Welcome back to the second part of our current programme. I hope you managed to relax over the holiday. Do let me know of any interesting music you heard over that period. I am always open to suggestions.

In the meantime, a reminder of the concerts in store….

January 21st
Natasha Page, soprano, makes a welcome return ( do you remember her stunning ‘Shepherd on the Rock’?) with her accompanist, Shiori Hosada.. They will perform two mainstream song cycles « Ariettes Oubliees » by Debussy and « Liederkreis » by Robert Schumann. Natasha is destined for the heights of her profession, not least because she ’lives’ her songs – I quote my own review of her last concert! She may even treat us to her fun cabaret songs. The bored usherette, including a tray of interval ices. Unmissable, superb local talent.

February 18th
Jazz is something I like to feature and it is yet another welcome back to Andrei Pytaleu, piano and Tomas Pedersen, string bass. Remember when you hear his virtuosity that Andrei has a classical conservatoire background. He has a large teaching practice around North Herts and Bucks, nursing loads of young talent in their schools. Tomas is such a sensitive and brilliant bassist, you hardly notice his presence, and his warm grin assures you that he knows exactly where he’s going. They will of course visit the Great American Songbook – Gershwin, Cole Porter, & co as well as some of Andrei’s own compositions. Fun assured!

March 18th
The ‘Pelleas Ensemble’ – Flute, Viola and Harp. This group credited with captivating vitality and effortless delicacy will take us through three centuries of works written specially for this line-up, Corelli and Telemann, and some charming arrangements such as Ravel’s piano gem, his ‘Sonatine’. An intimate ensemble, which will take fullest advantage of the lovely acoustic of the Quaker Meeting House.

We love to have your feedback, so please fill out a form we will distribute at each concert.

We now offer you the chance to book tickets online at no extra cost!! My advice would be to do so at least for the Jazz concert, to ensure you’ll have a seat.

Do make a point of attending the Annual General Meeting after the March concert. The ‘nuts and bolts’ take very little time, thanks to our Committee and I’ll be revealing exciting plans for the next season! You might even consider joining the Committee – we really need some ‘fresh blood’

Have a tuneful year…

Harold Chaplin
Chairman