Bedfordshire Music Festival Success!
| Type of post: | Group news item |
| Sub-type: | No sub-type |
| Posted By: | Nicky Murray |
| Status: | Current |
| Date Posted: | Mon, 14 Mar 2022 |
A Roadie’s Review
Being married to a long term member of the BWA Flute Ensemble not only gives me a unique perspective on how they’ve grown and developed over the years but an inescapable vested interest in everything they do.
Having heard them play countless times, at rehearsals, busking, events, concerts on tour and in competitions, I felt moved to write a brief piece to cover their most recent performance and success at the Bedfordshire Festival of Music, Speech and Drama.
I am not a musician, but do enjoy music, especially the added impact of a live performance. Following months of disruption from Covid-19 and the restrictions it imposed on musical groups, it was great to see them performing in a near normal way.
The ensemble was entered in the Centenary Class helping to celebrate 100 years of the festival. The chosen piece, the Ballet Suite by Shostakovich was chosen to fit the centenary theme, demonstrate the groups range of instruments and ability and fit the 10 minute time allotment.
To a reasonable-sized audience, given the final evening slot, at the end of a no doubt long day for audiences and judges alike, I saw weeks of rehearsals come together in a fantastic performance, possibly the best I have ever heard them play. The domed ceiling and faded walls of the Harpur Suite at the Bedford Corn Exchange seemed to amplify the rhythmic bass, enhance the impressive dynamics and sing with the beautiful melodies.
The adjudicator was very impressed, awarding the ensemble a Distinction, and provided his own eloquent summary. He was full of praise and generous comments on everything from the group’s organisation, dress and range of instruments to the subtleties of their accomplished performance.
So, once again, a big thanks from me, for letting me continue to enjoy the fruits of your hard work. Long may the group continue to grow in size, ability and ambition. In an exciting year for the group, with the temporary addition of a composer to the ensemble, I can’t wait to hear what you get up to next. I remain a full-on flute fan and long-term listener.
Bruce Murray
Being married to a long term member of the BWA Flute Ensemble not only gives me a unique perspective on how they’ve grown and developed over the years but an inescapable vested interest in everything they do.
Having heard them play countless times, at rehearsals, busking, events, concerts on tour and in competitions, I felt moved to write a brief piece to cover their most recent performance and success at the Bedfordshire Festival of Music, Speech and Drama.
I am not a musician, but do enjoy music, especially the added impact of a live performance. Following months of disruption from Covid-19 and the restrictions it imposed on musical groups, it was great to see them performing in a near normal way.
The ensemble was entered in the Centenary Class helping to celebrate 100 years of the festival. The chosen piece, the Ballet Suite by Shostakovich was chosen to fit the centenary theme, demonstrate the groups range of instruments and ability and fit the 10 minute time allotment.
To a reasonable-sized audience, given the final evening slot, at the end of a no doubt long day for audiences and judges alike, I saw weeks of rehearsals come together in a fantastic performance, possibly the best I have ever heard them play. The domed ceiling and faded walls of the Harpur Suite at the Bedford Corn Exchange seemed to amplify the rhythmic bass, enhance the impressive dynamics and sing with the beautiful melodies.
The adjudicator was very impressed, awarding the ensemble a Distinction, and provided his own eloquent summary. He was full of praise and generous comments on everything from the group’s organisation, dress and range of instruments to the subtleties of their accomplished performance.
So, once again, a big thanks from me, for letting me continue to enjoy the fruits of your hard work. Long may the group continue to grow in size, ability and ambition. In an exciting year for the group, with the temporary addition of a composer to the ensemble, I can’t wait to hear what you get up to next. I remain a full-on flute fan and long-term listener.
Bruce Murray
