Flutes and Co, Carver Church, Windermere

FLUTES of every size, large and small, were on show at Flutes and Co’s Flute Rhapsody summer concert.

In a well-chosen programme designed to show off the skills of this versatile group we heard music across the genres, from arrangements of popular classics to pop, and an example of a technique known in the flute world as ‘flute beat boxing’ in which the players imitate the sound of percussion instruments.

The concert opened with a very effective arrangement of Grieg’s March of the Trolls. With the addition of a double bass to provide a firm foundation, the group achieved a remarkably satisfying sound even in such a well-known orchestral classic as Mendelssohn’s Hebrides Overture. Also included in the first half of the programme was a piece by Sylvia Heath, a member of the group, and Freddie Mercury’s Bohemian Rhapsody.

In the second half of the concert, the opening piece, Dawn Chorus by Margaret Lowe, made a deep impression on the audience. In this essentially simple piece, individual players were spaced around the hall surrounding the audience with bird calls in imitation of the dawn chorus.

Following this, six members of the group appeared as soloists in Robert Rainford’s arrangement of John Rutter’s Suite Antique; then came Skirlie Beat when soloist Bess Shooter enthusiastically showed off her mastery of ‘flute beat boxing’.

The talented group of flute enthusiasts was ably directed by flautist Sue Nicholls. As one would expect, Sue is a great advocate for her instrument and her skills as a director and communicator were evident in the disciplined ensemble playing on show throughout the evening.

For anyone interested in joining the group there is to be an open rehearsal on Sunday, September 10 at the Castle Street Community Centre, Kendal. For more about the group, visit www.flutesandco.org.uk

Clive Walkley