A Minstrel Goes A Wandering!

Review of of 'A Wandering Minstrel' a concert by Anthony Harbottle at St Paul's Harringay, part of the Music on The Ladder Series.

If the magic fairy could grant me one wish it would be to have a tenor voice, thus allowing me to become a Wandering Minstrel!

Sadly, fairies always flutter past me without ever waving their wands, meaning I sound something like a bullfrog or a vandalised parking meter!

Thankfully, the same can’t be said for Anthony Harbottle, whose very English tenor voice sang out at St Paul’s last Saturday in the latest episode of Music on The Ladder.

Singing a programme that was clearly personal, Harbottle’s repertoire ranged from Rossini to Robbie Williams with Gilbert and Sullivan and Flanders and Swann sandwiched in between. And, the great thing about singing songs you enjoy is that you tend to sing them well. Harbottle certainly did that, ably assisted by Bethany Burrow Atherton’s expert piano playing.

Though the hard acoustics of this stunning church sometimes did him few favours, Harbottle’s ringing tone shone out across a diverse range of songs and arias, but came into its own with a sublime rendition of ‘Till There Was You’ For a debut solo recital it was well worth rushing back from Central London for. ]

What was also good was the drink and natter with the neighbours afterwards. The Music on the Ladder series continues with a group singing event on the 20^th October. T’would be nice to see a full house for that event – and why not? St Paul’s is great space for classical performances. And what could be better than a concert right here on your own doorstep, meaning you can walk home at the end of it. Couldn’t ask for more than that, could you?