IN THE responsive acoustic of Kendal's United Reformed Church the silvery sound of the massed flute choir could be appreciated to the full.

For this occasion, Sedgwick Flutes were joined by talented double bass player Stu Lewthwaite who added great depth and verve to the ensemble.

The programme ranged from a beautifully executed Bach aria to some delicate Schubertian quintet playing and a serene solo by Jo Ashcroft, which captivated the audience, to a stirring Cossack Ride and slinky Pink Panther theme until the finish at breakneck speed Rossini's William Tell Overture.

This growing choir of young flute players are all from different secondary schools.

The fact that they produce music of such consummate quality while rehearsing together only once a month and being still of such formative years, is testament to the skill and commitment of their director Suzanne de Lozey.

After nine years of creativity this ensemble has reached a peak that will be hard to follow, now that some of its most talented players move on. CJA

April 24, 2003 09:00