Peter’s new ‘musical entertainment’ commisioned by Sam Orchard for the forces of RGS Guildford was given it’s first performance in July. Huge forces which included a boys choir for the Rats, the choristers of Guildford Cathedral for the Children and an SATB choir for the People of Hamelin, were accompanied by a professional chamber group from Southern Pro Musica bolstered by young players, and a string orchestra created from the string scheme players from Guildford Schools; there were nearly 250 performers in total. A compact ‘opera’ for children, all the solo parts were also performed by youngsters. The performance was given a standing ovation and there was no doubt that all those involved had thoroughly enjoyed the experience of learning and performing a new work.
