A GOOD-sized audience gave a very warm welcome to a combined group of musicians from Malvern College and Hillstone under their director of music, Iain Sloan, when they visited Birtsmorton Church for their much-awaited annual concert. Their programme contained a most interesting variety of choral and instrumental works covering music from the 16th to the 20th Century.

The quality of both the singing and the playing was outstanding throughout and demonstrated the richness of talent on view, while the performers obvious enjoyment and enthusiasm were clearly communicated to the very appreciative audience. Of particular distinction were several solo pieces for the violin and the flute which were accompanied on the piano by Iain and which were carefully chosen to show off the skill of the performers, while a Zulu song sung by members of the Malvern College choir, a solo item from Carousel and one from the musical Oliver!, performed by a nine-year-old Hillstone girl, earned especially rapturous applause.

With the church attractively decorated for the occasion by Rosemary Bolton, it was a hugely enjoyable evening, and finished with sumptuous refreshments in the church afterwards. Reverend Joy Birkin duly thanked Iain and complimented all the boys and girls on their performances and we eagerly look forward to their return next year.

From the proceeds of the concert a contribution was made to Hospice Care Kenya.