On Friday evening, 7th April, Bishop Auckland Music Society (BAMS) hosted a magnificent concert in St. Andrew's, South Church, featuring its wonderful Steinway grand piano, played by two of the UK's leading pianists, Sarah Beth Briggs and James Lisney, who performed beautifully a programme of easy listening duets including Mozart, Schubert, Fauré, Dvorak and Debussy, frequently featuring tunes recognised by the smiling audience like the signature tune from 'Listen with Mother'.
Here's what people had to say:
"what a lovely evening we had at St. Andrew's"
"much better accessibility than I had thought possible for the disabled. The acoustics are fine and of course to be surrounded by the beauty of such a magnificent 13th Century church is something to cherish"
"it was good to see such an ancient and interesting church used in this way. I look forward to hearing the harpists play there in May"
"We feel that the new venue is better than the Castle. It is more 'down to earth' and the church has a very warm and welcoming feel. We consider the change a positive one"
"the first concert in our new, but very old, venue was such a wonderful success. I am sure that this is the beginning of many wonderful times we shall share at St. Andrew's"
"thoroughly enjoyed it: venue fine & good programme and excellent intro's by the pianists"
"What an excellent concert! Stunning church - aren't you lucky"
"Yes, we enjoyed the concert very much! It all went very well and the new venue was fine; the church was fantastic. I thought the temperature was great. The acoustics were fine. Good depth, without irritating echoes, well-damped, yet lively. Does not need amplification"
"Chatting to friends at half-time, we found that others were enjoying the music and the occasion and were looking forward to the second half. They weren.t disappointed - far from it. Encore!