Press Release: Recital in aid of CPRE

Recital - St. Cross Church, Winchester (12 Oct. 2007) in aid of the Campaign to Protect Rural England (Hampshire)

The 12^th century Chapel of the Hospital of St. Cross was an excellent setting for a well-supported recital by trumpeter Paul Hart and organist Elizabeth Le Grove. Not only is this a beautiful building, but its glorious acoustic and fine 1864 organ provided these fine players with cathedral-like conditions for their well-prepared and varied programme.

Following the performance, Mr Derek Beck, the resident Organist for St Cross church, observed:

"Wondrous breath control, contrasts of dynamics (at every altitude!) and a wide range of moods marked Paul's performance on four different instruments."

He was sympathetically supported by Elizabeth's organ playing, which was further demonstrated in four noble organ solos. Elizabeth was responsible for many of the arrangements played in this recital that included Baroque sonatas, Nessun Dorma and the Royal Marines' famous Evening Hymn and Sunset.

Paul Hart dedicated the latter to all of our servicemen, particularly those joining up and going straight into active combat this year. There was silence after that particular hymn as everybody was sympathetic to the dedication and it was so beautiful, moving some of the audience to tears! Nessun Dorma, again, was one of the high points, particularly coming so soon after the death of the great Italian tenor Luciano Pavarotti.

The variations of lively, invigorating melodies and the more thought provoking movements, all sensitively created by the musical genius of these wonderful performers, suited the tastes of everyone in the enthusiastic audience, whose appreciation elicited two encores.

Dr Brian Foster, Chairman of The Campaign to Protect Rural England (Mid Hampshire District Group) wishes to express his gratitude to the Master and Trustees of the Hospital of Saint Cross and Almshouse of Noble Poverty, for permitting the Recital to be held in this magnificent venue, and also to the Organist, Mr Derek Beck, Brother James Abson and Mrs Catherine Secker for their generous assistance which collectively made a most significant contribution to its success.

- Ends -

CPRE/H/115

Notes to editors

The Campaign to Protect Rural England, Hampshire Branch (CPRE Hampshire) is a registered charity and a branch of the national CPRE charity.

CPRE Hampshire strives to promote the beauty, tranquility and diversity of the countryside of Hampshire by the sustainable use of land and other resources in town and country, and encouraging the biodiversity and well-being of rural communities.

For membership information on CPRE, please contact:
Pam Mason, administrator, CPRE Hampshire
Tel: 01962 843655
Email:admin@cprehampshire.org.uk

For event media enquiries, please contact:
Becky French, Media and Admin Assistant
Tel: 01962 843655
Email: info@cprehampshire.or.uk

For all media enquiries, please contact:
Keren Burney, media & communications officer, CPRE Hampshire
Tel: 01730 894123 Mobile: 07876 780065
Email: kburney000@aol.com