ON behalf of the committee of the Friends of the English Symphony Orchestra, I would like to thank everyone who supported our fundraising concert, The Maestros' Choice, at The Forum on Friday, January 6.

Over 600 tickets were sold at £1 to our regular audience, as well as numerous first-timers, which, encouragingly, included some young people. Our promise was good music and a warm welcome. Jill Hopkins, in her review, confirmed that the performance was of a very high standard. The director, Michael Bochmann, and soloists, Peter Adams and Paul Arden-Taylor, created an informal atmosphere with interesting and witty repartee between the music.

The concert raised over £8,000 in donations, and special thanks are due to the 235 people who signed the Gift Aid declaration. We are also grateful for the support of the Malvern Theatres.

The evening also celebrated the 25th anniversary of the founding of the English String Orchestra (the precursor to the English Symphony Orchestra), staging a popular concert aimed at attracting a wide audience, who appreciated the warm and friendly atmosphere.

Prof Denis Stanworth, chairman, Friends of the ESO, Cockshot Road, Malvern.