Our outdoor concert adventure continues! These strange times caused by the pandemic have turned the world upside down and brought much distress to many people, but organising outdoor COVID-secure events helped us achieve the previously impossible – to invite a string quartet, for the first time in 11 years.

Our dream combination of two violins, viola and cello was presented by the Carducci String Quartet who not only showed their bubbling energy and glorious harmony, but their undisputable togetherness, full-bodied sound making and expression, and brilliant projection. Their programme featured Beethoven’s Serioso, so dark and dynamic, and Dvorak’s American; the contrast of personalities was striking.

The Quartet was preceded by Guildford music student and soprano, Hannah Dienes-Williams. Today’s event would not have been complete without her! She delighted the audience with varied songs, including Mozart’s Arias from the Marriage of Figaro, Faure’s Apres un Reve, and Mein Herr Marquis by Johann Strauss. What a life-full of performance. What a thrilling voice.

The British weather switches from one extreme to another. Rain and cold threatened the first two concerts, while this time it was extremely hot! Nevertheless, we were delighted to see the record number of attendees. We are grateful for everyone’s support and enthusiasm.