Southport String Ensemble at Christ Church

Led by Ms Sarah Marks and comprised of a cello, two violas and twelve violins, Southport String Ensemble played today to an audience of more than two hundred at Christ Church.

This ensemble has the peculiarity of being comprised of youngsters —five extra small musicians joined-in halfway through the presentation—, though, just by hearing them play you would have never guessed that: Ms Marks must be a phenomenal teacher, as attested by the synchronous professionalism her élèves displayed today— that discipline will surely transfer and better other aspects of their formation.

The song selection played no small part in today's success. Folk music to me is always a door to the unexplored, though I also enjoyed the pieces by Vivaldi and Georg Philipp Telemann, my favourite was the second part of the Danish «Bridal Trilogy», where the cello took the leading voice and the violins played what would normally come from the cello: this creative reversal was even more apparent from where I sat, as I could hear the cello as if I were sat next to it: a privilege considering the subtle finesse with which it was played.

All in, the concert lasted almost a full hour— a wonderful hour. All that's left is to thank Christ Church, Ms Marks, and the parents that raised such talented musicians.

Original-date: 19 Feb 2025