Classic start to the new year

There were over 80 people in the audience for today’s lunchtime concert with Ensemble Reza’s friend, pianist Caroline Tyler. Everyone arrived promptly at St Wilfrid’s church, a different venue from usual, and enjoyed a cup of something warm before the music started.

Caroline introduced each of her pieces as she performed, often sharing personal anecdotes. She began with a beautiful piece by Scarlatti, followed by Aquarium, from Carnival of the Animals, which she has previously performed with Reza.

Next, she played the second movement of Mozart’s Piano Sonata No.3, followed by two Impromptus by Schubert, the second of which was breathtakingly fast. Debussy’s ever popular Clair de Lune was exquisite and the pièce de resistance was Beethoven’s complete Moonlight Sonata.

With the church bathed in sunlight and Caroline’s bewitching playing, it truly was a Tuesday treat with which to start 2025.