January 2007

Dear Music-lover,

What a way to start 2007 – the year of Highland Culture!

When I welcomed some guests to the Town Hall, it was to a packed auditorium – so packed that I, and one of the guests, had to stand for the first movement of the Haydn string quartet.

The concert, sponsored by Highland 2007, was given by the Carducci Quartet, who played the Haydn and who were then joined by Nicola Eimer (piano) for a performance of the Schumann Piano Quintet. Although my vantage point – as page-turner – meant that I had to concentrate on the music, I could see how much energy, enthusiasm and sheer enjoyment the performers put into the work. For me, it was simply staggering.

In the second half, they were joined by Daniel Storer, to play the Schubert “Trout” quintet. In many ways, the “Trout” is the reason for ICMS. It was hugely enjoyed by the audience and by the quintet, who received 4 ovations. During one, Nicola brought on Charlie – the 5-month old baby of cellist Emma Denton. He had been in the “green room”, being babysat by Granny. He responded like a true musician – by putting his hands over his ears!

Next day, I received an email from a lady I haven’t met:

“congratulations on the really splendid programme and performance last night. The applause (even without the baby) will have told you all. I come quite often to your concerts, and it was by far the best I've heard.
I wanted, specially, though, to congratulate the Chamber Music Soc on getting and using 2007 money in this imaginative and exhilarating way. It probably won't have been easy. Real culture for the Highlands, and not a wisp of tartan in sight; that and the launch, I feel better about the Year already.”

Paul