South

There's no rest when the Norfolk and Norwich Festival is on as I was back at St. Andrew's Hall on Friday evening for the Britten Sinfonia concert which featured Joanna MacGregor on piano and Arve Henriksen on trumpet.

The programme for this delightful performance was Fratres - Arvo Part, Lost Highway: Gospel and Blues from the Deep South - Joanna MacGregor, Pieces from Cartography - Arve Henriksen and Piano Concerto no. 2 - James MacMillan.

Fratres composed by Estonian composer Arvo Part highlights the tintinnabular style. With it use of mathematical rules this piece had an relaxing effect on the audience that put us in a chilled out mood for the rest of the concert. 

Lost Highway: Gospel and Blues from the Deep South features Sometimes I feel like a Motherless Child, Everybody Help the Boys Come Home, Deep River, Lowside Blues, Georgia Lee, The Mercy Seat and What a Friend We Have in Jesus. With amazing emotional performances from Joanna MacGregor on piano and Arve Henriksen on trumpet St. Andrew's Hall was turned into Highway 61. Gospel Blues and Dark Country this piece of music had me completely spellbound.

After the interval we were further thrilled by Arve Henriksen's Pieces from Cartography which highlighted his brilliant trumpet playing and Joanna MacGregor's very expressive keyboard skills on James MacMillan's Piano Concerto no. 2. The joy on the faces of both the soloists and the orchestra spread joy across the venue and led to loud applause at the end of the concert.

A truly magical evening of wonderful music from Britten Sinfonia that further enhanced the reputation of both the orchestra and the Norfolk and Norwich Festival.