Friends of St Mary’s
Lunchtime Recital 11th September 2024
Evan Ruth accompanied by Tanya Kirk

by Jason Busby 

In the 10th Anniversary Year of the lunchtime recitals, we have been truly blessed with some stunning performances. Not least on Wednesday 11th September when we welcomed back to St. Mary’s Tenor Evan Ruth accompanied by Tanya Kirk. Evan took us on a three phase journey from stereotypical playful French, romantic Italian & incomprehensible English art songs. Evans passion for singing certainly shone, with glorious sunshine coming through windows creating a warm and inspiring atmosphere. I was watching from the back, and everyone was entranced by his performance and introductions to each section. The Duparc: L’invitation au Voyage in the French section, this piece felt like we were left on a cliff hanger, so expressively sung. The passion, intensity and pace of the Bellini in the Italian section, then the grand start to the Britten in the English section, a poem from 1936 which we didn’t know what it was about but love, fragility featured I think while on the piano Tanya transformed the piano into trumpets, flutes along side Evan, so dramatic. I really wished I had lived streamed this recital as it was one not to be missed. Tanya gave two solos on the piano by Poulenc & Kenneth Leighton. Kenneth being a relatively unknown composer I urge you to look him up! A thoroughly enjoyable recital and we thank Evan & Tanya so much for delighting us and we hope they will return next season.

Next month we look forward to welcoming back Soprano Katalin Prentice accompanied by Tanya Kirk, with a programme of delightful music consisting of famous operas and operettas. So, join us on Wednesday 9th October from 12noon for refreshments from cakes, scones, sandwiches, tea, coffee etc for a 12.30pm recital.

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The Friends of St Marys would like to thank East Suffolk Council and Alison Cackett for their generous grant of £1000 towards purchasing new tables and a tidy storage trolley. These will be used for various events in church both by the church and the community who use it and have already been used for the Heritage Open Days and lunchtime recitals.'