Flutes and Co, Stricklandgate Methodist Church, Kendal

FLUTES and Co is a well-established local group of flautists, writes Clive Walkley.

Founded in 1994 with a only six young players, the ensemble now numbers around 25 members with an age range of 11-70. Players come together from Cumbria and North Lancashire to rehearse in Kendal twice a month.

Under the enthusiastic direction of energetic Sue Nicholls, the 25 flutes in various shapes a sizes plus double bass and percussion presented a varied programme of arrangements of music for flute band and one original work.

One of the remarkable features of the group’s playing is the fullness of the sound. Many years of fundraising has enabled the purchase of the larger instruments of the flute family so that, in addition to the normal flute and piccolo, the group now has alto flute, bass and contrabass instruments. These additional instruments, plus a double bass, allow the players to play harmonically over a wide range.

Highlights of the programme were an arrangement of Tchaikovsky’s familiar Danse des Mirlitons from his Nutcracker Suite, a very satisfying arrangement of Vivaldi’s Spring Concerto from his cycle The Four Seasons - with three different soloists all revealing a high level of musicality and technical achievement - and an arrangement of Ravel’s famous Bolero. Throughout the evening, the group’s sense of ensemble was impressive and the obvious joy in music making came across to the audience.