ALISON CROOSE Sandringham Estate

ALISON CROOSE

There can be few better ways to enjoy a balmy August evening than to share with friends a picnic, a fine orchestral concert and spectacular fireworks.

That was the choice of thousands who flocked to the royal estate to enjoy a splendid performance of classical favourites.

Despite the excellence of the orchestra and soloist Annette Wardell, there was considerable disappointment this annual treat could not be enjoyed as previously in the gardens of Sandringham House. There was something special about being in the midst of a Prom-style flag-waving audience set against the backdrop of the Queen's Norfolk home.

The atmosphere was different in the park but the music was quite as impressive as Roderick Dunk conducted the orchestra through a programme full of interest and variety from the Strauss Blue Danube Waltz to John Williams' Harry Potter music.

Superb sound equipment confirmed the quality of the musicianship in pieces such as Dvorak's Slavonic Dance and Bernstein's Overture to Candide and the renowned soprano demonstrated her versatility with a selection of arias.

The entertainment came to a rousing conclusion with Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture and fireworks providing a suitably dramatic finale.