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Bursts of torrential rain right up until the gates opened failed to dent the success of the town’s annual Last Night of the Proms concert, in Alton’s Public Gardens on Saturday 9 July.

The number of concert-goers may have been slightly down on previous years, but over 1,000 folk, young and old turned up to enjoy a packed programme of movie themes, familiar classics, rousing numbers and a piece composed by the town’s very own Chris Gardner commemorating the Battle of Alton.

Started in 2007, the previous concerts have all been blessed with fairly sunny evenings, with the exception of 2009 when the programme turned into Handel’s Water Music.

Once again MC Paul Le Feuvre, dressed in a dashing white tuxedo, introduced the packed programme featuring Alton Concert Orchestra, Alton Community Choir, Alton Choral Society and Holybourne Choir performing a mixture of well known popular classical tunes and songs. With usual rousing numbers, some lead by soprano Rebekah Abbott, the ACO’s performance of Strauss’ Radetsky March had the audience providing the traditional clapping accompaniment.

Dr Chris Leggett of the Alton Concert Orchestra said, “The orchestra always enjoys playing this concert and our conductor, David Budd, had chosen an excellent programme for the occasion. We were thrilled to give another world premiere of a piece by Chris Gardner and I think our musicians played better than ever.”

Deputy Town Clerk Greg Burt from Alton Town Council, which coordinates the show-piece evening reported that the council had received many comments from the public saying that it was possibly the best event yet, adding, “The performers really did excell themselves with a programme that contained something for everyone. In addition, the extra conveniences that were brought in were much appreciated by the crowds during the interval. All in all, it is difficult to see where we could improve on what was a perfect evening!”

Media contacts:
Alton Town Council Greg Burt 01420 83986 greg@alton.gov.uk
Alton Concert Orchestra Chris Leggett 01730 893032
Photos of the evening are available from Martin Saban-Smith LMPA 01420 542020

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