Gerry Philp was on hand to review the latest who from the Chipping Sodbury Music Society.

Argentinian composer Saúl Cosentino very generously sent Karen Street some of his music after hearing her play some while ago. She was so enthused that she formed her ideal Tango Band to play his music, to explore other Tango inspired composers and to write for the band herself.

Chipping Sodbury Music Society was able to enjoy the fruits of Karen's labours at their final concert of the 2018-2019 season.

Jonathan Taylor, piano, gave the audience an insight, from his piano stool, into the bandoneon (a type of concertina particularly popular in Argentina and Uruguay), the leading exponent having been the tango composer, Astor Piazzolla. They were essential instruments in most tango ensembles in the early 20th century.

Karen Street, accordion, shares Piazzolla’s talent for composing this genre of music; her "Carussel Valse" delighted the audience.

Dave Manington, double bass, was able to showcase his musicianship with his own composition “Hullabaloo”.

Rob Millett, percussion and vibes, also introduced the audience to the vibraphone technique of using two cello bows to achieve sustained tones on the tuned metal bars. The instrument is usually played by striking using two or four soft mallets.

Andy Tweed performed several pieces on his favourite tenor saxophone, but also demonstrated his skill on the soprano saxophone, as well as duetting with Karen Street.

The evening's concluding piece was a Brazilian tango, "Escorregando" by Ernesto Nazareth.

The South American flavour was evident in all the pieces played and gave ample opportunity for all the soloists to shine. An enthusiastic audience had been treated to an evening of truly professional music making at the highest level.

But that is not the end. On 14 June 2019, at 7.30 pm (doors 6.30 pm) in Chipping Sodbury Baptist Church, BS37 6AH, the Society has organised a concert to celebrate the first day of the Chipping Sodbury Festival. Any String Goes Sextet will be opening their concert with the Festival theme “Summertime” by George Gershwin, made famous by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong. This will be followed by several other concert works by Mozart, Brahms and others. Tickets can be purchased from Cadeaux & Co in Hatherell’s Yard, Chipping Sodbury, other Festival outlets or online from

http://www.ticketsource.co.uk/csmusicsociety.

Seating is open so please contact the Box Office beforehand on 01454 315741 if you have any special requirements or may need assistance.