Woldingham School musicians, Senior Amaris and the world renowned London Mozart Players performed jointly in a concert on 23rd February 06.

Under the directorship of Mr John Padley, Director of Music, Lizzie Karani, Abbie Mills and Alexandra Philpotts made solo performances. Senior Amaris, our leading choir, also performed choral works.

The London Mozart Players (LMP) is one of Europe's greatest chamber orchestras and the longest established, having been founded in 1949 by Harry Blech. As well as regular concerts in central London and at Fairfield Hall in Croydon (where the LMP is Resident Orchestra), the LMP also plays concerts across the UK and Europe throughout the year. 

Andrew Parrott, a conductor of great authority in the LMP's core repertoire, is the orchestra's Music Director. Sir James Galway OBE is the LMP's Principal Guest with Nicolae Moldoveanu as Associate Guest Conductor, and the well-known actor, Simon Callow, as Theatrical Adviser. In London, the LMP plays regularly at the South Bank Centre, maintaining the proud and unique record of having appeared there every year since the Royal Festival Hall opened in 1951. The orchestra also performs at the Barbican Centre and has a well-established relationship with St John's, Smith Square.

We are very proud of our soloists who each gave outstanding performances. It was a great thrill for us and the rest of the audience to watch them perform but now read what they have to say about the experience of playing with the London Mozart Players and how this wonderful opportunity has enhanced their musical careers.

Alexandra Philpotts

Photo courtesy SMS Photography Oxted

Performing Mozart?s Concerto No.3 in G major with the London Mozart Players was a really great experience.  It was the first time I had played a whole concerto with orchestra, and the LMP were very supportive.  I stood in the centre of the orchestra and David Juritz directed from the violin, which meant it felt like chamber music and required great communication between all concerned.  This set-up was much more inclusive than the arrangement of soloist, conductor and symphony orchestra, where each can appear to be a separate entity.  I hope I captured the hugely contrasting moods of the work, from playful, to regal to the most serene of sounds, and came even half way to delivering a performance worthy of honouring Mozart?s birth.

Lizzie Karani

Singing with the London Mozart Players really was a dream come true. It was a fantastic experience as it could be a once in a life time opportunity. I have never sung with a live, professional orchestra before and so, although I was extremely nervous at first, I really enjoyed the performance. The stage has always been where I am most comfortable and so I was very excited to be performing in such a large concert. I was extremely nervous while waiting in the dressing room with Abbie and Alexandra, but as I stepped onto the stage it all faded away and I couldn't wait to start singing. I only received the music a few weeks before half term and so it was a bit of a rush trying to learn it in time. I think my singing teacher was more nervous than I was though because it was such a demanding song. I really enjoyed the whole experience, and I loved hearing my friends play at such a high standard. I do hope that I will get such a great opportunity again.

Abbie Mills

When I was asked if I wanted to play alongside the London Mozart Players (LMP), I jumped at the chance.  I had never played with professionals before and so knew that it was going to be a challenge but as soon as I chose my concerto, I was motivated by it.  Since piano is my second study after singing, the concert was a daunting aspect, however with the help of both the music department and my teacher Doug Hewitt, I began to grasp it.
When the day of the concert finally arrived, the nerves began to take affect.  However, with the help of some rescue remedy, I was at least feeling a little calmer!  What most impressed me about the LMP was how friendly they were and how relaxed they made me feel.  And as they played of such a high quality, it lifted my performance and I began to really enjoy it.
After warming up my hands, beautifying myself and deciding which pointy shoe would be more comfortable to pedal in; I was ready to get the show on the road.  Whilst waiting in the wings of the auditorium, the director of LMP said, ?It doesn?t matter happens, just enjoy it.?  And so that is what I did.
Once I had finished playing, I knew that all the hard work, enthusiasm and commitment had paid off when the auditorium filled with applause.  Not only did I feel privileged to play with such incredible professional musicians, I had achieved something which I will remember forever.