Manchester Reed Trio at Christ Church (2026)

Most of the Manchester Reed Trio made it back to Southport —Ms. Sarah Nixon's bassoon temporary replaced by Mr. Alex Kane's—, but Ms. Bethan Roberts & Ms. Rachel Fillhart's oboe and clarinet remain just as incisive and timely as ever. To an audience of nearly 400 discerning ears, this trio brought music related to Jane Austen's work, adaptations, or era.

Before going into their repertoire, it must be said that the Manchester Reed Trio always stands out because of their musical selection. Even though it's been almost two years, I still remember their last concerts' programme, and surely most of the auditoire remembers their «Lass of Richmond Hill», or «Pink Panther», or «Moon River»… This trio really knows how to play that which you didn't know you needed to hear!

I particularly enjoyed the «Pride and Prejudice» theme from the 1995 BBC production, a TV show that most enjoyed, but I had to actually study.

The traditional songs like the «Duke of Kent Waltz» and «English Country Garden» also made an impression, but the crown's jewel was, to me, Mozart's «Divertimenti n.° 2», the first movement, the allegro.

The Manchester Reed Trio truly is the total package: musically impeccable, clear and engaging in their introductions, and impactful in their song choices; I even overheard someone remarking that they were all sharp dressers! I just hope it doesn't take two years for them to be back!