Stars and Stripes

Roland Fudge conductsLight classics with an American theme for July 4th

Well Sedbergh Orchestra has done it again – another dazzling performance at their Café Concert given last Thursday 4^th July 2019 to a packed audience at the Peoples Hall in Sedbergh. In recognition of the date of the concert (American Independence Day) the programme consisted of light classics with an American flavour including  – Stars and Stripes for Ever, Sound of Music, Lullaby of Broadway, Colonel Bogey, Largo from Dvorak’s New World Symphony and works by Leroy Anderson, Scott Joplin, George Gershwin, Cole Porter.

The Hall was adorned with Stars and Stripes, and the conductor Roland Fudge entered into the spirit of the occasion sporting a cowboy hat – as he observed it was [un]fortunate that Donald Trump was too preoccupied with world affairs to be present!

Large audience in Peoples HallLight classics with an American theme for July 4th Sara Speicher, as the Orchestra’s North American representative, gave a light-hearted perspective on the significance of July 4^th – the time we left America (Amexit??).

Perhaps Shirley Smith should have the last word:  “What a wonderful occasion it turned out to be on Thursday evening! As a member of the audience, I was able to appreciate the quality and enthusiasm of Sedbergh Orchestra and I felt really proud! In addition, it was quite amazing to see the big table laden with delicious food - everyone certainly turned up trumps. The audience definitely had good value for their money.”

Delicious foodLight classics with an American theme for July 4th

Mugs Post Script: My wife Elizabeth and I are shortly heading south to pastures new to be nearer our family. We were both very touched when Donald and Shirly presented us with a gift on behalf of Sedbergh Pepperpot Club in recognition of our contributions over the years – what an inspired choice: two mugs and a tray adorned with an OS map of Sedbergh. We will be able to sit in our new bungalow looking out on the Black Downs remembering the good times and spectacular scenery in Sedbergh.