French composers predominate on this recital of music for solo and flute duet from terrific flautists Anna Stokes and Lisa Friend.

A substantial number of virtuoso flute works exist as a result of the ‘Concours Pieces’ from the Paris Conservatoire. Begun in 1860 under the professor of flute (and founder of the modern French school of flute playing) Paul Taffanel, two of these test pieces for solo flute are included:  Chaminade’s Concertino and a Fantasie by Hue. 

In amongst all things French is Piazzolla’s Oblivion, in a charming personal arrangement by Lisa and Anna. 

Other European schools of playing are also represented; Carl Joachim Andersen was a 19th century Danish flute virtuoso who suffered paralysis of the tongue, giving up playing and concentrating on conducting; but his Three Pieces (Trois Morceaux) remain popular with flautists and audiences. 

Fauré’s Cantique de Jean Racine, best known for choir in it’s original version, features here in a beautiful arrangement by eminent flute pedagogue Trevor Wye. 

British flautist, Lisa Friend commenced her studies in New York with Renee Siebert of the New York Philharmonic. At seventeen, Lisa won a Scholarship to the Royal College of Music where she studied with Susan Milan. Twice winner of the Martin Music Scholarship, this enabled her to study at the Paris Conservatoire with Alain Marion and Ida Ribera. 

Award-wining flautist Anna Stokes studied at the Royal College of Music and is an established orchestral and chamber musician. Founder of the Emanuel Ensemble, she has given recitals in the Purcell Room, Wigmore Hall and across the UK.