Everyone who attended any of the concerts at this year's13th Solent Music Festival will know what an exceptional celebration of music this is in the heart of historic Lymington.
Each year the exciting and diverse programme brings together internationally acclaimed artists and emerging talent, all united by a passion for sharing the music they love. The music, the setting and the sense of community combine to make this a very special festival.
Lymington's Scott Bailey Solicitors were delighted to be one of the main sponsors of this year’s festival and several of the team attended one or more of the concerts. Here is their review of the week.
Magical live music in a beautiful Lymington setting
A week of music, joy and world-class talent: Scott Bailey supports the 13th Solent Music Festival
There’s something quite magical about hearing live music in a beautiful setting - and this year’s 13th Solent Music Festival delivered magic in abundance. Held from 24th to 30th May at St Thomas Church, just next door to the Scott Bailey offices, the festival brought a week-long celebration of music to Lymington, and we were very proud to be the official sponsor.
From classical masterpieces to uplifting jazz, each and every concert was packed, with the audience often finishing the night with a standing ovation. The variety of music has always been part of the festival’s charm, and whether you’re a seasoned concertgoer or new to the genre, there’s something for everyone.
Reflecting on the week, Sarah Unsworth, Senior Partner at Scott Bailey, said “We are incredibly lucky to be treated to world-class music right on our doorstep. I’m always proud to support the Solent Music Festival - it brings joy, inspiration and a real sense of community. My heartfelt thanks go to the entire Festival team and the extraordinary musicians who made this another unforgettable week of music and celebration.”
Victoria Smalley, from our Conveyancing department, attended the very first concert on Saturday 24th. “It was absolutely great,” Victoria said. “A wonderful way to start the week!”
The following evening, Sunday 25th, saw Ann Herd, Scott Bailey Partner and Family Solicitor, enjoying the National Youth Jazz Orchestra. Ann said, “It was amazing - so lively! We even had a singalong to Guantanamera! Just brilliant.”
On Monday 26th, Sarah Unsworth attended Great Piano Sonatas with acclaimed pianist Sam Haywood, describing it as “absolutely fantastic.” She returned the next night with Ann to hear Devine Music, a standout concert featuring lesser-known instruments like the chalumeau. Both Ann and Sarah, like many of our Scott Bailey colleagues, endeavour to attend as many concerts as they can throughout the festival, thoroughly appreciating the talented musicians and music.
Midweek, Marie Redman and Karen Crain from our Lyndhurst office ventured over for the Schubert Family Octet introductory concert. Marie explained that both she and Karen feel like novices when it comes to music – but they said it was a fantastic experience. The concert (a little taster of the evening’s full performance) was broken into parts, punctuated with explanations of each instrument, their ranges, and individual sounds.
That evening’s full concert was attended by Danielle Harvey, one of our Wills, Trusts and Probate Solicitors. “Mozart’s Violin Sonata in E minor and Schubert’s Fantasy were absolutely stunning,” she said. “I’m so proud to be part of a firm that supports the arts.”
The penultimate concert featured Sam Haywood’s breathtaking performance of Grieg’s Piano Concerto and the Solent Music Festival Orchestra’s powerful delivery of Beethoven’s 5th Symphony. Our Marketing Manager Caroline Newton was very excited to attend, being a classical pianist herself. “It was an unforgettable night - exceptional talent and breathtaking music,” Caroline shared.
The final evening on Friday 30th saw Dan Ratcliff and Victoria Smalley (on her second visit!) in attendance for The Royal Wind Music - a unique recorder consort from the Netherlands. Dan was so inspired, he joked about digging out his school recorder and reliving his rendition of Three Blind Mice!
As a firm rooted in the heart of Lymington, we’re very proud to support events that bring people together and celebrate the arts. The annual Solent Music Festival is a shining example of the talent, dedication and joy that makes our community so special. We’re already looking forward to next year’s concerts – and to continuing our support for the incredible musicians and organisers who made it all possible.
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About Scott Bailey LLP
Founded in 1930, Scott Bailey has grown to become a leading firm in the New Forest, providing a full range of legal services to private individuals and businesses. Services for individuals include Residential Conveyancing, Divorce, Family, Wills Trusts & Probate, Litigation & Disputes.
SME business legal services include Corporate, Commercial, Intellectual Property, Dispute Resolution, Landlord & Tenant, Insolvency and Employment Law. Scott Bailey LLP is one of only a very few firms based in the New Forest providing these specialist services.
The first firm in the region to receive the Law Society's prestigious LEXCEL award for high standards of practice management and customer care, Scott Bailey LLP promises top-quality, professional help from a team of expert solicitors who will put your best interests at the heart of their work.
Scott Bailey was delighted and proud to win "Business of the Year" at the 2023 New Forest Brilliance in Business Awards.
