Concert Night

  Periodically, we get the chance to experience classical culture during this trip (such as the opera in Vienna). Last night was such an occasion. The Danish Sinfonietta (chamber orchestra) performed at the St. John's Concert Hall. This former church was sold to a charitable trust as a ruin after damage from fire bombing during World War II and restored as a concert hall. Originally constructed in 1728 in the English Baroque style with four corner towers, the church was jokingly referred to as "Queen Anne's Footstool". Legend has it that Anne was not a fan of archetecture in general. The archetect reportedly asked her (when she was suffering from an illness) what she wanted the structure to look like, the Queen angrily kicked over her footstool, stating "Like that!".

  The Danish Sinfonietta is Denmarks "...only permanent professional Chamber Orchestra". This group was originally formed in 1945. By 1986, it was designated a "basis" ensemble making it eligible for state funding. Comprising of 14 musicians (who serve double duty as musical instructors in The Danish school system) and a conductor, they perform various musical genres ranging from standard classical music, contemporary pieces, to modern genres such as jazz and popular music. We thoroughly enjoyed the evening including a delightful dinner in a restaurant setting within the old crypt of this former church.

St. John's Concert Hall , in the former church jokingly known as "Queen Anne's Footstool".

The concert hall as it looks today.

Looking towards the back of the hall and the organ originally built in 1734 (only the antique organ case remains, receiving new pipes and keyboard in 1993).

The Danish Sinfonietta performs as a full 14-member orchestra, as well as 5-member quintet.

On the way home, we stopped at the Buxton Memorial in Victoria Tower Gardens dedicated in 1835 to the emancipation of slavery in Britain.

The London Eye as seen at night from across the Thames.