Our recent series of four recitals took us from Rottingdean, down on the Sussex coast, right up to Stokesley in North Yorkshire. Louisa was unfortunately unable to play through illness and so we were very grateful to Jane Dixon-Wayne for joining us at the last minute.

13 March – Rottingdean Spring Music Festival
We started bright and early, with an 11:30 recital at the Whiteway Centre, Rottingdean. Festival Composer-in-Residence Paul Patterson was present, and we enjoyed the opportunity to rehearse his piece Westerly Winds with him before performing it in concert.

In the afternoon we were invited to join in the final gala concert, playing solos with the Hungarian Mendelssohn Chamber Orchestra and English Concert Singers.

17 March – Grimsby Concert Society
Our northern tour got off to a great start with a recital at Grimsby Central Hall.


Photo: Bryan Gladwin

“Congratulations and thanks for giving us such a wonderful concert. We knew it was going to be very special from the first moments and it proved to be quite memorable by means of a finely chosen programme, performed with a great artistry, musicianship and empathy that only ensembles of the highest quality can achieve. It really was a high point in our season. "Pure class!", was the comment from one smiling member of the audience - and there were many more similar plaudits from our members who thoroughly enjoyed your performance.” – Eifion Griffiths, Grimsby Concert Society

18 March – Richmond School
Gallimaufry gave an afternoon workshop to woodwind students at Richmond School, which is a specialist school in the Performing Arts. We divided the afternoon into three sections: first we gave a short demonstration of the workings of the wind quintet, including a discussion on how we rehearse. Then we split into groups and worked on techniques specific to each instrument. Finally we all got together to work on and perform a piece written specially for the day by Peter Sparks.

19 March – Richmondshire Subscription Concerts
This was our most demanding recital of the week, both for us and for our audience! Our programme included pieces by Hindemith, Ibert, Ligeti and Berio and was very well received. Comments from the local press included: "playful and technical challenges well met by the ensemble", "a fine performance" and "splendid anarchic entertainment". You can read the full article here

20 March – Teesside Music Society
Our hosts provided us with an excellent pre-concert dinner, made from ingredients grown on their own allotment! Well fed, we rounded off our tour with another successful concert, at the Stokesley Methodist Church.