139. Vintners Foundation Concert, 29 May 2019

At the invitation of the Master Vintner, Alderman Dr Sir Andrew Parmley, the Mistress and I attended the Vintners Foundation Concert at St James, Garlickhythe on a rather cold and damp May evening. But it was well worth it – what a night of music!

St James Garlickhythe, in the Ward of Vintry is a wonderful Wren church – nicknamed ‘Wren’s Lantern’ due to the profusion of windows (see picture) - and is the mother church of the Worshipful Company of Vintners. We joined with the Water Conservators Immediate Past Master and his Consort, Mike and Sandra Williamson along with a hundred or so other supporters of the Vintners’ Foundation, music lovers and members of the church. A small drinks reception started proceedings but soon it was time to take our places in the pews.

Arranged before us were members of the Marcel Sinfonia, a collection of music graduates from some of the leading conservatoires in London. Conducted firstly by Andrew Campling (pictured), the Sinfonia gave us a stirring rendition of the ‘Arrival of the Queen of Sheba’, one of Handle’s greatest pieces. A marvellous way to start the evening!

The mood changed slightly with the next piece (under conductor Dr Christian Spielman); Gustav Holst’s ‘St Paul’s Suite’ written just before WWI. More famous is his ‘Planets Suite’ composed a few years later, but nonetheless some of the themes in that great work can be clearly heard in his earlier writing. A real joy to have all four movements played to us.

But then to the finale and main event; ‘Concerto for Organ, Timpani, Percussion and Strings’ composed and conducted by Andrew Campling. This specially written piece to commemorate the ‘Second Great Fire of London’ on the night of 29-30 December 1940, centred around the magnificent organ at St James, most ably played by Sir Andrew himself. With a CCTV link from the organ loft above us we were able to watch Sir Andrew as he performed the piece with his usual flair and passion. Set over four movements, the Concerto is highly evocative of those dark days during the Blitz and the use of a real air-raid siren gave an added piquancy to an already powerful performance. Truly amazing to hear and to watch and the organ playing was inspired. The composer and the musicians received a well-deserved and very hearty round of applause.

All monies raised at the event went to the Vintners’ Foundation, an ancient charity that supports families in times of hardship (as in the War). More recently it is supporting those with alcohol related illnesses and does much to alleviate suffering. A very worthy cause.

After a delicious range of canapes, it was time to leave with the music still ringing in our years! Our thanks must go to all those who organised the evening and also to the musicians (young and less young!) for the passion and joy they so clearly have when playing in such a venue. A memorable night!