A concert fit for a King was the latest outing for the Portsmouth Philharmonic Orchestra as it entertained an audience of almost 200 at Lee-on-the-Solent on Saturday in a special event to mark the coronation of King Charles III. The orchestra’s efforts raised £500 for charity.
With a programme reflecting the majesty of the occasion - including Elgar’s Pomp & Circumstance No 4 and Walton’s Crown Imperial - the orchestra was also joined by soprano Jennifer Parker-Lummis, who got the audience involved with her lusty renditions of Rule Britannia, Jerusalem and Land of Hope & Glory.
The PPO’s own Karen Travers also starred, with her solo in the third movement of Haydn’s Trumpet Concerto.
The orchestra donated its fee of £500 to The LifeHouse, a charity in Southsea which feeds the homeless. The concert was part of the Lee Coronation Celebration, a series of events held in the town during May 2023.
Di Lloyd, Chair of the PPO said: “We were delighted to be asked to play for such a prestigious occasion. We did something similar when we performed a Last Night of the Proms event at Bucklers Hard a few years ago but this was the first time the orchestra has played in Lee.
“It was also a pleasure to accompany someone with the talent of Jennifer. She really brought the house down with her outstanding singing.”
To see a gallery of photos from the concert taken by our photographer Colin Farmery click here.
The Portsmouth Philharmonic was formed in 2009 by a group of amateur musicians in the city and has raised more than £20,000 for local charities since then. With more than 30 members, it plays at least three concerts a year. It is supported by Portsmouth firm Bishops Printers.
Its next concert is on Sunday June 25 at 7pm at the Emsworth Baptist Church Hall, where it will feature music by Beethoven, Strauss and Dvorak. To buy tickets online click here.