We all squashed into St Mary’s on Friday evening, 2nd of August to enjoy perhaps our last Thirsk concert by Matthew Atherton as he is transferring to Lancashire and a Head of Music position, so it was a bitter sweet evening. Tears were shed at the music, and emotion, at least by me, though I saw many tissues mopping faces, and trust me, it wasn’t just the somewhat sweaty (sorry to be basic) heat. Like true pusher and shovers Dick and I had threaded through the crowds to join a friend in a pew in a direct line with the open Church doors. Ah, sweet draught. I sat next to the aisle as I needed to be popping up and down to take photos throughout.

Matthew introduced the evening as only he can, and had us all doubled up laughing. He looked extremely natty in evening suit (Lord, he must have been hot) and was to divide his time between organ and piano, with the fabulous Will Hill turning the pages for him on each instrument. How on earth Will could follow the often complex music I do not know, but our Will, who is Grade 5 on piano, didn’t put a foot wrong.

What’s more the St Mary’s ‘set’ would give any theatre a good run for its money, for it has monitors attached to the upright of the arches, so everyone can see close ups, and the actual arches have colour changes throughout, all of which added to a simply wonderful concert.

So, the scene set, introductions done, laughter abating, let’s get on with the concert.

Matthew alternated between the newly cleaned and polished organ with pipes just longing to give forth, and the piano. So off we went, with Serenade for Organ, and the ever popular All Creatures Great and Small. The piano was gagging for a go and so the programme continued, piece after piece, all brilliantly played, tissues out at such excellence, and perhaps the thought: would Matthew come again to Thirsk, and would honey still be for tea. To totally misquote Rupert Brooke.

Interspersed with Matthew’s witty explanations, we reached Fantasie in F Minor K608 which sped us into the interval with cool, oh yes, cool drinks and light refreshments, and much talk. We were told a little about Holy Rood House, which offers residential stays and day visits, pastoral support, counselling and pyschotherapy and much more. By the way, next door to Holy Rood House, is Mrs Pumfrey’s house (All Creatures Great and Small – remember Tricky Woo and his digestive problems?!) Well, was, as it is now part of Holy Rood House’s spiritual and creative community. In fact ‘Mrs Pumfrey’ was Mrs Warner but whisper it.

So on we went, with absolutely no digestive problems after our repast, and Matthew at last jacketless, ( He must have been baking), with the Finale from Sonata No 1 in D Minor, then Impromptu in Gb, Op 90, and then… oh yes, indeedy… the piece that Matthew he told me he would put in for me (bet he says that to all the girls) Promenade (Walking the dog) by George Gershwin which I absolutely love, and which always makes me laugh, because it seems to me that the little bit at the end emulates a whoopsie. Yes, OK, I know that’s not funny or nice, as my mother would have said. But … it’s what I think, so very there.

The Organist Entertains arranged by Matthew was a wonder to behold. How can he get his feet and hands to do something independently of the others, or so it seems to me? I can’t even pat my head and rub my stomach as we were told to do at schoo though why, I can’t remember, but there is our wonder boy, flashing about with the hands and feet and producing miracles. Finally as the evening passed we sang a hymn together We sing a Love that Sets all People Free. Voices quavering somewhat with the emotion of the evening. Surely it couldn’t all end here? Then, Matthew told us, he had one more treat for us.

“Kiss the Rain” by Yiruma (Lee Ru-Ma) on piano. ‘I was introduced to the piece around 2016 by one of my former pupils at Aysgarth. This boy (he was 13 at the time and is probably 20 now) has Nystagmus condition, which effects the vision. He was unable to see the music notes so I helped teach him to play this piece from memory, which he did and he performed it beautifully to the whole school and parents.‘ Matthew also told us that this boy went on to play piano by memory from that moment on. Now, that’s what I call an amazing teacher.

Of course, I was in tears listening to Kiss the Rain. It is so exquisite, and beautifully played. Oh heavens, we will miss Matthew so much. He has transformed Thirsk into a centre for music, and with it, St Mary’s Church. Thank you, thank you, not only for an amazingly eclectic concert, but all you have given us: your time, talent, laughter and enthusiasm.