A very welcome addition to Open Day 2009 was the inaugural appearance of a string quartet. Actually five players were with us, Richard Barlow, Annette Parkes and Jerry Hoare (violin), Caroline Green (violin and viola) and Arthur Parkes (‘cello) all members of the Cardiff Philharmonic Orchestra. The quartet, arranged by Caroline Green, (daughter of Jeremy & Anne Davies) were formed especially to play on Open Day.
The quartet played light music to accompany the cream teas and then performed a concert or more serious music (including works by Mozart, Faure, Pachelbel and Corelli) in the church. Finally, our violinists played a selection of folk music to enliven the evening barbeque. The music was very much enjoyed and appreciated by all.
The players so enjoyed the wonderful atmosphere and acoustics of the church that, for their own pleasure, they played again on the Monday morning. To sit in the stillness and peace of the church after the hectic day before, and listen to the music that filled it was very moving.
The quartet was, at that point, nameless but have since adopted the name ‘The Green Dragon Quartet’ as suggested by Sylvie Pierce at the Open Day. The name commemorates this inaugural concert, combining as it does the Green Dragon that appears in St John’s chalice in the stain glass window of the church and the Welsh origins of the musicians (not to mention the hospitality enjoyed by the players at the pub of the same name !). The quartet has since gone from strength to strength and now is in demand for various functions including Church Services, Charity Functions and Society Weddings.
The ‘Dragons have very kindly offered to perform another concert for us with the proceeds going towards the upkeep of the church, which is such a wonderful, and vital, part of the village. Arthur, the cellist, has also offered to do a ‘cello recital. We look forward to welcoming them again in the New Year (details appear here) and our thanks go to the players not only for their wonderful music but also for their generosity.
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