I was privileged to be in the audience at The Anvil on 24 February for the concert given by the Basingstoke Symphony Orchestra. How lucky we are to have such an accomplished group of musicians to entertain us.

The opening Dvorak tone poem ‘The Noonday Witch’ was new to me but after conductor Stephen Scotchmer outlined the tragic theme of the Slavic myth, we were able to follow the music with understanding.

Next came pianist Ivana Gavric with a perfect performance of Rachmaninov’s ‘Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini. She had this entirely under control, supported of course by the orchestra, and her accuracy up and down the keyboard was mesmerising.

The concert ended with another Dvorak piece, his Symphony No.8, embracing a number of Bohemian folk tunes and rhythms all under Stephen’s baton.

Congratulations to all involved in this great Saturday night out!

Revd John Morley

Rockbourne Road,

Sherfield Park

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