IT is unusual that Kirtonians are offered the possibility of attending a World Premiere event of any sort. But a new venue, the Elephant on the Green, Crediton did just that on February 1, by hosting a fascinating concert by local pianist Tim Matthews that featured not one but two new pieces of music.

One of these was by Thomas Dunhill, the English Romantic composer whose connections to Crediton have been cemented by Paul Vincent, his grandson, and the other by up and coming female musician Halima Abdelhafiz whose “Contemplation 2” was very well received by all present.

This was not your usual piano recital where one can almost guess the programme; Chopin, Schubert, Beethoven and, occasionally, something from the 20th Century.

This was, in contrast, radical, bold and especially well delivered by a self deprecating soloist whose ability to educate and entertain cannot be in doubt.

I believe that a number of similar concerts are planned and it is fair to say that local music lovers, indeed the whole town, should be very proud that it is here that new, and established, piano music is being presented for all to enjoy.

It is this sort of thing that makes Crediton a very special place for the Arts in general and for music in particular.

Steph Jones