UNEXPECTEDLY, the first concerts for 2015 featured Heather Bills (cello) and Harvey Davies (piano) of the Pleyel Ensemble, who had played at the previous concert. On this occasion they were joined by fellow member Jonathan Rimmer (flute).

This was due to the late withdrawal of the trio ‘intriplicate’, through illness. With only a few days to prepare a programme they managed to captivate the audience with a wide range of pieces.

They started the recital with a trio by Martinu. This was written in 1944 in America, far from his native Czechoslovakia.

The middle, slow movement was particularly inspiring. There followed the Carmen Fantasy for flute and piano by Francois Borne.

This was dazzling, featuring some well-known themes from Bizet’s opera, notably the Habanera and the Toreador Song.

The sonata for flute and continuo by the German composer Georg Telemann was very lively and great fun. This was followed by the flute sonata by Francis Poulenc (1957), one of his most popular pieces.

The concert ended with a trio by Weber, lively, melodic and agreeable. All were introduced with humour and clarity. A great evening!

The next concert will be on Saturday, February 28, in the Drama Studio of Middlewich High School, when students from the Junior Royal Northern College of Music will return for the eighth year.

For details go to madcs.org.uk or contact Roger Evans on 01606 83447