Warrington Concert with Old Friends

Last Wednesday, 30th March I was invited to take part in a concert at Walton Hall in their beautiful recital room, hosted by the Friends Walton Hall, Warrington. It brought together past winners of the “Warrington Competition for Young Musicians”. The competition is held every two years and brings together young musicians from across all disciplines to compete in a friendly and supportive environment. Russell Lomas who was my accompanist when I took part in 2012 was there to support us again and it was great to perform with him again. Since 2012 I have been fortunate enough to sing alongside Russell at many events and he has been both an encouraging and supportive friend and mentor throughout my undergraduate studies.

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Meera Maharaj
To start the evening off  the very talented Meera Maharaj, who studies at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, played the flute beautifully. For her programme she played “Soliloquy for Solo Flute” by Libermann and “Ballade” by Martin in the first half and “Sonata for Flute and Piano” by Carl Vine after the interval. She was ably accompanied by Jeremy So on the piano.

The other instrumentalist was Elliot Gresty, he studies at the Royal College of Music in London and brought the pieces that he played on his clarinet to life beautifully as he performed for us. I have performed alongside Elliot before several times  it was great to meet up with him again. For his programme Elliot played “Concerto in A Major KV 622 ( 2nd Movement )” by Mozart and “Fantasiestucke Opus 73” by Schumann in the first half of the concert and to close the second half he played “Rigoletto-Fantasia da Concerto” by Luigi Bassi.

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Me, Russell Lomas and Elliott Gresty
It was a fabulous evening and the time just flew by, the audience were so appreciative of our performances and it was lovely to meet up, chat and answer questions after the concert.

I am going to try posting this using the timer function today as I will be travelling back up to Glasgow tonight and won’t be back until quite late, fingers crossed that it works.

Update: got back home safely after a long, tiring drive, happy my post timer worked this week ☺️ thanks for reading, have a fabulous week.

36 thoughts on “Warrington Concert with Old Friends

  1. Nice share, thanks Charlotte, very interesting – Hope you have a nice travelling back to Glasgow, take care of you, Have a fabulous new week !! 🙂

    1. Thank you Rev Tim, the concert in Leeds on Sunday was just a lovely event, a great audience, I had the opportunity to listen to some lovely programs as each lieder pair sat in the room to await our turn. I’ll tell you all about it in next weeks post.
      Best wishes
      Charlotte

    1. Thank you Janice, these music societies are such warm, welcoming events and they do enjoy seeing singers over the years and how they develop as musicians. The organiser was just awarded his MBE and it was lovely catching up with everyone.
      Best wishes
      Charlotte

  2. What a joy to be reunited with your talented group of friends. I imagine the joy was felt not only amongst you, but those in attendance as well. Cheers! Here’s hoping you had safe travel.

    1. It was quite a full room which is always super, I enjoy having my musical palette filled with what is often new music to me. The journey took just over four hours but I took a short break once I got on the motorway and it was fine thank you Annette.
      Best wishes
      Charlotte

    1. Thanks Cindy, I’ve known everyone for a while now and it’s always lovely to meet back up with supportive friends. Elliot is studying at the RCM in London so he’s offered to meet up when I move down.
      Best wishes
      Charlotte

    1. It was a lovely hall, not too far from my parents home. I wish I’d taken more photographs now but when I perform I don’t have my phone on me.
      Best wishes
      Charlotte

  3. Lovely photos & programme . . . but what did you sing? Something from Cosí? Lovely venue ~ congratulations on a grand evening!
    del (another sop from Amanda’s blog)

    1. I love Amanda’s blog and thanks for visiting. I trialled a new Strauss cycle that I’ve been working on and getting feedback as to whether it’s getting there from Russell, I also sang some Quilter English songs and finished with operatic arias but nothing from Cosi. I love singing for music societies because they’re so knowledgeable about music and provide constructive advice.
      Best wishes
      Charlotte

      1. Yes, Amanda’s blog is always a joy both to read and see!
        I love Quilter & Strauss, but the Quilter especially have gone out of favour over here. (Which did you group?) So good of you to trial new things before major recitals, as there’s no other way to decide if they’re going to fit together aesthetically & vocally, and be agreeable to an audience, than in performance. Over here there’s little opportunity to do that – fewer & less experienced music societies. Knowledgeable audiences can help tremendously – well done you!
        Keep working!
        del

  4. This was just so positive and lovely, Charlotte. Every time I see you, you are smiling and happy. I think the career you have chosen (obviously because you have the talent, of course) is one of the best there is. Surrounded by professionals who are dedicated to the finest in music, performed in historic and grand settings — what could be better? Brava!!

    1. Thanks Beth I’m a naturally positive person. I’m not saying things don’t bring me down but I try to avoid it and keep my feelings in control. I just remember all the positive things in my life and singing and performing are just so important to me I try to focus on what matters.

      Best wishes
      Charlotte

  5. Liebe Charlotte da kann ich nur beflichten ein super schönes rote Robe hab einen schönen Donnerstag mit vielen lieben Grüßen Klaus

  6. Lovely to know your evening at Walton Hall went so beautifully, Charlotte. It was a wonderful venue and your photos are perfect. I hope you’re happily back in Glasgow now and getting down to the nitty-gritty of your studies again. 🙁 Soon be summer… Best wishes, Millie.

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