THE AUDIENCE at the November concert was treated to a varied and stimulating programme by "Batignano" featuring Susie Hodder-Williams, flute, Chris Caldwell, saxophone and clarinet and Graham Roberts, guitar. This unusual combination of instruments provided colour and contrast not found in more conventional groups.

The suite from Purcell’s "Dido and Aeneas" received a delicate and sensitive touch from all the players. Stephen Goss’s "Northern Lights", specially commissioned in 2011, set very different challenges. The opening movement was broodingly atmospheric, the second intricate, with staccato outbursts, the third dreamy, and the finale upbeat and optimistic.

J S Bach’s "Lute Suite" was relaxed and tuneful. The soulful Sarabande and lively Gigue were played with consummate control and the flute’s contribution throughout was outstanding. Spot the tune was the name of the game in a sumptuous arrangement of Welsh folksongs by Stephen Goss.

The final work was a set of Bartok’s Roumanian Folk Dances. All were despatched with great brio and well-sprung gypsy-like rhythms. "You’re the cream in my coffee" from the 1928 show "Hold Everything" composed by Ray E Henderson saw the players let their hair down and bring a swinging end to a most enjoyable concert.

The London Brass Symposium Quintet will provide "A New Year’s Cornucopia" at the Chipping Sodbury Town Hall on Tuesday £ January 2012 from 7.30 pm.