North Downs Community Orchestra (NDCO) performed its annual winter concert, “Memory, Mystery, and Magic,” on Sunday, 2nd November 2025. The 60-strong ensemble, under Musical Director Anna Maria Tabor, played at the new venue, Humphreys Hall at Caterham School, drawing an enthusiastic, audience of over 300 guests, and proving the hilly approach to the school did nothing to dampen community spirit.

The program was expertly curated around the three core themes.

The concert opened with the theme of Memory, offering reflective and evocative works. The profound strength of Sibelius’s Finlandia provided a powerful anchor, juxtaposed with excerpts from Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker. This section also featured the nostalgic beauty of "Cinema Paradiso," which was full of longing and opened with a beautifully delicate piano solo played by Catherine Velanti.

Anna’s engaging approach was especially effective as the concert transitioned to the theme of Mystery, introducing the lush, evocative Theme from Sheherazade. She shared its origin story from One Thousand and One Nights, immediately transporting the hall to a place of exotic intrigue. The piece began with a mesmerising violin solo played by NDCO’s talented leader, Mel Holt, setting a truly enchanting scene.

The second half transitioned smoothly into the theme of Magic. This section featured selections like the fantastical themes from Wonka and the exhilarating Highlights from Harry Potter, which provided a thrilling contrast to the preceding reflective pieces.

The grand finale was the majestic grandeur of Elgar's Pomp and Circumstance. The most memorable moment of the afternoon came when the orchestra encouraged the audience to join in singing "Land of Hope and Glory". The energy was so infectious that the orchestra performed the piece once more as a celebratory encore, leaving the audience thoroughly uplifted.

Congratulations to Anna and the entire orchestra on a successful and magical winter performance.

We are thrilled to announce that next NDCO performance will be their 10th Anniversary Concert, taking place on Saturday, 23rd May 2026, at the Millennium Theatre, Woldingham School. Please look out for further concert details and ticket information on our website in the next few weeks.