Review by Gerry Philp

SPONSORED by the Countess of Munster Musical Trust, Bartosz Glowacki - accordion and Corentin Chassard - cello presented an unusual combination of instruments at the April concert of the Chipping Sodbury Music Society.

Two very poignant works stood out. Firstly Czech composer Vaclav Trojan’s “Destroyed Cathedral” inspired by his tearful witness of Dresden Cathedral’s devastation by war and secondly Victor Vlasov’s “Archipelago Gulag” where the horrors of Stalin’s Siberian incarcerations were rendered with chilling musical realism.

There were many lighter items. Arrangements of two of Scarlatti’s contrasting piano sonatas were played with great delicacy in the first of these and precise articulation in the second. A transcription of Schubert’s love song “Softly Through the Night is Calling” was delightfully realised.

Bach’s “Cello Suite No 1 Allemande and Currante” was technically and artistically assured. The adagio from Marcello’s “Oboe Concerto” was performed with a gentle touch and the first movement of Vivaldi’s “Cello Sonata No 6” responded well to an unexpectedly up-tempo rendition.

Bloch’s “Prayer from a Jewish Life” was played with rapt concentration and a “Macedonian Folk Song” made a fine impression in instrumental form.

Two rhythmic South American pieces by Bandolim and Piazzola ended the evening in rousing fashion. Both players had clearly shown mastery of their trade and their supreme musicianship was highly praised by members of the audience after the concert.

The final concert of the Society’s 69th season, on Tuesday, May 16 at 7.30pm in Chipping Sodbury Town Hall, will provide the opportunity to hear South Gloucestershire Music Hub presenting an evening of Youth Music Making.

Their musical director, Richard Jones, explained: “The concert will feature over 100 young musicians drawn from South Gloucestershire playing in Wind Bands , String Orchestras and a Flute Ensemble representing the range of work that goes on in our music centres for children aged 7 – 19.”

As a precursor to the 70th Anniversary season there will be an exciting jazz event Friday, September 15 at 7.30pm in Chipping Sodbury Town Hall.

The Dime Notes will present a fresh take on a timeless style, emphasizing the propulsive grooves and sultry melodies which made early jazz revolutionary, controversial, and wildly popular.

Fronted by Chris Barber’s long-time clarinettist David Horniblow, an established figure on the London jazz scene and American pianist Andrew Oliver, a recent arrival to the UK, the band is anchored by the unstoppable pulse of London’s finest rhythm guitarist Dave Kelbie and the bass chair is occupied by native Londoner Tom Wheatley.

  • uTickets for both events can be purchased from ticketsource.co.uk/csmusicsociety or the Box Office on 01454 315741 and further information may be found on the website at csmusicsociety.co.uk