Jamie Lonsdale's Birthday Musical Extravaganza - 23 Oct 2014

[John]

Mary-Jess will be taking part in this event near Marble Arch in London



From Mary-Jess's website:-

You are cordially invited to Jamie Lonsdale's Birthday Musical Extravaganza!

Tenor Jamie Lonsdale, international soprano Alexandra Kennedy, the magnificent mezzo soprano Flora McIntosh, and I will perform arias, our own material as well as songs and duets from the shows, all supported by Robert Emery, MD, and 14 members of the Arts Symphonic Orchestra.

All this is in aid of the Church of the Annunciation, celebrating their centenary appeal and commemorating the 100th anniversary to the day that Jamie's great-uncle Norman Somerset was shot at Ypres aged 19. Norman’s statue is in the Church and you will hear the world premier of a trio composed by Robert Emery in Norman’s memory.

Please come and support this wonderful event. Tickets are strictly limited so best book today by contacting:

[e-mail]

01367 820599

Tickets are £25 each, or £60 for four ticket, so have more fun and bring another couple. Drinks have kindly been sponsored by the Cumberland Hotel! All proceeds go to the charity.

I very much hope to see you there and I'll look forward to celebrating with you after the concert!
Thursday, October 23, 2014
7:30pm – 9:30pm 19:30 – 21:30

www.mary-jess.com/shows/

[John]

A delightful evening, with solos and duets from Jamie Lonsdale (tenor), Alexandra Kennedy (soprano), Flora McIntosh (mezzo) and of course Mary-Jess, accompanied by a small orchestra led by conductor and pianist Robert Emery, in a packed church.
All were brilliant, but I shall concentrate here on Mary-Jess's contribution to the evening.

After a glowing introduction, Mary-Jess appeared to sing 'Lighthouse of Mine', my favourite song from Shine and the first time I have heard her sing this with a live orchestral backing.



The next number was a moving 'father and daughter' duet written by Jamie and sung by him with Mary-Jess taking the daughter's part. I believe this was the first public performance of this song.




Jamie and Mary-Jess were back with another duet in the second half. This one was co-written by Mary-Jess with Chris Eaton. 'I Never Left You' is a song about a man mourning his dead lover, oblivious to her presence (in spirit) all around him. Moving isn't the word for this one; the words and music are just beautiful and the tears were streaming down my face.



Mary-Jess's final solo was the ever-welcome 'Glorious'. I will never tire of hearing her sing this.




All the soloists came together for the finale. Embarassingly, I have forgotten what they sang, but they clearly were enjoying it.



From left to right, Alexandra Kennedy, Mary-Jess, Flora McIntosh and Jamie Lonsdale.

The evening was crowned by a lovely few minutes chat with Mary-Jess after the concert. Just a pity that more of her fans were not able to be there.

[Graham]

Great report and some excellent photos John, sounds like you had a very enjoyable evening.

Sorry to hear there was a shortage of fans to support Mary-Jess. Some of us were contemplating going but two other concerts that same night were also vying for our attention and a decision was made to go to one in Camden instead.

Hopefully, next time...!

Graham

[John]

Official photos of the event have been added to Jamie's website
www.jamie-lonsdale.com/gallery.html

There are some of Mary-Jess, and the sharp-eyed might even spot me in a couple of them

Also worth scrolling down to the "Masterclass & Concert - May 2014 - Kingstone Lisle Park"