Epernay 2002 Music Lovers under the Spell. A square laid out under hundred year old trees, a good weather forecast for once, high quality musicians, all the ingredients came together for the concert given by the Crystal Palace Band, honoured guests for the weekend. Formed in 1901 the Crystal Palace Band has been working under the baton of Mike Gray since 1987. He directs them with great competence that has allowed them to achieve a particularly high level of music while still staying rooted in the life of the local community. The presence of the band in Epernay was not a chance event. It was thanks to Suzanne Dumbril who has been closely involved in Epernay’s community life for many years. While apologizing for his "poor"(unfortunate sic) French the conductor managed to give brief introductions both to the group which he led and to the cleverly constructed programme which started with "Marche Lorraine" and finished with both the French and English national anthems. Twenty or so works were presented to the public over a period of almost two hours scarcely bothered by a few ill-timed car hooters from squabbling motorists who were passing. With typical British "cool" the conductor did no more than acknowledge the noise. All musical genres were undertaken without any worries. Music from variety shows, from films, jazz and the classical and traditional styles gave the instrumentalists the opportunity to show their abilities that, it must be said, nobody doubted. Not only Freddie Mercury, Gershwin, Billy Joel and Sidney Bechet but also Tchaikovsky, Saint-Saens and Bizet – whose most well known work "Carmen" was announced by the conductor with relish. The programme ended with just an "au revoir" because the rendezvous was already arranged for the following day this time on the steps of the "Hotel de Ville". Numerous residents of Epernay made the effort to attend. Once more the sun shone, to good effect, on the event, in different surroundings, below the flower gardens, which was an opportunity to pay tribute to the work of the council employees who look after our green spaces. As for the programme of music, different again from that of the previous day, it enchanted the public once again ….. and they want more! Picture Pages For Sarah's review of the trip, click here.