THE first performance of a piece of music specially commissioned by Bromsgrove Concerts and Droitwich Concert Club will take place on Friday, March 21 at the Artrix.

Local Worcester composer Ian Venables has written the piece, called Canzonetta, for clarinet and string quartet and his piano quintet was enthusiastically received when it was played at Bromsgrove Concerts two years ago.

The piece is dedicated to the memory of Huw Ceredig, for many years principal percussionist with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and who was also Secretary of the Droitwich Concert Club.

Bernard Hall-Mancey of Bromsgrove Concerts said: “We are very pleased that Ian has written this new piece specially for us. The title of this new piece certainly promises the lyricism for which Ian is noted.”

Concert-goers will have the chance to hear the work performed again the following evening in the Droitwich Concert Club series at the Methodist Church on Worcester Road, Droitwich. A ticket for either concert will entitle the holder to a half price ticket for the other concert.

The piece will be played by The Cavaleri Quartet and clarinettist Timothy Orpen. The programme at the Artrix opens with Czech composer Janacek’s impassioned ‘Intimate Letters’ quartet, described as his ‘manifesto on love’.

To conclude, the quartet will be joined by Timothy Orpen to play Mozart’s clarinet quintet, every bit as good as the famous clarinet concerto.

The Cavaleri Quartet were Royal College of Music Rising Stars in 2008 and in 2012 won first prize at the Hamburg International Chamber Music Competition.

Australian born Timothy Orpen is recognised as an outstanding young musician with a ‘ blazing talent’.

Tickets can be purchased at artrix.co.uk or by phone on 01527 577330. They can also be bought by post or in person.

Ticket prices are £17 for single tickets (£3 concessions for registered disabled, unemployed or full time student over 25).