Chester Guitar Orchestra. 13th June 2015
|
The Chester Guitar Orchestra returned to a full Trinity Methodist Church in Whitby Road, Ellesmere Port, where an appreciative audience enjoyed works by Corrette, Haydn, Coquery, Faure, Albeniz, Ditters, and Vivaldi. Once again, renowned guitarist and composer John Arran took the orchestra through their paces as well as providing the audience with an informed insight into the music This concert was jointly arranged by Chester Guitar Circle and Liverpool Guitar Society and showcased Welsh guitarist Gerard Cousins performing with his good friend, South African guitarist Derek Gripper on a stunning musical journey from Wales to Africa. Gerard opened the concert with Tarrega's haunting Caprice Arabe, perhaps the most familiar of the evening’s pieces. This was followed by a beautiful selection of his arrangements of traditional Welsh hymns and melodies, expertly played and unlike some unfamiliar music, instantly appealing. After a short interval, Derek took the stage with a remarkable display of African music, usually played on traditional African instruments, but here skilfully arranged for the guitar. Derek’s passionate playing and varied repertoire held the audience spellbound for the remainder of the evening. He was joined by Gerard for a final rousing duet which brought the concert to a close. |
On the 14th of September the Chester Guitar Orchestra took part in a concert, in St Mary's Church in Towyn, and was followed by the beautiful singing of Sioned Terry with Summer's Swan Song. http://www.stmaryschurchtowyn.co.uk/There was some lovely playing during the evening. The Phoenix sounded solid with good dynamics, and the Teddy Bear's picnic gave a light and pleasant end to the performance.
Chester Guitar Orchestra Concerts
On Sunday the 30th of June, the Chester Guitar Orchestra held a concert in Chester (Oddfellows) in aid of Amnesty International. The orchestra conducted by John Arran, started 2 years ago. The players are mainly amateur guitarists from the region, with several CGC members.
There was a good turnout (60people) and the atmosphere was great.
The afternoon cheerfully started with "The Phoenix" from Corrette with John's arrangement. It was continued by Vivaldi's L'Estro Armonico (no 4 RV55). After the break we heard an arrangement from Teddy Bear's picnic, and one of Mark Houghton's compositions for six parts, Guitarchestra No 6. "Urban Choro". Teddy Bear's picnic was further livened up by the singing of the audience. It was great atmosphere.
If you missed this event, you can see follow up performances are planned in the near future. Watch the event calendar.
