France Day 9: The concert

After working intensely hard a day off is very welcome but the return to work affects different people in different ways. Some were looking forward to playing again while others had lost a bit of motivation so this morning's rehearsal did not begin as well as it could have. However things quickly picked up and we got through most of the programme for this evening finishing in time for Mass. In the end players worshipped the open air either in the pool or in the courtyard. There was a request for Sergio and I to play some jazz again so we set up and after the suggestion that When the Saints would be appropriate we kicked off with that. As the sun was shining there was a much better atmosphere than the previous evening so we enjoyed ourselves even more. We did Autumn Leaves and finished off with Lady Be Good.

We were given a lunch at the hotel as we were to be away from the hotel that evening. I sat with David so finally got to chat to him about his experiences and musical life. He was a flautist and played with the Halle Orchestra as well as many of the northern ensembles working under many distinguished names. It was very interesting to hear his views as his preferred conductors were often the less well known ones while the household names were not always admired by the orchestral players. I may take my own rehearsals differently to David but he is a fine musician who really knows his stuff. The musical organisation of this week really can't be faulted.

After lunch we had an hour to fill so I went on a short walk through the woods and saw a red squirrel. It was definitely a squirrel and they are more likely to be red around here. I also found Harvey, one of the flutes, doing some last minute practise.

Practise room

It was then time to head up to the church at Goult. Most walked while instruments went in cars or the van. I took the harp, some clarinets, a flute and had the pleasure of Philip the flautist and his wife Julia. We were among the first to arrive and helped set up. I played through a few of my grade 2 and 3 pieces while it was still relatively peaceful and really enjoyed playing in the church. Gradually others arrived and we had a short rehearsal running some pieces but mostly just tackling the tricky bits. As there were still a few more ropey moments, including an awkward repeat sign, I helped the wind section devise some hand gestures to signal when we were at a certain point in the music. I was to do a big swish with my hand just as the flutes and oboes were to jump to the coda of a piece. During the break most players went to look around Goult or sat around in the sunshine chatting. A few ran through last minute corners checking fingerings or notes.

Setting up for rehearsal

There was a good audience, better than last year apparently, although how many of them would stay until the end we didn't dare think about. The Hunt by Vivaldi was first and this went pretty well. Ranelagh Gardens Suite by Hook had a few dodgy moments in but was fine as was the Schubert symphony movements. Alan played the oboe solo in the Minuet particularly well. Angela played the Haydn Trumpet Concerto very well, possibly the best performance of the week. The Elgar pieces, theme to Dr Finlay and Delibes suite also held together well and the rapturous applause at the end was encouraging and sincere.

In concert

Close up of harp and winds

There were many Bravos and kind words. It was suggested that the orchestra this year played better than last year so that was encouraging for those who were on their second or third visit. After the concert we were all invited back to the house of a relative of Anthony Greville-Bell whose vision of the summer course in Provence was finally realised only shortly after his death.

Drinks and nibbles in Goult

After drinks, nibbles, more kind words and a team photo we headed off to several restaurants across the village.

Learning Orchestra Summer Course 2011

One of the last views of Provence

The food at our restaurant, La Carillon, was fantastic, the best meal of the week and it was a fitting end to a great week. Most of us will meet up at breakfast tomorrow some heading back to Britain by train or car, others staying on in France for a few days more. A few email address have been exchanged while others will no doubt be sought tomorrow. The course may be over but I still have two days of driving ahead so will say Bonne nuit and sign off.