Today we were pleased to welcome Prof. Robert Saxton from Oxford University. Robert was introduced by his cousin Fay Cadywould and told us that he had his barmitzvah in Norwich Synagogue (the old prefab building) back in 1967 and even then he was only interested in music having composed a Requiem for his very much alive father.
Fay introduces her cousin Robert Saxton
Listening to Prof. Robert Saxton talk on Sunday to an audience of 50 members and friends in our Synagogue was a real treat.
He spoke of his musical career, accomplishments and his piece entitled Wandering and Return in an erudite way with great charm and charisma making the difficult subject of composing music interesting, revealing and enjoyable.
Scores were handed out so that the musically minded amongst the audience could follow the extracts of music played and indeed it was some of our younger members who most enjoyed this experience.
Robert with his wife opera singer Tessa Cahill in front of the Ark curtain which was presented in memory of his Grandfather, Harry Saxton in 1934
Afterwards a fine afternoon tea with cake, scones, jam and cream was enjoyed by everyone present.
Adam Possener, a young man with a desire to become a composer himself one day, met Robert after the talk and managed to have a master class in composition later in the day.
All in all this was a fantastic event which raised over £500 towards our Communal Hall refurbishment fund and we thank everyone who attended and made the day successful.
Anyone wishing to contribute to our fund can do so online by clicking here. Thank you.