Among my greatest regrets in life is the lateness with which I came to classical music – and I’m afraid I’m a bit of a Johnny-come-lately to Newry Chamber Music too. But I’ll make up for that by not missing any future performance.

On that question: the next performance is in Lislea on midsummer’s evening June 21^st and it will be an evening of Operatic and Musical theatre presented by Ireland’s leading soprano Virginia Kerr and the Oriel Ensemble. I cannot wait.

The recital last evening was in Friends Meeting House in Bessbrook, my first visit to that place of worship too. I will shortly add a note about this religious group.

I have never, ever been disappointed in any classical concert I attended and these, besides home, Belfast and Dublin have included venues such as Paris, London, Prague and Dubrovnik. Last night was no exception.

The programme included works by Shostakovich, Schumann, Piazzolla and – my own perennial favourite - Beethoven. I had never before experienced the piano Opus 70 ‘Ghosts’ and I was moved close to tears by the sheer beauty of the composition and the rendition. 

No words can convey the uplifting experience of an evening such as this. I am profoundly grateful to all, but especially to David and Joanne. Long may you continue to delight us all.