What a smashing, positively dashing spectacle – the Summer Non-Garden Concert!

The sun shone bright and warm on the day of our Summer Garden Concert – obviously somebody didn’t get the memo about it being held indoors, at The Meeting House, Ringwood! Fortunately our audience turned up in force, and enjoyed a colourful, musical celebration of the capricious British summertime.

The Ascot Gavotte. Photo by Rivendell Designs Photography

There were fairy wings, fancy hats, fruity cocktails, picnics and bunting galore; and nobody even had to worry about getting rained on.

Bella Nova Singers. Photo by Rivendell Designs Photography

La Nova Singers were joined by Bella Nova Singers, a group of younger performers who were formerly a quartet but at this event had expanded to five. Bella Nova were fresh from their success at the 2012 Bournemouth Music Competitions Festival, where they won the junior ensemble class. They performed several pieces, including ‘Save the Child’ from Paul McCartney’s Liverpool Oratorio; Leonard Cohen’s ‘Hallelujah’ and the traditional spiritual ‘Joshua Fought the Battle of Jericho’. Jess also performed a solo, ‘I Could Have Danced All Night!’ from My Fair Lady.

Photo by Rivendell Designs Photography

There was fun with Fairy Chorus from Gilbert and Sullivan’s Iolanthe, and Three Little Maids from the Mikado. The audience were also treated to a solo from Michelle Nova herself – the Song to the Moon from Dvorak’s Rusalka. The well-loved tunes from West Side Story, and a sprinkling of classic pop songs, made for a really enjoyable programme.

Photo by Rivendell Designs Photography

Thanks to Dennis of Rivendell Designs Photography for taking some lovely photos at this event, and to Nigel Nother for going to Mockbeggar Lane in Ibsley to redirect any stray audience members (of which there were… none)! Thanks also to Su, who was prepared to host us in her lovely garden (even if the weather won out in the end!) and to Lisa and Sally for their help, as always.

So, what’s next for La Nova Singers? On Monday 20th August we’ve got a very exciting concert, in Dorchester for the Thomas Hardy Festival. Stay tuned for an announcement about a particularly special piece of music we’re sure you won’t want to miss…!

www.lanovasingers.co.uk