MEMBERS met at St Edmund’s Hall last month to hold the Malvern Concert Club’s annual general meeting and to hear a piano recital given by young virtuoso Tyler Hay.

The business of the meeting took place first when a new chairman was elected. Joseph Brand had been on the committee for 21 years and had held the position of chairman for nine of those. Joe’s considerable contribution was acknowledged and he was appointed vice president of the club following his retirement.

Joe has kindly agreed to continue to write the programme notes for club concerts, but will step down from his previous responsibility as page turner. John Gregory was elected to the chair for the forthcoming season and was welcomed in his new role.

Following the AGM, Members were treated to a thrilling recital by the talented pianist Tyler Hay.

Tyler visited last year when he accompanied Toby Hughes on double bass in a short recital and said he was delighted to be back in Malvern. This time he played pieces by Haydn, Liszt and Rachmaninoff, where he displayed wonderful technique and powers of expression. It was a privilege to hear someone who is clearly on the threshold of a brilliant career. The evening ended with drinks and canapes for everyone.

Malvern Concert Club’s new season opens on Thursday, September 29, when the Chiaroscuro Quartet plays music by Mozart, Haydn and Schubert at Malvern Theatres.

Tickets are available from the theatre box office on 01684 892277 and Club Membership can be purchased from Simon Payton on 01684 575066 or simonpayton@btinternet.com. This provides excellent value as you buy into six concerts across the season for less than the price of four!

We have some exciting concerts in our 2016-17 programme, including artists Imogen Cooper, the Emerson String Quartet and our own club president, baritone Roderick Williams. Further information may be found at malvern-concert-club.co.uk.

Sarah Musgrave