The most recent Darwin Ensemble Chamber Orchestra (DECO) concert on 24 October was a great chance to play the Haydn and Mozart Sinfonia Concertanti again. I had not played the Haydn for many years and really enjoyed this exuberant and espressive work again – for the oboist pure fun with much of the attention being taken by the solo violin (played with real panache by Alex Laing, and with Jane Salmon playing cello and Keith Rubach the bassoon). The Mozart is such a pleasure to play – every note a gem. Alex was joined on viola by Ruth Woolley for a fine and eloquent performance conducted by Philip Scriven. I sat out for Haydn 73, La Chasse and enjoyed hearing Deco play with Laura Ashton and Simon Dewhurst playing the oboe parts – lovely playing. It was nice to be back playing in Lichfield Cathedral with many old friends there – long may these chances continue!

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