Jeannette and Andrew Barnes attended a concert in Yorkshire 18 months ago and were so captivated by the performance that they were determined to find sufficient sponsorship to bring the Christian Forshaw Sanctuary Ensemble to St Mary’s Adderbury
Their efforts were amply rewarded last Sunday, as were an audience made up of Forshaw ‘groupies’ from far and wide, and the good folk of Adderbury who hadn’t a clue what to expect
So lights off, hush, a distant rumble from the chancel, a beautiful vibrant soprano from the back of the church, then the church organ quietly shepherding in a piercing saxophone – the atmosphere was haunting and electric
This was Christian Forshaw, and the wonderful acoustics of St Mary’s were the perfect venue for the perfect symmetry of his ensemble
We heard an eclectic programme of this entrancing music from liturgical movements, a Wesleyan hymn, a lighter Vaughan William melody then back to ‘some more miserable stuff’ as described by Forshaw, whose arrangements so skilfully embraced the talents of the players – and it was far from miserable! None present had ever believed they would hear such an enthralling rendition of Nunc Dimittis.
The event will live long in the memory, and raised  approximately £1680  (figure to be confirmed) for FOSMA (Friends of St Mary’s Adderbury) and their ongoing programme of fundraising for the fabric of the church.  Thanks to everyone who supported the evening.
Thanks go to all the sponsors – and foresight of the Barnes!