John Wilson’s annual visit was an eagerly awaited event which lived up to all expectations.

A packed house roared with delight at the end of a magnificent overture during which nine Gershwin classics were sewn seamlessly together.

Along with all the other numbers, they were played using their sumptuous original film orchestrations - many being the work of MGM’s legendary orchestrator Conrad Salinger.

And what a joy it was to hear these gems (now cabaret standards and forming part of the Great American songbook) being given the full treatment - scorching brass and lyrical strings - by Wilson’s musicians drawn from their classical and big band worlds.

Whilst most of the numbers were well known, and much loved, there were a few new treats.

The most surprising of these was New York Rhapsody for piano and orchestra written for the film Delicious and later re-worked as 2nd Rhapsody.

It’s strident and often discordant notes evoked the frenzy and bustle of New York City.

Excellent vocals were provided by Louise Dearman & Matt Ford. Dearman excelled with Someone to Watch Over Me (sung unaccompanied at first) and Ford came into his stylish own when delivering the numbers associated with Fred Astaire.

Five Stars