January 2006

Dear Music lover,

First of all, may I wish you and those around you a happy New Year. 2006 promises to be an exciting year for Inverness Chamber Music Society, and I shall try to keep you up to date through these – occasional – newsletters.

I hope that the Christmas and New Year period has left you musically refreshed. Personally, it was a nerve-racking time,as, before the Christmas break, I try to secure ensembles to play for us in the ensuing season. However, I am delighted to report that I have now agreed players, times and fees for the whole of the season September 2006 to April 2007.

Although the months have been agreed, in some cases the precise date has to be fixed but the feeling of having achieved that, 10 hours before Christmas Day, allowed me to enjoy the day even more! The full details will not be available until the summer, when our brochure, giving information on the performers, programmes and sponsors for each concert, will be published.

Our next concert is on Monday, 16th January 2006 and will be given by the Aquarelle Guitar Quartet. Formed in 1999, they are the first guitar quartet to receive the Royal Northern College of Music’s highest performance qualification and they demonstrated their continuing development as winners in the Tunnell Trust Award scheme 2004.

You may have seen an article in the Inverness Courier of 20th December, reporting that the Area Council are to apply to the Lottery for funds to replace the Town House piano that we have often used. Indeed, ICMS succeeded in raising funds for this project and twice applied to the Lottery for the balance. Twice, we were rejected! I do hope that the Area Council is more fortunate.

I hope to see you on 16th January,

Yours sincerely,

Paul Crowe