Holkham Marble Hall Classical Music Rocks chamber music recital with Klio Blonz (flute), Rebecca Hepplewhite (cello) and Grace Mo (piano)

Review by Andy Tyler

To misquote a popular operatic aria, I definitely did not dream I dwelt in marble halls recently, as I certainly did attend an excellent Classical Music Rocks chamber music recital, at Holkham’s Marble Hall, a collaborative concert event, celebrating CMR’s sixth anniversary.

The fine professional musicians performing were Klio Blonz (flute), Rebecca Hepplewhite (cello), and Grace Mo (piano). CMR is a charity founded in 2016, and aims to bring live classical music to the children of Norfolk and beyond.

The organisation has visited 16,000 children to date, and is also active in the community. CMR also presents concerts to the public, for audiences of all ages, collaborating with local music and arts organisations.

A full and appreciative audience enjoyed a splendid programme of music by Haydn, Robert Schumann, J.N.Hummel, Gaubert, Enesco and the French nineteenth century composer Louise Farrenc, whose music is being played more frequently these days.

The trios and duos were played with elegance and grace, and with gravitas and virtuosity when appropriate. The enthusiastic audience enjoyed Elgar’s Chanson de Matin as a delightful encore.

In the morning youngsters from Burnham Market, Wells, Snettisham and Heacham schools enjoyed two short 45 minute concerts including pieces lasting eight or nine minutes only.

The children enjoyed the music and historic venue Holkham provided.

Thanks to all concerned!

CMR is funded by Postcode Places Trust, Norfolk Music Hub, the Prince of Wales Charitable Fund and private donors.

For more information regarding CMR do visit: www.cmrschoolswestnorfolk.com