A beautiful sunny evening in Bisley was made perfect by a stellar line up of world class musicians led by violinist Cathy Thompson, who performed to a sell-out audience in All Saints’ Church, writes Graham Gill.
Billed as ‘Cathy Thompson and friends’, the calibre of her address book was swiftly evidenced by fellow-soloists Kathy Shave (violin), Andy Crowley (trumpet) and Caroline Dale (cello). Kathy joined Cathy in the slow movement of Bach’s Concerto for Two Violins, Andy played his own transcription of Albinoni’s Concerto in B Flat, and Caroline, who had played the beautiful Elegy for Dunkirk on the soundtrack of Atonement, reprised it augmented by Stroud’s EOM Singers. A further highlight was the contrasting Latin groove of Astor Piazzola’s Libertango expertly anchored by Dave Ayre’s double-bass.
Cathy surprised the audience with her last friend – presenting actor Rupert Everett in an unbilled appearance to perform three readings related to the music. The standing ovation at the end left everybody taking part in no doubt how well their performances were appreciated.
Fiona Gill from All Saints said the church was grateful to Rathbones for sponsoring the event, and to the musicians for their mesmerising performances.
“This is the second year that Cathy has brought her friends to perform at Bisley and on both occasions, tickets for the concerts have sold out.
“We are so grateful to all concerned for bringing such wonderful music to All Saints.”
Pictures by Simon Pizzey
