There were a lot of smiles on faces of all ages after our three Pop-up Piano events last weekend—and not all of them thanks to Harry Hill.
About 20 talented local players seized the chance to play the gorgeous Steinway at St Laurence’s during the day on Friday. As someone commented about the Open Piano event, ‘It was like being given the keys to a Ferrari when you normally drive a Mini’. Their friends and families and plenty of passers-by in the church enjoyed hearing them playing a variety of piano pieces from Bach to John Barry. They created a magical atmosphere in the church all day.
Junior Piano saw nine local children (ages from 10-17) again enjoying the wonderful instrument in the church and delighting and often astonishing the audience with the maturity of their playing. National treasure, comedian Harry Hill, was a perfect host delivering some unforgettable moments of his own—and giving his services free of charge too.
And Saturday’s Strictly Piano event is already in danger of becoming an annual treat. The church was transformed with lighting and with the nave cleared for dancers. It was a truly unique sight. Local groups from Bitterley, Bewdley, Blakedown and Bridgnorth, Ludlow’s tango dancers and plenty of audience members took advantage of this unique chance to dance to music by Chopin, Satie, Gershwin, de Falla and others. The event will return (again with leading pianist, Viv McLean) in the festival proper in May which promises to be full of more much-talked-about events that you won’t want to miss!
A whole new concert experience!
You can see some photos from Saturday’s Strictly Piano in the gallery below.
A McG
