A great evening awash with glorious melodies

A band of eight musicians, the Waverley Band, headed by the wonderful young mezzo soprano, Anna Huntley, will be playing music of the great composers based on folk music from around the world. Huntley, who is currently performing at English National Opera, gave a superb recital at Paxton House last year which showed her versatility and great stage presence.

Also performing are Kelso’s own master musicians - violist Steve Tees (well known to Kelso’s folk club) and flautist Lis Dooner. The instruments include harp, clarinet, cello, piano, percussion, viola and flute.

This is the first time that the society have assembled their own group of players with a programme of their own devising that covers so many musical styles. It is an exciting event both for the musicians and the audience.

The concert is built around Berio’s Folk Songs, a series of eight folk tunes, from Scotland (Black is the Colour) to South America and all parts between, all gloriously evocative melodies with strange and beautiful arrangements.

The rest of the programme is drawn from works that are derived from folk music and played as solos, duos or small ensembles with and without the voice. There will be gypsy songs by Dvorak, Scottish folk songs by Beethoven and Greek folk songs by Ravel to name but a few.

For many centuries the music of the courts, elegant and sophisticated, was given extra strength and virility by drawing on the music of the common people, music that addressed their hard and emotional lives in strong rhythm and often ravishing melody. All the great composers drew on the music of the dances, taverns and festivals - tunes written to give voice to the feelings of the common folk.

It is a programme with something for everyone - gentle folk melodies, wild dances, beautiful songs - and Steve will be let loose for a spot all of his own.

The performance starts at 7.30pm at the Old Parish Church, Kelso. Tickets cost £12.

For more information visit www.kelsomusicsociety.com