In this Summer Newsletter we shall share a few exciting updates, report on our super Friends' Evening and highlight our next two concerts. The first in September with internationally celebrated soprano Danielle de Niese and then later in the year the award-winning violinist Fenella Humphreys. There are detail of these two concerts further down this Newsletter.

We are absolutely delighted to announce that Jonathan Bloxham, Conductor in Residence and Artistic Advisor of London Mozart Players, has agreed to become our Associate Artist, following the move of Howard Shelley to becoming our Patron. Jonathan brings a wealth of experience and inspiration and we are so looking forward to working with him to develop further what Grayshott Concerts offers.

The 2025 Friends' Evening was nothing short of magical, as attendees were treated to an uplifting event led by renowned clarinettist, Emma Johnson, and the Orchestra for the Environment. This ensemble, united not only by their love of music but also by an unwavering passion for protecting nature, offered a programme that resonated deeply with the audience, highlighting their commitment to both art and the environment.

The concert opened with Holst's enchanting Brook Green Suite, a piece imbued with pastoral charm and simplicity. Emma Johnson conducted the orchestra with great sensitivity, drawing out the delicate nuances of the music and setting a serene tone for the evening. The soothing melodies of the Brook Green Suite served as a gentle reminder of the beauty and tranquillity found in nature, aligning perfectly with the orchestra's environmental ethos.

Following this, the audience was moved by the lyrical poignancy of Puccini's Crisantemi. This elegiac early work, with its rich textures and emotive harmonies, provided a poignant contrast to the preceding piece, evoking a sense of loss and longing. The orchestra's performance captured the essence of Puccini's sorrowful yet beautiful composition.

The first half of the concert concluded with a deeply personal touch, as Emma Johnson performed her own composition, Tree of Life. This piece showcased exceptional virtuosity on the clarinet and was a musical reflection on nature and renewal. The haunting melodies and intricate passages of Tree of Life highlighted Emma's profound connection to the natural world and her extraordinary talent as a composer. The audience was left in awe of her ability to convey such deep emotions through her music.

An interval followed, during which guests enjoyed a generous buffet, wine, and plenty of cheerful conversation. The convivial atmosphere was further enhanced by the beautiful summer evening.

The second half of the concert opened with Paul Reade's evocative Suite from the Victorian Kitchen Garden. This charming piece, with its nostalgic melodies and playful rhythms, delighted the audience and transported them to a bygone era.

The orchestra's performance was both spirited and refined, capturing the essence of Reade's whimsical composition.

The programme concluded with Dvořák's radiant String Serenade in E major. This work, renowned for its warmth and elegance, was performed with great poise by the orchestra. The lush harmonies and lyrical melodies of the Serenade provided a fitting close to the evening, leaving the audience with a sense of fulfilment and joy.

In response to an enthusiastic ovation, Emma and the orchestra returned to the stage for an encore, treating the audience to a fun and lively rendition of Gershwin's Walking the Dog. This playful piece, with its jaunty rhythms and catchy melodies, brought smiles to everyone's faces and provided a light-hearted conclusion to a memorable evening of music.

The event, with its thoughtful and varied programme, was a true celebration of the intersection between music and nature. Emma Johnson and the Orchestra for the Environment succeeded in not only delivering an evening of exceptional musical performances but also in conveying a powerful message about the importance of protecting and cherishing our natural world. The passion and dedication of the performers were evident in every note, making this a concert that will be remembered for years to come.

We're also thrilled to share some exciting news: following the presentations by Mike Shorthose and Jim Miles at the Friends' Evening, our Outreach Programme has received a truly heartwarming response.

Thanks to the generosity of Friends who attended the concert, and a donation from Grayshott Arts Society, we've raised an outstanding £2,100 ! These funds will continue to support our musical work in Grayshott and Woodlea Primary Schools and a variety of local care homes, helping us bring the joy of creating and enjoying live music to more people in our community. Thank you for making this possible.

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

We are very grateful to our volunteer photographers who create such lovely records from our events. The photos from the Friends' Evening were taken by Mike Jordan and Valentyna Bartkevych. Many of our previous events have been covered by Paul Graber, whom we shall welcome back later in the year.

Upcoming Events Looking ahead, our autumn programme promises two exceptional evenings you won't want to miss: Danielle de Niese Wednesday 17th September 2025 The internationally celebrated soprano comes to Grayshott for a dazzling evening of Mozart. Known for her charismatic stage presence and acclaimed performances at Glyndebourne, the Met, and Covent Garden, Danielle's concert is set to be one of the highlights of our season. Tickets are already selling fast, so we strongly recommend booking early. For more details of this concert and ticket options please Click Here Fenella Humphreys Thursday 20th November 2025 Award-winning violinist Fenella Humphreys joins the London Mozart Players for a stirring programme of Beethoven, including his iconic Violin Concerto and Symphony No. 3 (Eroica). Described by BBC Music Magazine as "a wonder", Fenella's artistry and emotional depth are sure to leave a lasting impression. For more details of this concert and ticket options please Click Here

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