March 2008 Part 2

Dear music lover,

Tonight's events were a fascinating commentary, in different ways, on the development of a young pianist, Anne Macgregor.

The evening started with a Sponsors' Supper, a meal in Cafe 1, attended by our committee and representatives of our sponsors. Commercial sponsorship means a great deal to us; for many years, we barely survived on ticket sales and a grant from an offshoot of the Scottish Arts Council. With the generous sponsorship of local businesses, we have been able to raise the quality of performers markedly, to increase our audience considerably and to raise awareness of our sponsors' commitment to the community. So we were delighted to say, "Thank you" to them. As one of our guests, Anne was a charming addition to the party.

I am not sure whether I was as "charming". Admittedly, I had dressed up in my suit and "piano" tie, so I looked the part, but my red nose was a give-away. My son and I had been skiing a couple of days before - maybe you're not supposed to use your nose as a brake!

Anne left the supper early, to prepare for her recital. My impression was that she was much more relaxed in the second half, where the Debussy and the "Threnody" of the Vine "Bagatelles" stood out, than in the first, where the Bach "Toccata" and the Beethoven sonata were a little rushed. However, the overall performance was excellent and delighted her family - brother and sisters, a parent, grandparents and a "burrach" more - who, I am sure, deservedly enjoyed Anne's recital.

Something different next: on 9th April, "O Duo" - a percussion duo - perform a repertoire of over 300 years on instruments that are whacked, donged or plonked. And I'm told that their footwork is amazing.

See you there,

Paul