Andy Tyler reviews concert of songs inspired by Shakespeare at St George’s Guildhall in King’s Lynn

Reviewer Andy Tyler shares his thoughts on a recent concert at Lynn’s Guildhall…

Once again West Norfolk school children have had the opportunity to enjoy classical music in Lynn’s historic Guildhall thanks to the Classical Music Rocks charity and musicians Siobhain O’Higgins (piano) and Natasha Page (soprano).

In one day over three performances recently, 830 youngsters from the following schools attended the very well received recital - Anthony Curton, Tilney All Saints, Greyfriars, Eastgate, Clenchwarton, West Lynn and Gayton.

The programme was devised by Natasha Page and included songs both famous and not so well known by Tippett, Haydn, Schubert, Britten, Vaughan Williams, Madeleine Dring,Finzi, and a song from Cole-Porter’s popular musical Kiss me Kate.

All the songs, performed with style and sensitivity, had Shakespearean connections (the Bard could well have performed at the Guildhall in Tudor times), and Vaughan Williams and Benjamin Britten both visited Lynn during their lifetimes.

The musicians gave informative and entertaining descriptions of the music and a little background information about the composers represented.

A fine achievement by CMR and all involved, including the team at SGG for ensuring the event ran so smoothly! CMR hope to return to the Guildhall after it’s refurbishment in a couple of years time.