Restore and Revive: Mendelssohn, Wagner and Britten in pictures
It was a joy to be back at Southwark Cathedral for another instalment of Restore and Revive on 19 May – our first in-person concert to a live audience this year. The day was full of smiles as our musicians caught up with each other and finally were able to perform together again. We were delighted to welcome back an audience for this celebration of the return of live music and indoor entertainment.
Take a look at how the performance unfolded through photos by Tom Bowles.
Wagner’s Siegfried Idyll was the perfect piece to start our celebration, with all musicians coming together on stage for the first time since our Christmas concert – prior to the long lockdown – last year. Britten’s intricate Sinfonietta followed, bringing contrasting moments of uncertainty and calm.
For the finale, Alexandra Wood (Creative Director and Leader) advised some of our audience members to turn their chairs round as the next piece, Mendelssohn’s Octet, was to be performed in the round in the middle of the Nave. This performance bubbled with life the whole way through, just as Matt Maguire (Viola) said it would.
This truly was a celebration for everyone; for our musicians, the audience, and orchestra and Cathedral management. Hodge the cat seemed to enjoy it too. We’re looking forward to more performances very soon!
All images in this blog post are © Tom Bowles for City of London Sinfonia, 2021.
Be sure to keep up to date with all our activities on Twitter @cityldnsinfonia, and on Facebook and Instagram (@cityoflondonsinfonia). You can also visit our website for information on upcoming events, as well as our wellbeing and education projects.