AN ensemble of 18 young musicians, some at the very start of their musical progress, were the opening feature of the New Year’s Day concert for young musicians at Crediton Congregational Church.

Including a number of very young pupils from the Exeter area, the ensemble performed a festive piece especially composed by local violin teacher Deborah Hamilton.

The whole event was well supported by a bumper audience of more than 100 people.

There followed a number of solo performances by young pianists, violinists and clarinet players. This was the Fourth New Year’s Day concert to be held in the last six years, and some members of the audience have been able to witness the development of young players performing here at two-year intervals – among them Matilda Roddy (clarinet), Daniel Toll (piano) and Maya Richards (violin).

Appearing for the first time at Crediton Congregational Church, Alyssa Gibbons has reached Grade 8 standard on the clarinet while in her first year of A level study.

Matilda, Daniel and Maya (the latter two both students at Crediton’s Queen Elizabeth’s School) played at a similar standard – extremely impressive for their respective years. They were supported by two younger players, Oliver Dunton (piano) and Morgan Vincent (violin) who are Year 7 students at Chulmleigh Community College, who have both reached Grade 4 level.

The audience were treated to a variety of short works by classical composers, Handel, CPE Bach, Vivaldi, Mozart, Massenet and Debussy included, alongside lighter folk- or jazz-inspired pieces by later composers Thomas Dunhill, Hyacinthe Klose and Moe Koffman.

In recognition of their efforts all the ensemble members were presented with a small gift from Crediton’s Candimama sweet shop, and the soloists also received a book-token from Crediton Community Bookshop.

Accompanist Carol Galton, who rehearsed the soloists on New Year’s Eve, was warmly thanked – and played a short and sprightly piano piece to complete the programme.

The New Year’s Day Concert is presented by the Music Makers’ with Crediton Congregational Church, and is generously supported by Crediton Town Council.

Stapletons (chartered certified accountants) have kindly sponsored the maintenance of the Welmar grand piano at the church for concert events, and Hillbrow Residential Care Home sponsored the printing of the Music Makers’ programmes throughout the year.

The warm support of the audience was much appreciated - which can give enormous confidence to young musicians who have not played at a public event before. Many thanks are due to the various music teachers, including Deborah Hamilton (strings) and Sarah Dean (woodwind), who gave up much time in recent days to mentor their pupils in the run-up to the event.

Paul Vincent