BROMLEY MUSIC MAKERS

This concert was the fifth of our season and the first of our Diamond Jubilee Year and was well attended despite gloomy winter weather. Melanie Mehta was this month's announcer and also proved her performing worth by filling a gap in our programme as Frank Crocker, tenor was indisposed.

John Pead, tenor, started our programme with two arias from Handel's Rodelinda, showing a considerable virtuosity, the first with elaborate coloratura, the second more melancholy and sustained. He was sensitively accompanied by Martin Sharpe.

A guitar solo, El Elegante of Jose Broca, played by Christine Dabrowa was a charming and tuneful C19th offering. as was Benjamin Godard's Allegretto played by Andre Alvin, flute, accompanied by Jean Brown, piano. Andre also added a Czardas, well known as a violin solo and just as effective, rhythmic and amusing on flute.

Six different pianists played this month and it was very good to hear as soloists, Linda Chan and Margaret Parrott.

Linda played two preludes by Rachmaninov, Op32, the second in B minor demanding great control of sonority as its melodic motif is small but its range over the piano is great. It was very effective.

Margaret played Debussy's Two Arabesques, early pieces of considerable romantic charm which are in contrast of style, the first melodic and flowing, the second with rhythmic and staccato motifs.

Melanie Mehta's songs covered a great range of musical and dramatic content. The first aria from Michael Tippett's A Child of our Time was moving and appropriate for this week, but there followed a Roger Quilter love song and the amusing Five Eyes of Armstrong Gibbs where her humorous style got us laughing again. Lindsay Dyer accompanied.

The final item, Richard Gullan, violin and Tony o'Brian, piano was Dvorak's Sonatina in G, Op.100, an attractive and colourful pieces demanding great virtuosity from both players and leading to a whirlwind climax.

Members will be informed as to our plans for the May 60th anniversary celebration and we are still keen that past members should contact us via our secretary, Wendy Poole 01689 or chairman, Reg Parry 0208 467 1630. Our next concert will take place on February 26.