Grayshott concert-goers were treated to a scintillating and exuberant performance of one of the world's best loved classical works on Saturday when Martin Smith performed Bruch's Violin Concerto No.1 in G minor at St Luke's Church to a capacity audience.

The event, staged by Grayshott Concerts in association with Buy In Grayshott, included the Overture to Cosi fan tutte by Mozart, The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba by Handel and Mozart's Symphony No.41 'The Jupiter', performed by 34 members of the New London Sinfonia, under David Gibson, and believed to be the largest orchestra ever to perform in the village.

Martin Smith, who grew up in Headley, and now travels the world to play with some of the best known international orchestras, made a welcome return to the neighbourhood where he is assured of an especially ecstatic welcome. "Grayshott audiences are great to play for", he said. "I't's wonderful to be back and to see so many familiar faces at St Luke's."

The Grayshott Concerts series has grown significantly since the first event in 2004 and now attracts sell-out audiences at every performance. "This was another wonderful occasion for the village," said Peter Hatch who, with his wife Pam are 'Gold Friends' of Grayshott Concerts. "Bruch is my favourite work and I've never heard it played live better! I've simply run out of superlatives for this event - and for all the others too. This one must surely be the best yet. We're just so lucky to live in such a great community."

"Putting on performances like these is quite a challenge," said organiser Vivien Harrison. "But it couldn't be done without the help of our sponsors, Applegarth Farm and Huntington House Nursing Home." Managing Director, Will Benson, of Applegarth said he was delighted to support such a successful Grayshott activity.

One local family nearly missed the concert altogether when they rang for tickets well after they had completely sold out. " The ticket office was wonderful," said Vivien Raeside of Churt. "When they heard that I wanted to bring my children Francesca (11), Isobel (13) and Nicola (14) they arranged to add extra seats specially for us, right next to the stage.". "My favourite was definitely the Violin Concerto" said Francesca, while Nicola loved the Mozart. "The Cosi fan tutte Overture was perfect" she said. "And I loved it all" said Isobel.

Grayshott Concerts next event is the opera "Madam Butterfly" sung open-air by Opera Box in Italian with English surtitles and starring international soprano Nancy Yuen, at Grayshott Primary School fields on Saturday 12th July 2008. "After such a successful operatic debut last year with Barber of Seville" said co-organiser Peter Harrison, "it's not surprising that over half the tickets for this year have been reserved already." Booking opens on 1st May but reservations can be made now on 01428 606666 or visit the concerts website www.grayshottconcerts.co.uk . Sponsors for the event are Barons BMW and Lloyds Pharmacy.

Martin Smith acknowledges audience applause for his performance of Bruch's Violin Concerto No.1 for Grayshott Concerts. Photo David Barrett.