AN AUDIENCE of more than 80 Keldwyth Award supporters was entertained to a Spring Serenade at St Martin's College, Ambleside.

The concert opened with the trio performing Mozart's A Spring Rondo, which set the tone for the evening. Edward Lawton (oboe) and Sarah Barkway (flute) blended delightfully and Colin Tolson (piano) supported this delightful piece most sympathetically. The trio followed with Handel's Sonata in G Minor with its demanding variations in the movements calling for crisp fingering and contemplative playing.

Wendy Sharrock (mezzo-soprano) delighted the audience with floral songs by Quilter, Schubert, Mozart and Moeran and impressed her listeners with her clear diction, wonderfully sustained notes and her sheer joy in singing.

Sarah Barkway maintained the high standard with a flute programme including John Rutter's Suite Antique, Gaubert's Madrigal and Le Basque by Marais, each piece demanding expert fingering and breath control.

Edward Lawton opened the second half with works by Mozart, Handel, Cesar Franck, John Field and Saint-Saens, demonstrating the versatility of both the oboe and the player. It was an impressive performance with many haunting moments, wonderful legato sections and beautifully sustained final notes.

Wendy Sharrock returned with Arne's The Lass with the delicate Air, Tell Me Fair Lady from The Marriage of Figaro, Sequidilla from Carmen and ended with We'll Gather Lilacs by Ivor Novello. The trio brought the evening to a happy conclusion with Sonata Op 1 No.1 by John Loeillet with its wonderful interweaving of oboe and flute. Throughout the concert, Colin Tolson accompanied immaculately and contributed hugely to the success of the evening. A truly memorable event. Robert Fraser