REGARDED as the greatest recorder player in the world today, Piers Adams and the other members of the group Red Priest, pictured above, have devised a baroque music show that breaks all tradition.

Clearly they don't live by the old saying, if it ain't baroque don't fix it. The group, featuring recorder, violin, cello and harpsichord, is unique because the musicians play entirely from memory to create a theatrical and moving show.

"It is a break from the traditional baroque ensemble but playing from memory does liberate us so much," said Adams.

Dressed in colourful baroque garb, with stage lighting and bounding around the stage Red Priest aim to blow the cobwebs away from the more sedate and sombre world of chamber music.

At the heart of this ethos is the composer Vivaldi, who gives the group its name.

"He was very flamboyant," said Adams.

"He had flaming red hair, and although he was a priest, he didn't exactly live like one.

"We perform music by a variety of composers but always try and have one piece by Vivaldi in each concert we do."

Adams has been described on numerous occasions as the greatest living recorder player in the world and the Washington Post called him "the reigning recorder virtuoso in the world today."

"People shouldn't believe their own publicity, but, that said, I've been working on this very hard over the past 20 years.

"Playing the recorder is something I have to my advantage. When people hear you play the violin they expect a virtuoso performance but when you tell people you play the recorder they think of a simple instrument that's played in primary schools.

"The recorder can have a great depth of emotion and I don't think people realise the expression, variety and power you can get from it."

Oddly enough, Adams originally trained as an astrophysicist but as soon as he graduated at the age of 21 he tried his hand at professional music.

After winning first prize in the inaugural Moeck International Recorder Competition in 1985 Adams went on to perform at top London venues and embarked on an international solo career.

A more light-hearted side of Adams' achievements is holding a Guinness Book of Records record playing a key part in the largest ever recorder performance.

Red Priest will be appearing at the Roses Theatre in Tewkesbury on May 22. Tickets are available from the box office on 01684 295074

On Friday, June 27, the group will also be taking part in the Wyastone Summer Series at the Wyastone Estate in Monmouth.