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"Very, very impressive ...." - CLASSIC FM
"Everyone who attended the concert yesterday evening was unanimous in their praise and appreciation of the performance, and we were very glad to welcome Classic Rhythm back to Macclesfield." - Macclesfield Music Society, April 2008
"Classic Rhythm went down a storm. Although they've been on the road for many years, it is the professionalism of the members that makes each show seem fresh and spontaneous. They are all such talented musicians and make the whole show seem effortless." - Ayr Music Club, March 2008
"Classic Rhythm were brilliant and wonderfully entertaining." - Thurso Live Music Association, March 2008
"Writing to say how much we enjoyed the concert given by Classic Rhythm. What a splendid evening - the best concert we've had for ages. When can they come again?" - Haywards Heath Music Society, January 2008
"It was one of the best concerts we have had. We shall certainly want Classic Rhythm back again within the next couple of years." - Chipping Sodbury Music Society, 2007
"Friday was a real highlight in our calendar. You provided such virtuoso skills and your blend and empathy was enthralling. Feedback has been universally positive and highly enthusiastic." - Roseland Music Society, 2007
"A huge 'thank you' to Adrian, Chris and Helen for the most fantastic evening on Sunday - it was just the most brilliant sound and sight. It was virtually standing-room only in the hall (obviously lots of people in the audience had heard Classic Rhythm before) and the exit-poll registered 110% smiles and excitement." - Clare, North Westmorland Arts, 2007
"I would be very grateful if you could pass on my thanks to Classic Rhythm for running a really inspiring and dynamic workshop. I think they pitched it perfectly." - Catherine, Luton Music Service, 2007
"It goes without saying that they went down a storm. It was the perfect concert and the pressure is already on for us to get them back!" - Steyning Music Society, 2006
"The audience was delighted by Classic Rhythm ... many people commenting on the admirable instrumental skills and humour ... the professionalism of all three." - Bute Arts Society, 2006
"... to say how much we all enjoyed the concert. You gave us a splendid, indeed rousing (!) start to our series. Thank you all so much for the entertainment, fun and wonderful music-making - I'm sure that the audience reaction said it all." - Dunfermline Arts Guild, 2006
"A delightful and much appreciated concert." - Invergordon Arts Society, 2006
| Classic Rhythm: | |
| Helen O'Connell | - flute |
| Adrian Sutcliffe | - keyboards |
| Chris Brannick | - percussion |
Classic Rhythm is a unique and exciting chamber group with a difference. Formed in 1992, this trio for flute, keyboards and percussion has already met with astonishing success, playing to sell-out audiences all over the UK as well as broadcasting on Classic FM and BBC Radio.
All three members are widely travelled musicians - between them they have performed at all the major concert venues in this country as well as travelling further afield to Europe, Ghana, Australia and Hong Kong and New Zealand.
Skilful arrangements of well-known classical favourites, set alongside an exceptionally wide variety of other pieces, have quickly established the group's popular appeal. The range of music, from original compositions to jazz and light arrangements, is complemented by the warm informality of the group on stage.
Audiences are always fascinated by the vast array of instruments, some familiar, some not! From marimba to tam-tam, from piccolo to cabasa, they are brilliantly woven into a sparkling evening's entertainment.
Classic Rhythm has recently released its second CD.
"Classic Rhythm presented a varied programme that delighted the large audience. They wore their obvious virtuosity lightly, but there was no doubting the fact that they are exceptionally talented musicians." - Radlett Music Club, 2006
"The audience were ecstatic in their applause and enthusiasm ... " - Clacton & NE Essex Arts & Literary Society, 2005
" … and full of admiration not only for the dazzling instrumental music but also for the good humour that did so much to make the concert so entertaining.” - Lee Rayner (Director) Broxbourne Summer Festival, 2004
"Energetic, exciting, versatile and hugely skilful. The ease of manner and good nature of the trio added pleasure to the whole performance." - Perthshire Advertiser - Dunkeld Music in the Cathedral, 2004
"... a really enjoyable, refreshing musical experience ..." - SASRA Music at Wyndham, 2003
"Entertaining and exhilarating...Classic Rhythm were just brilliant." - Argyll Courier
"The informal style of the players, coupled with their stunning playing was just right for the venue and the audience." - Arts Officer, S. Cambs. District Council
"An enchanting show for the children, followed by a stunning evening concert - a real day to remember." - Bruton Concert Society, Yeovil
"One of the outstanding events of the festival - the freshness and enthusiasm of all three members of the group made for a splendid evening." - St. Andrew's Festival of Music and the Arts
"A captivating evening! I would recommend this trio to anyone requiring a varied and thoroughly delightful programme of music." - Church Stretton & S. Shropshire Arts Festival
Helen attended the Royal Academy of Music for four years, studying flute and piccolo with Derek Honner and recorder with Anthony Robson. She gained the Academy's highest award, the Recital Diploma, and her LRAM as well as winning the Nicholas Blake prize for Chamber Music and being awarded the Edwin James prize for woodwind playing. She now works as a freelance and chamber musician and has performed widely throughout Britain at concert halls, music societies and festivals, in particular with the Pneuma Wind Quintet and with Music on Offa.
Adrian studied at the Royal Academy of Music where he was awarded the Frances Earle Scholarship for piano playing and was a prizewinner in many solo competitions. He has appeared at the Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool, St John's Smith Square and the Purcell Room. He has frequently been involved in the premieres of new compositions and has appeared at many festivals and music societies around the country ranging from Dumfries & Galloway to the Three Choirs Festival. He has also played for many leading dance companies including Ballet Rambert and London Contemporary Dance and regularly composes and records music for various productions in the South East.
Chris studied at the Royal Academy of Music. His career has ranged from the cabaret circuit to many of Britain's leading orchestras, and to giving solo workshops throughout the country. He is presently principal percussionist for Glyndebourne Touring Opera and for the Premiere Ensemble. He also co-founded the percussion quartet Ensemble Bash, which has broadcast on Radio and Television, and last year played at the concert in Hong Kong celebrating the hand over to China. Chris has had many works written especially for him and is also involved in the promotion of new music through his educational work.