IN spite of foul weather on New Year’s Day, Crediton Congregational Church was packed on the afternoon of Friday, January 1, for a concert given by young musicians, aged from eight to 18 years.

Highlights of the event, which featured 12 soloists at different grade levels, included Isobel Tuffin-Donnevert’s singing of Benjamin Britten’s “New Year Carol”, and an ensemble of eight children, assembled for the occasion, who performed an excerpt from Beethoven’s “9th Symphony”, and the traditional “Londonderry Air” (popularly known as “Danny Boy”) – on brass, strings, flute and percussion.

A young player, Matilda Roddy, was notable for her fine playing of a delightful short piece by Scott Joplin.

She is taught by woodwind teacher, Sarah Dean, who lives in Crediton.

The two youngest players, Archie Whittall and Posy Roberts each played short piano works with great confidence.

Introduced by The Music Makers’ musical director Rebecca Willson, Alfie Pugh accompanied on the church’s grand piano.

Several music teachers were present, swelling the ranks of families and friends.

The now annual event (this was the third) was followed by a free showing of Charlie Chaplin’s classic of early cinema, “Modern Times”.

The next Music Makers’ evening concert will be on Saturday, January 23, at 7pm (this is a change from the previous dates which have always been on a Tuesday).

An interesting selection of classical and other music will be performed by locally-based musicians, including a flute ensemble called “Flutastic”.

Paul Vincent