I hope this message finds you well and that you are all still basking in the afterglow of our unforgettable September concert. What a joy it was to welcome our friends the London Mozart Players to Grayshott, together with the incomparable Danielle de Niese and our newly appointed Associate Artist, Jonathan Bloxham. The church was filled not only with enchanting music but also with a palpable sense of excitement and togetherness that makes our concert series so unique.

For those who missed it, or for those who simply wish to relive the highlights, please see below for a full report on the evening's programme and the memorable moments that made it so special.

We are now anticipating with excitement the forthcoming concert: A Celebration of Beethoven at which the London Mozart Players, led by Jonathan Bloxham, together with violinist Fenella Humphreys, Winner of 2018 and 2023 BBC Music Magazine Awards, will play Beethoven's much loved Violin Concerto and his Symphony No. 3 The Eroica.

On a memorable evening, the London Mozart Players, under the baton of Jonathan Bloxham, delivered a captivating all-Mozart programme. The concert was further elevated by the radiant presence of soprano Danielle de Niese, whose artistry brought Mozart's vocal masterpieces to life, and whose very personal introductions to each of her pieces added a warmth and special perspective. The carefully curated repertoire showcased the brilliance and emotional depth of Mozart's music, from operatic overtures and arias to a dazzling symphony.

The Programme comprised the following:

• Overture from Don Giovanni K.527
• In quali eccessi...Mi tradì quell'alma ingrata K.540c
• Al desio di chi t'adora K.577
• Chaconne from the ballet music of Idomeneo K.367
• L'amero, saro costante from Il re pastore K.208
• Parto, parto, ma tu ben mio from La clemenza di Tito K.621
• Symphony No. 40 in G minor, K.550 (which filled the second half of the evening)

Overture from Don Giovanni, K.527

The concert opened with the dramatic Overture from Don Giovanni. From the first ominous chords, Bloxham crafted an atmosphere of suspense and grandeur. The London Mozart Players responded with precision and energy, capturing the overture's shifting moods - from brooding darkness to sparkling vivacity. The ensemble's clarity and dynamic contrasts set a high standard for the evening.

Vocal Masterpieces with Danielle de Niese

Danielle de Niese's entrance marked a highlight of the night. Her rendition of In quali eccessi...Mi tradì quell'alma ingrata was both passionate and nuanced, conveying Donna Anna's anguish with expressive phrasing and impeccable technique. In Al desio di chi t'adora, de Niese's voice sparkled, her ornamentation and agile coloratura drawing enthusiastic applause.

A particular gem was L'amero, saro costante from Il re pastore. De Niese's lyrical warmth and emotional commitment brought out the aria's pastoral beauty and heartfelt sincerity. In Parto, parto, ma tu ben mio from La clemenza di Tito, she displayed both dramatic power and subtlety, ably supported by the orchestra's sensitive accompaniment. Throughout, Jonathan Bloxham ensured a seamless balance between soloist and ensemble, allowing de Niese's artistry to shine.

Chaconne from Idomeneo, K.367

The Chaconne from the ballet music of Idomeneo brought a change of mood, with its stately dance rhythms and elegant orchestration. The London Mozart Players navigated its variations with grace, highlighting Mozart's inventive use of colour and texture. The performance showcased the ensemble's unity and the conductor's meticulous attention to detail.

Symphony No. 40 in G Minor, K.550

The second half of the concert was devoted to Mozart's Symphony No. 40 in G minor - a cornerstone of the classical repertoire. Bloxham led a taut, urgent interpretation, bringing out the symphony's fiery passion and emotional depth. The strings were vibrant and agile, while the winds added warmth and character. The famous first movement unfolded with restless energy, the Andante offered lyrical respite, and the final movement surged towards a thrilling conclusion. The performance was, quite simply, brilliant, and left the audience in awe of both Mozart's genius and the players' virtuosity.

This concert was a testament to the enduring power of Mozart's music and the artistry of those who perform it. Jonathan Bloxham's insightful direction and Danielle de Niese's luminous singing, paired with the London Mozart Players' superb musicianship, created an unforgettable evening. The thoughtful selection of repertoire allowed each facet of Mozart's genius to shine, ensuring the audience departed both moved and exhilarated.

The Grayshott Concerts Outreach Project has already brought a great deal of pleasure to the residents of local Care Homes. Visits by individual singers and instrumentalists to a number of Homes in Bordon, Grayshott, Liss and Alton have proved very successful, providing accessible entertainment for the residents on their doorstep. On 20 September, however, we undertook a new element to the programme. We brought the Surrey Jazz Orchestra, a really slick and hugely talented group of musicians, to give a concert at The Phoenix Theatre & Arts Centre in Bordon.

This was a concert with a difference - whilst open to the general public at usual commercial rates, we offered tickets to Care Home residents, who were brought to the theatre by their care staff, for free. The residents who came to the concert were united in their view that it had been a hugely enjoyable experience, and a great opportunity to go to an event outside the usual time they spend inside their Homes.

The Surrey Jazz Orchestra put on a brilliant show, mainly numbers form the Great American Songbook, and they were joined for some of their numbers by a superb singer, who wooed the audience with his silky Sinatra-like tones. The Orchestra's approach was very audience-friendly, with each number being entertainingly introduced by one of the group's members.

Grayshott Concerts would also like to thank the management of The Phoenix, who provided the use of the venue on very favourable terms, sharing our own philosophy of providing entertainment for some of the less privileged members of our local community.

If you would like to make a donation to our Outreach programme please Click Here.

Excelsis, our Choir in Residence, will be performing a World Premiere at their next concert on Saturday 15 November 2025 at St Alban's Church, Hindhead.

Many of you will already have heard the beautiful choral music of the renowned local composer Clive Osgood at previous concerts in Grayshott. This concert will feature the first performance of Requiem, a new work which has been commissioned by Barbie McSean, a founder member of the choir and Friend of Grayshott Concerts, in memory of her parents. The new work is both dramatic and serene in equal measure and is an important addition to Clive's already extensive body of music. Excelsis will be joined by the Excelsis Camerata, a professional string ensemble, as well as solo French Horn.

Excelsis will also be performing the Lux Aeterna by American composer, Morten Lauridsen, which includes the unaccompanied a capella movement O nata lux.

Excelsis would like to offer the Friends of Grayshott Concerts reserved seating at the concert on 15th November. Tickets are available from ticketsource.co.uk/excelsis or by emailing tickets@excelsis-choir.co.uk. When booking tickets online, you will need to add that you are a Friend of Grayshott Concerts in the 'how you heard about this event' section, so that seating can be allocated to the Friends.

Excelsis hopes to see some of you at the Concert.

The programme for 2026 has nearly been completed and we shall be announcing this at the Beethoven concert and then in a Newsletter to be sent that week. Book early to avoid disappointment!