Concert Review
Beautiful evening of classical music in historic castle
Sarah Newbold (flute), Katherine Thomas (harp) & 3 members of the Maggini Quartet
Berkeley Castle
22 May 2011
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Berkeley Castle played host to a wonderful classical spring concert on Sunday, bringing some excellent British musicians together for an intimate event. Three members of the Maggini Quartet (violin, viola and cello) were joined by Sarah Newbold on flute and Katherine Thomas on harp.
The event was a treat indeed, with some beautiful renditions of classic pieces such as Mozart's flute quartet in D major, Beethoven's string trio in C minor and Schubert's string trio in B flat.
An interesting one that was added to the mix was Debussy's Sonata for flute, viola and harp – an unusual mix of instruments which worked incredibly well.
Ending the concert was a special version of Mozart's (Flute and Harp) Concerto, pared down and arranged by Derek Smith to be played by just the trio of strings with the flute and harp. It worked beautifully, especially in such an intimate setting.
The three members of the Maggini quartet played with incredible enthusiasm and, as a relative novice to the classical music world, I was carried along by all the pieces. Sarah Newbold on flute was fantastic, playing quick and intricate pieces with such grace and perfection. Katherine Thomas on the harp created sounds of magic spells with her lightness of touch.
Overall this concert was a delight and a more than worthy way to spend a Sunday evening, not to mention drinking in the history and beauty of Berkeley castle and its great hall.
Look out for the Christmas concert at Berkeley Castle.