FRANK Harrison, chairman of Teesside Music Society, welcomed another capacity audience on the occasion of this infrequently heard combination of trumpet and organ music.

This particular concert was dedicated to the memory of the late Mrs Doreen Haigh, a long-standing patron of Teesside Music Society, who was herself a keen amateur organist.

The duo opened with the famous Queen of the Night’s aria from The Magic Flute by Mozart, followed by a truly delightful arrangement by Bach of Concerto in D major, after Vivaldi. The delicacy and sweetness achieved by the two instruments was remarkable.

Pipe amused the audience by describing the Aria for Organ by Manz as “cheesy, in fact, dripping with cheese, like fondue”. It was indeed very easy on the ear – accessible with a sweet refrain threading throughout.

Poulson performed Mathias’s Processional. This was remarkably smooth listening, with the brightness of the trumpet offset by the soft back tones of the organ, continually bringing home just how effective and beautiful this combination of instruments is.

Mathias also composed much in the Anglican choral tradition, most famously the anthem Let the People Praise Thee O God, chosen by Prince Charles for his marriage service in 1981.

Alan Hovhaness, a 20th century composer of American/Armenian descent, was extremely prolific, having 500 works to his credit including 67 symphonies. His Prayer of Saint Gregory, a beautiful, reflective piece, is a fine vehicle for both organ and trumpet, demonstrating their richness and subtleties.

Eight of the 12 composers whose work we enjoyed on this occasion were alive and working in the 20th century, and Friedman and Hakim, both born in the 1950s, are still composing – a programme which reflects the TMS policy of promoting contemporary music where possible.

This was a most enjoyable concert, with the experience being greatly enriched by both of the young musicians introducing their music.

The last concert of the TMS winter season at Stokesley Methodist Church is on Sunday, March 13, at 7.15pm, featuring Krysia Osostowicz (violin) and Daniel Tong (piano).

Irene MacDonald