THE CHIPPING Sodbury Music Society final concert of the 2015-2016 season welcomed Andreas Moutsioulis, locally based and internationally acclaimed guitarist. What a treat it was to hear this often abused instrument caressed with a gentle touch.

‘Sevilla’ by Albeniz, based on Spanish folk tunes, was full of light and shade. An affectionate approach to Brouwer’s ‘A Day in November’ brought out the delicacy and melancholy in this work.

Two compositions by the Argentinean tango exponent Piazzolla followed. His ‘Milonga del Angel’, a gentle piece with a sad nostalgic melody, contrasted strongly with ‘Libertango’, full of spicy rhythms.

‘Asturias’ by Albeniz showed off the sheer dexterity of the artist in a piece suggesting the footwork of a Flamenco dancer.

This well received programme proved a fitting end to a successful season.

The opening concert of our 69th season, at Chipping Sodbury Town Hall on Tuesday 11 October 2016, will be given by Bella Tromba – a trumpet quartet. Bella Tromba holds a unique position in the UK’s chamber music scene, offering a pioneering performance style and a commitment to programming outstanding brass repertoire; they have presented recitals at Cheltenham Music Festival, South Bank’s Purcell Room and recorded for BBC Radio. They are a vibrant ensemble active in many areas of performance. Their versatility ensures that their work extends across all fields of the music industry; from recitals, master classes, and educational projects, to commercial recording, television, film, and radio appearances.

We are also delighted to announce that Chipping Sodbury Music Society will be presenting Jacqui Dankworth and Friends in “Shakespeare and all That Jazz” at Chipping Sodbury Town Hall on Friday 30 September 2016. This year is the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death. Jacqui thought it would be most appropriate, therefore, to visit the musical settings of Shakespeare’s poetry inspired by, and taken from, the seminal 1964 album “Shakespeare and All That Jazz” composed by her late father, Sir John Dankworth, for her mother, Dame Cleo Laine.

The ground-breaking arrangements include settings such as “Shall I Compare Thee To A Summer’s Day”, “O Mistress Mine”,” Fear No More The Heat O’ The Sun”, the story of “Macbeth” and a comical setting of Shakespeare’s complete works! The brilliance of the music, the genius of Shakespeare’s poetry and world class musicians combined with Jacqui’s emotional and virtuosic voice will make for a very special concert.

Tickets for both events can be purchased from http://www.ticketsource.co.uk/csmusicsociety/ and further information may be found on our website at http://www.csmusicsociety.co.uk

Gerry Philp – 27 May 2016