It was a wet and cold Saturday evening that beckoned a full house to one of our listed venues, St Saviour’s Church Raynes Park, to attend a classical guitar concert by the internationally renowned Eden Stell Guitar Duo (Mark Eden and Christopher Stell) http://www.edenstell.com/. A Duo known for their dynamism and innovation, they are widely regarded as one of the world’s leading guitar ensembles.  As a Dutch reviewer critiqued: “they have breathed new life into the world of classical guitar” – and they did not disappoint!

Whilst the range of pieces played included European artistes Giuliani, Scarlatti, Mompou and Brahms, some of which dated back to the 18th century, the modernising of the arrangements by the Duo and the acclaimed John Williams put to bed the idea that such music was restricted to just the influence of the Catalan province. Indeed with the modern twist to the arrangements there were joyous sounds of the flamenco dance but also those of gentle breezes, lullabies and la danse au francais!

And St Saviour’s as hosts did not disappoint either. With £1 glasses of carefully chosen wines and a range of nibbles on the table, the £12 tickets were a bargain given the calibre of the charming and self-effacing Duo. The audience gave them spontaneous and rightly deserved applause and I rather think that the grand Church organ behind the guitarists chimed in too!  An evening of sheer delight.

Written by WCA Volunteer Kathie Arundel