Amy Roberts, oboe and Gamal Khamis, gave a fine performance for our January concert. It was clear by the end of the opening Telemann sonata that Amy Roberts plays with great subtlety, with a real will to communicate her own obvious enthusiasm to an audience.
How clever was the programming! By the end of the first half we had been transported across three centuries of music. The collection of little pieces by Schubert and Schumann worked well and with Schumann’s Traumerei gave us a chance to hear solo piano. The notes may be simple enough for children to learn but it needs the care and delicacy that Gamal Khamis gave it to do it justice. As a duo their ensemble seemed faultless and they had set us up well for a second half devoted to twentieth century works. In this half the solo pieces for each instrument were particularly attractive. I was intrigued by the quirky oboe piece Arachnid, by contemporary Helen Grime and Gamal was impressive in Faure’s second nocturne. I applaud their introductions were often not merely anecdotal but with hints about what to listen out for.
Arrangements for our 70th anniversary lunch are finalised. The date is 24th March and it will be held at the Boston & County Club, Park Gate, Boston PE21 6RL 12 noon for 12.30pm. The last date for booking is at the February concert on 18 February.
Brenda Lane