Dorking Concertgoers Society

17/02/2025

We’re now three concerts into our 2024/25 season.
Our autumn concerts were both cancelled because of the Dorking Halls’ closure and the LPO withdrew from our January concert because we told them about the closure. In fact we could have run that event but we replaced it with a stunning concert by the Gesualdo 6 in St. Martin’s Church. Packed it was!!!
“Normal service” has been resumed with three concerts by the Brodsky Quartet. Yesterday ( 16th Feb 2025) was the second, which finished with a superbly played “Große Fugue”. This long established quartet shows an amazing depth of understanding of the music and superb empathy between the players.
Truly humbling!!!

20/11/2024

I have never before heard anyone say that they’ve enjoyed an AGM.
As Chairman of the Dorking Concertgoers it happened to me last Monday.
We did rather sugar the pill!!!!!!
Our members all received a glass of Prosecco as they arrived. The formal business took half an hour. After which the brilliant young violinist Oscar Perks gave a short recital, including the wonderful “Bach Chaconne”. We held the event in the Dorking Dramatic and Operatic Society’s Green Room. DDOS made us feel SO welcome and we trooped out of the lovely little theatre, after listening to Oscar, to find a delicious buffet provided by members of the Committee.
It was a memorable event and one that, in some form, we hope to repeat at future AGMs.

20/11/2024

I have not posted for ages. The closure of the Dorking Halls for the Summers of both 2024 and 2025 has been very difficult for us.
We were excited to welcome the Jess Gillam Octet on Oct. 19th. That concert has had to be cancelled, as has a piano recital by Ignas Maknickas in November. The LPO were due to visit in January 2025 but withdrew because of uncertainties about the Halls. Next year is almost as bad.
We have been able to organise 5 concerts after Christmas.
The Gesualdo 6 ( international singing ensemble) on Jan. 19th 1600 in St. Martin’s Church.
Brodsky Quartet on 2nd Feb 1500: 16th Feb 1600: 2nd March 1500- Martineau Hall.
Fiona Harrison (guitar) on 5th April 19.30- Martineau Hall

13/05/2024

12/05/2024

SUPERB- recital in the Dorking Halls yesterday by Sheku and Isata Kanneh-Mason to a capacity audience.
Mendelssohn
Beethoven
Fauré
Chopin
It was a long and demanding programme ( 2hrs + interval) for the audience as well. ( As luck would have it, it was very hot!) There were a good few children in the audience who were extremely well behaved!! Well done!
Sheku spoke briefly to the audience. He was so warm and engaging!
His ‘cello playing is exquisite and draws the listener in so that one feels that he is playing just for you.
A pin dropping in the quieter sections would have been deafening.
Isata is a technically and musically brilliant young musician. The organiser methinks!
The couple received a rapturous response from a mesmerised audience.
And- they were charming with it!!

30/04/2024

Please note- the ticket pricing is wrong on this ad.

30/04/2024

Jess Gillam is a BBC Young Musician winner and her octet is gaining wide acclaim for its varied and entertaining programmes.

29/04/2024

A volunteer wanted to turn the pages for Isata Kanneh-Mason at the Dorking Halls on May 11th.
Concert Sheku and Isata!
Sold out!
Small fee plus expenses paid.