Aylsham & bungay concerts May 20th & 21st REviews

Haydn Symphony No 73 ‘La Chasse’

Wagner Siegfried Idyll

Ruth Gipps Seascape

Mozart Symphony No.35 ‘Haffner’

Philip Hesketh - Conductor

Christine Rayfield - Leader

“Wonderful concerts at Aylsham and Bungay (as helper I came to both, which was no hardship!) I particularly enjoyed the Ruth Gipps wind piece, Seascape, with an atmospheric beginning from the flutes, and wonderful performances all through. The Mozart was a very lively performance, which finished off the concerts with a flourish. I’m really looking forward to the next concert in July, as Ensemble East are getting better and better.”

 Imogen Radford  

"A fantastically diverse range of music in a gorgeous setting - I'll definitely be back!" 

JH - Norwich

"How lucky we are to have so many notable local orchestras and choirs providing quality musical entertainment. In this case, we would like to congratulate ‘Ensemble East’ for their splendid recent concert at St Mary’s Church, Bungay. What a feast of beautiful renditions of Haydn, Wagner, Gipps and Mozart. Wagner’s ‘Siegfried Idyll’ was particularly impressive with Conductor Philip Hesketh leading in this wonderful interpretation of this glorious piece.  Delighted also to hear Ruth Gipps’ ‘Seascape’, which was ably performed by the Wind Section to a very appreciative audience. There’s every reason to look forward to their forthcoming concert at St Peter Mancroft, Norwich on 15 July”    

 Peter Otley & Alan Whittaker - Framingham Earl  

“A polished performance of a well-chosen programme. The obvious enjoyment exhibited by the whole ensemble was reflected in the reaction of the audience. The gusto with which Mr Hesketh conducted, especially La Chasse, was infectious and really brought the best out of some very proficient musicians. I particularly enjoyed the contribution from your double-bass player who produced a most beautiful and sonorous voice from his instrument. All in all, a lovely way to spend a couple of hours of musical excellence.”   

 Mr B - Bungay   

 "I am always thrilled by live performance and Ensemble East didn't disappoint.

The sheer intensity and vibrancy of texture that can be seen in the making and lived in the moment is so vital. 

The response can not only be seen in the musicians but also in the wonderment of the audience who erupted at the end of the Mozart symphony as though they had just seen Geoff Hurst score the winning goal in the 1966 World Cup. But for all that it was an exhilarating finish to a well executed concert. 

This is what I love about EE. The package. Great music, great entertainment and wonderful interpretations.

The venue for this concert was a redundant church that is now run as a community events hall with Friends of the Church raising funds for its upkeep. It has a wonderful acoustic for orchestral and other music performance.

Ensemble East provide all that is needed for a classical concert creating atmosphere with skilful musicianship, and entertaining programmes presented with a depth of knowledge/understanding”.

 Anita Grimwood