Music For Everyone

Music For Everyone mounted an extraordinary range of high-voltage performances in and around the Albert Hall on Sunday afternoon as part of their Promenade 2010.

The concert's first half featured the Blow the Dust Orchestra, performing - with considerable panache – pieces by composers as diverse as Fauré, Leroy Anderson and The Beatles. Daytime Voices performed two sets of three pieces, including arrangements by John Rutter. And the versatile, highly musical Nottingham Girls' Voices had two spots too, singing folk song, musical theatre and Simon and Garfunkel. The enthusiasm and commitment of all three groups were a joy to behold.

The interval allowed time to venture outside to experience the energy and expertise on offer at other venues – including the jazz quartet outside the Playhouse.

Then back inside again to hear the Nottingham Festival Chorus and Concert Orchestra, conducted by Angela Kay, in Bernstein's Chichester Psalms and the choral version of Barber's Adagio as well as selections from Gershwin's Porgy and Bess. The East of England Singers were also on hand to provide moving performances of spirituals and gospel music.

All these many and varied ingredients proved once more that imaginatively directed communal music-making is an inspiring and life-enhancing experience.