A packed audience at St Christopher’s Church, Haslemere, enjoyed a concert on September 16, featuring the works of local composer Clive Osgood. Known as the Director of Music at St Bartholomew's Parish Church and an internationally recognised composer, Osgood's music took centre stage in the first half of the evening. The celebrated Tippett Quartet, pianist Lynn Arnold, and flautist Lisa Friend brought his compositions to life.

The concert opened with Osgood's ‘String Quartet in A minor’, where the strings delivered a driving motif, creating a thrilling atmosphere that persisted through a suspenseful Adagio and a dramatic conclusion. The ‘Sonata for flute and piano’ followed, with the flute’s delicate voice gradually coming to the forefront. The third piece, ‘Tresillo’, featured a hypnotic salsa beat, transitioning into a passionate dance led by the piano.

The programme continued with a Sonata for flute, violin, cello, and piano, evoking the lighthearted spirit of 1930s Paris and a lively dance in seven-time. The first half closed with music from Osgood’s ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’, capturing the enchanting world of fairies, lovers, and comic characters.

After the interval, the Tippett Quartet and Lynn Arnold performed Sir Edward Elgar’s ‘Piano Quintet in A minor,’ composed during his time near Petworth. Their performance filled the church with orchestral resonance, bringing Elgar’s ghostly opening and bold variations to life.

The next event in the Haslemere concert series is on October 19 at 7.30pm, featuring pianist Hao Zi Yoh, who will perform works by Chopin, Debussy, and Rachmaninov.

Review by Martin Robson