THE November concert by virtuoso double bassist Dominic Seldis and pianist James Pearson was voted one of the best ever in the society's 42-year history.

They are famed for their hugely entertaining performances and this fame is certainly well deserved. Brilliant playing of works by Bottesini, Paganini, Monti, Henze, Kidaly and Strauss together with a little jazz introduced with humour and anecdotes aplenty by Dominic who is a natural raconteur as well as a magician and boxer!

James, who is well known as an arranger for musicians such as John Dankworth, played a superb Gershwin medley.

Very little is written specifically for the double bass so Dominic and James decided to remedy this by composing a set of variations on the Paganini theme in the style of famous composers.

When it came to Chopin they swapped instruments much to the delight of the very enthusiastic audience.

A heartfelt and moving encore was Smile When Your Heart Is Breaking in tribute to Dominic's father, who died a few days before the concert. After the laughter there were many damp eyes to be seen.

Brilliant young Irish pianist, David Quigley, who has already performed in leading concert venues including Carnegie Hall, New York and Symphony Hall, will give the next concert on December 6.

He will play music by Beethoven, Debussy and Liszt. More details from 546056.