Concert Reviews – 3 May 2025 & 5 July 2025

5 July – “Last Night of the Proms” Gala Concert

Packed venue: St Thomas’s Church, Lymington

The Nova Foresta Philharmonic Orchestra and the Lymington Choral Society, under the baton of Phil Daish-Handy—a true master of cohesion and energy for both musicians and audience—delivered a stunning performance!

On this momentous occasion, the choir gave it their all—and if that wasn’t enough, the audience were next! Jerusalem and Land of Hope and Glory brought out the flags, the tears, and the cheers. The conductor’s podium wobbled, applause broke out before the end of pieces, and patriotism filled the gloriously sunny Lymington evening.

The performance opened with the National Anthem, setting the tone for the proud and celebratory atmosphere that followed. Lymington fans were treated to an exquisite performance of Brahms’ Double Concerto for Violin and Cello, played by Thelma Handy and her brother, Lionel Handy. This concertante duo were superb across all three movements—their lyricism and exemplary technique perfectly conveyed the distinct Hungarian flair that weaves through this masterpiece.

The second half of the programme opened with Handel’s Zadok the Priest, composed for the coronation of King George II in 1727. The expectant orchestral build-up led to a monumental choral entry, delivered with great power and precision by the Lymington Choral Society, who navigated both rhythm and range with confidence and authority.

As the choir took a well-earned rest, the Nova Foresta Philharmonic Orchestra gave a striking performance of Walton’s Crown Imperial—a revelation in sound quality and dynamic force. It was the perfect lead-in to the rousing finale. True flag-waving nationalism at its best, with Elgar and Parry providing the iconic themes that define British musical culture and genius.

The concert was a triumph!

Mr P Roper-Curzon

Lymington Choral Society Concert – 3 May 2025

What better way to spend a bank holiday Saturday night than with a night of thrilling music? Lymington Choral Society have a reputation for delivering exciting performances and this certainly did not disappoint.

Haydn’s Nelson Mass (made up of several contrasting movements) saw choir and orchestra joined by four young solo singers; Isabelle Atkinson, Maria Willis, Daniel Bell, and Thomas Isherwood. These promising soloists seemed to have an serene quality of lyricism, and musicality. Blending perfectly with the orchestra and choir (under the expert baton of Phil Daish-Handy), their voices filled the entire church, delighting the audience before the interval.

Post drinks, we had a gentle rendition of Faure’s Cantique de Jean Racine. Here the choir were accompanied by piano only and credit must go to Timothy Rice for his sensitive accompaniment on the church’s steinway piano. French words are difficult to articulate but the choir coped admirably with the subtleties of this deceptively tricky work, always singing with warmth.

Following the Faure, we had two pieces from the 1950s film ‘Ben Hur’, Love Theme and Rowing music. Conductor Phil Daish-Handy’s enthusiasm for this music was evident and the orchestra delivered a powerful performance capturing the ‘golden age of Hollywood’.

The finale of the night was Borodin’s Choral Dance from his opera ‘Prince Igor’. Here, maestro Daish-Handy was in his element, balancing choir and orchestra superbly. The climax of the piece raised the roof and provided a fitting end to a joyous evening.

HW