PrettyInScarlett

Cultural activities continued last night with The Caritas Ensemble 's summer concert, A summer sojourn , at St Nicholas' Church in the Market Place. This was my first chamber concert in Durham, so I wasn't entirely sure what to expect, but the group's online description of their performances including lesser-known works caught my eye (as did their aim of raising money for local charities). An audience of about 20-30 had assembled by the start of the concert, which began with a familiar work, Debussy's Syrinx for solo flute, setting the atmosphere for the evening. The lesser-known works were all in the first half, of which I most enjoyed Lennox Berkeley's Six Preludes - pianist Emily Murray performed 'moderato', 'lento' and 'allegro'. A clear debt to Debussy, but still extremely enjoyable. Less enjoyable, for me at least, were excerpts from Richard Rodney Bennett's Sounds and Sweet Aires - a very high quality performance but t

After our sojourn in Worcestershire, M and I have now relocated to Durham, north-east England. Still early days but I am slowly finding venues and event listings. The end of June saw us at Hill Island Microbrewery 's mini festival at Alington House - fruit beers!! Shades of Ottawa, especially the raspberry.... The last week, along with summer (yay!) saw the opening Streets of Brass from this year's Brass: Durham International Festival . Walking in along Framwellgate Bridge on Saturday 6th we were greeted by the enthusiastic and entertaining performers from Brassy B, whom we could hear down in Fowlers Yard . Fowlers Yard had a 10th anniversary festival/open day; we tried the delights of Leonard's for lunch, plus a swift drink from the Hill Island folk. Our brief Brass experience continued with Oompah Brass in the Market Place. Fantastic playing and also very, very funny; treats included covers of Bonnie Tyler's 'Total Eclipse of the Heart', plus 'Crazy Li