On a wet, autumnal Friday evening, a generous audience of Writhlington families came to Writhlington School to listen to beautiful music played by two outstanding artists; horn player, Ben Goldscheider and pianist, Richard Uttley.

Both have played in the great concert halls of the world, and came to Writhlington through a wonderful new initiative at the school. Called Vital Art, it is a club for anyone who is a pupil, or works at the school in any capacity, to see the very best musicians for just £1, which also applies to any member of their family.

Many Writhlington families did just that. Primary school brothers, sisters, sons and daughters snuggled up with Mum and Dad to listen to Ben and Richard play a varied set of pieces; a gentle Barcarolle by Tchaikovsky, a sonata written in WWII with hidden Morse Code by Hindemith, and a piece inspired by a pub called Hunter’s Moon, where you could hear the drunken revellers play. There were grannies and grandpas, teachers and admin staff, with their young families, and pupils with their parents, sisters and brothers.

Having spent the afternoon playing at the school, Ben explained every piece before he played it. The French horn had a soft, mellow sound, and could be played in many different styles. The pianist, Richard Uttley, accompanied with skill.

Ben Goldscheider then went back to Berlin, where he works with the famous East-West Divan Orchestra and from where he travels all over the world as a soloist, and Richard Uttley returned to London, which is the base for his career.

Meanwhile, the Writhlington School Community will look forward to the next concert on November 27th, with recorder player, Tabea Debus, lute player, Alex McCartney and cellist, Jonathan Rees. All concerts are at a family-friendly time of 6.30 p.m. – 7.30 p.m. at Writhlington School. Visit: www.vitalart.org.uk for details. Members of the public can also apply for tickets, which are at a separate rate.