5:50pm Saturday 13th March 2010
By Barbara Jordan
HALTON Music Society which nurtured gifted local musicians and brought world class performers to the borough is disbanding after almost 40 years.
International pianist Martin Roscoe, who was born in Halton Village and moved to Widnes when he was 16, is returning to The Brindley at 7.30pm on Saturday, March 20, for a farewell concert with Manchester Camarata.
He was encouraged to develop his talent and gave a recital to 200 people at Farnworth Methodist Church hall on January, 26, 1978.
His fee was £80 and hire of the piano £90.
He went on to become a world renowned pianist.
Local rising stars clarinettist Andrew Roberts and singer Hanna Liisa Midwood Kirchin also performed.
Both are now persuing their dreams.
Rona Collins, society chairman, said: “One of the aims of the society was to bring live professional classical music of the highest quality to the area.
“The society also had a social side. There were chats over homemade cakes and tea in the intervals and a magnificent summer garden party each year to raise funds.
“Committee members worked tirelessly over the years, recommending and looking after artists and raising adventurous ideas.”
Securing funding for a Steinway grand piano and the advent of The Brindley led to hosting full scale operas and larger orchestras.
Rona said: “It is fitting that our patron, Martin Roscoe and our maestro friends from the Camerata have joined us for our final curtain.
“An exceptional evening of magic is promised.”
The programme will include three piano quartet masterpieces by Mozart, Faure and Brahms.
Tickets priced £12.50/£10.50 concessions are available from the box office on 0151 907 8360 or online at www.thebrindley.org.uk
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