Church concert was a breeze!
St. Andrew's Stone Church, located on St. Andrew's Road north of Escarpment, was perfect venue last Sunday afternoon, for a "Concert for a Summer's Day".

A light breeze came through the opened windows, and jars of garden flowers decked the windowsills. An appreciative audience listened with rapt attention as soprano Ali Armstrong, accompanied on the piano by Erica Pratt, performed 12 beautiful pieces. The program started with the lyrical "Chansons de Printemps" by Gounod. Ali and Erica then continued with selections by Debussy, Faur, and Vivaldi.

At intermission, guests enjoyed light refreshments while chatting with friends, or inspecting the restoration work that has been completed in the church.

After intermission, Ali entertained with her version of George Gershwin's "Summertime," followed by two beautiful Faur selections, a lively and charming "Un Certo Non So Che" by Vivaldi, and finished with a haunting Newfoundland folk song, "The Blooming Bright Star of Belle Isle." The audience demanded an encore, and Ali complied with "Somewhere" from West Side Story.

The acoustics in St. Andrew's Stone Church are extraordinary, and Ali's beautiful soprano tones made the most of it. It was clear that the church is a perfect venue for concerts like Sunday's performance.

Friends of St. Andrew's Stone Church, the volunteer group which oversees the restoration and fund-raising, looks forward to hosting other concerts, community events and weddings at the church.