We were delighted to welcome the outstanding, young local flautist Daisy Noton, partnered by pianist Andra Băcilă to perform for Music Box Wealden, in a programme which included Borne’s dazzling Carmen Fantasy, Reinecke’s romantic Undine Sonata and music by Dvořák.

Music Box Wealden could hardly have a better torchbearer than local flautist Daisy Noton. Currently studying at the Royal Academy of Music in London she has already had competition success at local, national and international level, not least as a Woodwind Finalist in the BBC Young Musician of the Year Competition in 2020. At the same time, she has maintained a high profile in her native East Sussex and, in her outreach work, has shown herself to be a passionate advocate for classical music in the community.

Daisy was joined by pianist Andra Băcilă in a programme which included the Undine Sonata by the nineteenth century Danish/German composer Carl Reinecke, one of the few great Romantic works for the instrument. The Carmen Fantasy by François Borne is a virtuoso showpiece based on themes from Bizet’s Carmen – and Dvořák’s Song to the Moon continues the operatic theme. Also included was Fantaisie no. 12 by Telemann for solo flute and a flute sonata by Mel Bonis.

Pianist Andra Băcilă performed Piano Sonata No.2, Op.14 by Sergey Prokofiev and Jardins sous la pluie (Gardens in the Rain) from Estampes (Prints), for solo piano by Claude Debussy.