On Wednesday, October 14 Edna Gill presented a programme called musical memories. It opened with the Overture to La Belle Helene by Jaques Offenbach played by the London Philharmonic Orchestra conductor Jean Martinon.

On Wednesday, October 14 Edna Gill presented a programme called musical memories. It opened with the Overture to La Belle Helene by Jaques Offenbach played by the London Philharmonic Orchestra conductor Jean Martinon. Next the Aubade from Cherubin by Jules Massenet which was beautifully sung by the soprano Angela Gheorghiu. Then the Ashokan Farewell by Jay Ungar played by the Band of Her Majesty's Royal Marines. Johann Strauss II was represented by the Treasure Waltz, Bruderlein, Bruderlein and Schwesterlein from Die Fledermaus both played by the Vienna Symphony Orchestra conducted by Willi Boskovsky. The well known Polovtsian Dances from Prince Igor by Alexander Borodin were excitingly performed by the London Symphony Orchestra and Chorus with Georg Solti conducting. Frederick Delius was represented by La Calinda from Koanga and the Prelude to Irmelin played by the London Philharmonic Orchestra conductor Vernon Handley. Two contrasting pieces followed with the Benedictus from the Armed Man by Karl Jenkins and the Intermezzo from Naila by Leo Delibes. This varied and enjoyable programme came to a conclusion with the Dance of the Maidens from Spartacus by Aram Khachaturian and the Capriccio Italien by Pyotr Tchaikovsky both performed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra conductor Yuri Simonov. On Wednesday Hugh Palmer will present a programme called There's A Song In the Air in the upper room of the United Reformed Church at 7.30pm. Website www.thefrms.co.uk/lowesft.htm.