Picnic concert a gourmet delight

NOW in their 16th year, Tatton Park summer concerts are an absolute joy to take part in.

From loading the picnic basket with fine foods and favourite tipples to trudging across fields and finding the right spot from which to enjoy world-class music as day turns into night, the experience is one which never fails to prove a highlight in the year.

Saturday’s Halle, firework and light spectacular was no exception.

The hugely popular John Wilson, still in his mid-30s and shortlisted for this year’s prestigious Royal Philharmonic Society’s Conductor’s Award, led a popular programme of music familiar to most ears.

From the romantic Strauss waltz “Roses from the South,” and Grainger’s jaunty “Country Gardens” to Tchaikovsky’s “Waltz of the Flowers” from the “Nutcracker,” ballet and the audience’s favourite of the night, Coates’ triumphant “Dam Busters,” he painted a picture with words before unleashing the sounds of the mighty Halle into the evening skies.

Worthy of praise in its own right was an extraordinary firework display, launched from the middle of the lake in Tatton Park’s glorious setting.

The concert ended with “The Planets,” a work from Holst which gives life and character to Mars — the bringer of war, Saturn — the bringer of old age and Jupiter — the bringer of jollity.

Fireworks were choreographed by concert specialists Dragonfire, taking their cue from the orchestra and the conductor to create an incredible display.

As the orchestra struck the first notes of Saturn, a burnished glow began to rise from behind the stage, and a blazing planet encircled by a ring of fire rose high into the sky in an amazing display.

Likewise, the sounds of “Mars” welcomed two coloured circles, presumably directed by remote control, which turned into what looked like blazing meteorites.

The evening was fabulous, and I can only recommend that anyone who gets the chance to go to next year’s 17th picnic concert at Tatton Park to take advantage — you are unlikely to be disappointed.


MB