Community Comes Together for Joyful Fundraising Concert at Caraway
Caraway hosted the wonderful Chamber Ensemble of London on Saturday night and welcomed a full and enthusiastic audience for an evening of exceptional music and community. The ensemble delivered a programme that was by turns fun, exquisite, quirky and deeply beautiful, ensuring there was something for everyone to enjoy.
Led by Peter Fisher, the musicians quickly put the audience at ease. Between pieces, Peter offered warm and engaging introductions to the music, helping listeners connect with the programme and the performers. The ensemble played with liveliness, humour and great emotion which gave the music an sparkling extra dimension. The soloists provided some standout moments during the evening – Peter Fisher’s technical Paganini was justly awe-inspiring, and the Delius cello solo by Michael Mace was described by one member of the audience as simply exquisite.
The atmosphere inside the church was joyful and welcoming throughout the evening. Attendees of all ages gathered to enjoy the performance, from long-time classical music lovers to very young listeners experiencing the excitement of live music. One young audience member summed up the wonder of the evening perfectly, saying: “I couldn’t take my eyes off the violinist’s fingers — they were moving so fast!”
Alongside the music, the evening also featured a popular raffle which proved to be a great success. Generous prizes had been kindly donated by local supporters including the Mayflower Theatre, Utilita Bowl, Haskins, Hobbycraft and Harbour Lights Picture House, as well as two luxury hampers that drew much interest among guests.
The event was honoured by the presence of Bishop Rhiannon, who spoke warmly about the importance of Caraway’s work and encouraged those attending to continue supporting the charity’s mission.
By the end of the night, the concert had raised more than £4,000 for Caraway — a fantastic result for what many described as a truly memorable occasion.
The team at Caraway would like to express our heartfelt thanks to the performers, sponsors, volunteers and everyone who attended. The evening was not only a celebration of outstanding music but also a powerful reminder of how communities can come together through a shared love of the arts to support an important cause.
