September 2006

Dear Music-lover,

Our opening concert of the 2006-7 season was given on Thursday, 27th September by the Callino Quartet. This all-female quartet from Ireland, in my opinion, richly justified the comment which appeared at the head of the programme, "The Callino Quartet is now, by a long shot, the most polished young quartet that Ireland has recently produced". While I didn't know the pieces well enough to comment on their interpretation, I was very impressed by their ensemble - their ability to play as one single unit, rather than as four individuals. As a pure amateur, this came across to me particularly in the Shostakovich quartet, where the "knock below the table" theme was chillingly portrayed.

The quartet were very complimentary about the venue and about you, the audience. They universally appreciated the acoustic (partly, no doubt, due to the re-flooring of the Town Hall and the stage) and Sarah McMahon, the cellist, said, "The audience really seemed to listen - it's not always like that!"

As announced at the concert, the quartet went on to give a workshop in Croy Primary School on Friday. The headmistress, Ruth Binks, reported that, "...they were excellent players and the children loved listening to them...the string tutor was there and he had a lot of requests to learn at the end!". The support of Highland 2007 has meant that other groups this season will give schools' workshops.

Talking about "support" - we have been fortunate indeed to receive support from various sponsors, the remaining concerts in 2006 being sponsored by Highland Audi. One of the other supporters is Highland 2007, who were very "instrumental" - if that's the right word - in enabling us to purchase the grand piano, that sat on the stage behind the Callinos. It will have its first ICMS outing in our next concert, a piano recital by the Paris-based pianist Ivan Ilic. The concert will feature a world premiere of a sonata by John L. King and the composer intends to be present.

I hope I shall see you in October.

Paul Crowe