Lionel Avery reviews The Sterling Trio concert at Amersham Concert Club on 7 March. 

An enthusiastic audience at Amersham Concert Club’s recital on 7 March was treated to a most enjoyable evening of music by the Sterling Trio.

Sarah Atter (flute), Thomas Verity (clarinet) and Lauren Hibberd (piano) are passionate about their unusual combination of instruments and this came across to the audience very clearly throughout the evening. 

Much of their programme was unfamiliar to the audience but members of the Trio introduced each piece beautifully.

Starting with a delightful piece by Cavallini, “Reverie Russe,” the evening progressed through the Trio’s own transcription of a Bach Trio Sonata with a bass clarinet taking the cello part – the first time this instrument has been heard in the Club’s history.

The first half finished with a piece by Guillaume Connesson called “Techno-Parade”. Written in 2002, this was described as a 21st century take on the folk / classical fusion music of the early 20th century.

Another first for the Club, this piece which included brushing the piano strings and flutter-tonguing from the flautist, was warmly received by the audience.

The second half began with a lovely performance of Sir Henry Bishop’s 19th century aria “Lo, Here the Gentle Lark” before moving on to three modern pieces, including “Pennillion” by Sir Howard Blake, best known for composing the music to the film “The Snowman”.

Throughout this varied and very well-structured programme, the two woodwind instruments combined wonderfully, whilst Lauren Hibberd brought a lovely delicacy to her piano part but maintained a strong underlying structure to the music.

The communication and understanding shown by all three musicians was most impressive. As an encore, after the humour and liveliness of Sir Malcolm Arnold’s “Grand Fantasia”, we heard another beautifully quiet piece, “Archangel’s Lullaby” by Howard Blake.

Many of the audience commented on how much they had enjoyed the evening and the opportunity to hear new works performed so ably.

The Club’s season ends on 28th March with a lecture recital on Mozart and his Contemporaries, by the very popular pianist, singer and speaker, Peter Medhurst when details of the Club’s 49th season, starting in October, will also be available.

The concert begins at 7:30 pm, (NB).