Thomas Hancox and Richard Shaw, Kendal Town Hall

Thomas Hancox and Richard Shaw are not names that readily spring to mind when flautists and pianists are discussed. This is highly regrettable because, as was demonstrated at a recent midday concert club recital, these two musicians are, most certainly, out of the top drawer.

An attractive, wide-ranging programme, satisfying all tastes, was the vehicle for an hour’s thorough enjoyment and appreciation of the familiar JS Bach and Poulenc and of the unfamiliar Gaubert, Taktakishvili and Gade.

When retrospectively replaying the highs – there were no lows - of the concert, every admirer will recall with pleasure the players’ extraordinary musicianship, the consistent excellence of their balance and sense of partnership, their exploitation of the individual colouring and possibilities of each instrument, whilst the degree to which everything was imbued with good taste and refinement was very special indeed.

Thomas Hancox enjoys complete technical control, his phrasing is awesome, his tonal quality in all registers is beguiling and he communicates informatively and humorously with his admirers.

Richard Shaw, pianistically incisive, fluent and sensitive, is the ideal partner – a no-nonsense player and a virtuoso page-turner to boot.

Brian Paynes