July 2021 saw the ESO venture out, literally and figuratively to perform outdoors in the grounds of Poltimore House on a damp and cloudy Saturday afternoon.
After 18 months of Covid and Covid restrictions this was the first opportunity to get back in front of an audience. For Arturo Cerna who took up his role as Musical Director and Conductor just a few months before the first lockdown in 2020 instead of this being his fifth concert with the ESO, it was his first.
July 2022 saw the ESO return to Poltimore, this time entirely by choice following the success of the previous year. The orchestra performed a family friendly and entertaining programme including Pirates of the Caribbean, The Lord of the Dance, Rodeo and The Thieving Magpie in glorious sunshine. The audience came with picnics and parasols and enjoyed a leisurely afternoon listening to live music in unique surroundings.
Phil Hobbs, Chairman said “ performing outdoors in 2021 was the only way it could be done due to the Covid restrictions and it was a risk but we were delighted that it turned out to be so successful and well received by musicians and audience alike. A case of out of adversity comes opportunity.”
This summer event now looks to be a regular feature in the ESO concert diary with the date having been set for 15th July 2023.