This past weekend, Farnham Sinfonia delivered an exquisite concert in the heart of Farnham that surpassed all expectations.

This 40-piece professional orchestra proved once again that musical brilliance is not confined to the grand halls of London.

From the very first notes of Mendelssohn’s Hebrides Overture, it was clear the audience was in for something special. Performed with clarity, the orchestra’s interpretation revealed the architecture of the piece with a gripping lucidity that rivalled - and in many ways exceeded - performances I heard at Salzburg’s Festspiele and across Europe.

The second movement of Beethoven’s Eroica - the funeral march - was deeply moving and resonated with many in the audience on a personal level. Sibelius and the young virtuoso Sasha Parker were received with great enthusiasm.

Special thanks must go to guest leader Julia Wilson and maestro Matthew Taylor, whose interpretation brought a new experience of familiar works. His ability to illuminate structure and emotion gave the audience a fresh and partly new experience of beloved classics. The short contemporary piece Remembrance from Lloyd Moore was well chosen by Matthew - without melody, the aesthetics of the instrumentation were convincingly beautiful and atmospheric.

It is a great honour to introduce myself as the new president of Farnham Sinfonia. I am deeply privileged to support such a remarkable ensemble, dedicated to bringing outstanding music to the heart of the Farnham community.

As a not-for-profit registered charity, Farnham Sinfonia relies on the generosity and involvement of local supporters. This weekend’s concert was a true labour of love, with just one volunteer preparing all the refreshments for the musicians. The need for helping hands is clear, but so too is the reward: unforgettable evenings of world class music, shared in an intimate and inspiring setting.

To become a volunteer or trustee email Diana Martin at [email protected]

His Serene Highness, Dr Donatus, Prince of Hohenzollern