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We are well into the 2011 season and I have some further information about our events.

.Our N.Devon Hospice concert 'Light & Dark' on February 19th raised £350 which was a great achievement considering the rival attraction of Swansea Opera and my thanks to the Artavian Singers for accepting the challenge of the music, David & Di Gibson for reading the poetry so beautifully, and our chairman Richard Westcott for his unique (!) rendition of 'Arise O Sun!'

The Classical clarinet recital was something new for us, but we discovered another side to the usually pedestrian Franz Danzi, and enjoyed the drama of the 6 German Songs by Spohr, sung beautifully by Ellie Laugharne. Rounded off by wonderful 'Kegelstatt trio' by Mozart. Our hosts, Rachel & Hugh Thomas made it as usual a lovely event with excellent food.

Our performance of Haydn's oratorio 'The Seasons' was a great success. The Music Room at Woolhanger Manor proved a wonderful venue once again. The sun shone from midday onwards, and so picnicking in the interval proved to be an enjoyable interlude. Once again our sincerest thanks go to Graham & Beverley Mellstrom without whose unfailing help and goodwill we could not have put on such an ambitious programme. The North Devon Hospice will benefit from your generosity and that of the players.The numbers attending were down on last year, so we won't be able to donate as much, but nevertheless I'm sure it will be a good amount. Clive Boursnell took some great pictures which I shall put up in the gallery on the website.

Our Two Flutes and cream tea at Simonsbath Church was very successful, although the audience were fewer than last year. The open weekend at the church raised quite a lot of money as a whole and this will be divided between Church Funds and local charities.

I am now putting my mind to next year's excitements. The dates are provisionally, a music poetry and paintings evening on the theme of the "Two Elizabeths" will be on February 18th, The recital at The Elms with supper is on Sunday May 6th, and our larger scale opera will be on Sunday June 24th. I look forward to seeing you again.

For enquiries, please contact me, John Marston, on 01271-323202 or email me at: artavian.baroque@gmail.com