It wasn’t the first time that a trio of internationally acclaimed musicians has visited St Martins in East Horsely – but for many of the Moleside members in the audience for their concert in early December this was a new way to start our club’s Christmas celebrations.
Generously regarding themselves as almost locals it’s very likely that Tenors Un Limited, Scott, Paul & Jem – the Rat Pack of Opera as they call themselves – have also enjoyed the hospitality of the nearby Duke Of Wellington where our evening began with an early supper of turkey and plenty of trimmings.
Eventually there were more than 50 of us assembled for Moleside’s major Christmas get together and several of us commented on how long it had been since we had had so many familiar faces together for a celebration.
After our meal it was only a short walk across the road to the church that’s been at the centre of the community here for the best part of 10 centuries. It’s Norman architecture with its more recent additions presented an intriguing challenge to our 21st century performers who are no strangers to some of the world’s most respected concert halls.
With an ingeniously arranged temporary platform, the help of strategically placed television monitors and a potent sound system even those of us who found ourselves sitting behind a pillar could enjoy the show.
Informally blending of much loved songs from great operas with numbers from some of today’s renowned songsmiths and then throwing in some seasonal favourites to which we were all encouraged to join in, the Tenors delivered a perfectly pitched Christmas entertainment.
Not so long ago Paul and his family lived in Cobham and he was clearly delighted to be back amongst people who admired him and his fellow Tenors.
Seasoned fans and those who admitted that this was the first time we had experienced an evening like this were all very glad that the three friends had found time in their touring to come back and entertain us all so enthusiastically.
Thanks to Paul Walker for organising our memorable Christmas gathering and to Margaret Arnott and John Brice who assisted with our photographs that will help us remember the occasion.
The complete album of photos from our evening in St Martins for you is HERE
There’s more about Tenors Un Limited on https://www.tenorsunlimited.com
For reports on other recent club Visits click on Tags below