November 7th, 2015

Dear Amigos,
Were you able to keep your heads above water these past rainy weeks here in the Algarve?  They say that rain fall like this has not been seen here EVER – and they ought to know.  – They also say:  we needed the rain, and that I can believe;  look at our beloved Algarve now, resplendently cleansed and oh so green!  Wonderful.

Despite the vicissitudes  of the weather,  we were able to enjoy a sunny outdoor reception for one of our October concerts after a rather wet one, which however had not kept a good crowd back from attending what turned out to be two fabulous musical experiences.  Our Dutch musicians, Jeroen de Groot and Bart van de Roer, entertained us superbly with an ingeniously put together programme of piano/violin duo pieces for all tastes. Their virtuosity and musicality was stunningly implemented by great showmanship – what a delight

Our artists in the recent past seem to have derived additional inspiration from the unique ambiance Os Agostos exudes; for haven’t we been beneficiaries of some outstanding music-making?  And, I can tell you, there is hardly a musician who does not want to come again to us.

I can also tell you that the good word has spread and we have now in our midst 8 new active members, who I am looking forward to welcoming during one of our next concerts.

And those are imminent:  Please look forward to the two evenings with the great Russian pianist, Katya Apekisheva on Tuesday, November 17th and Thursday, November 19th, 2015 as usual at 19:00.  Katya is not new to many of us, she came before to CCSL and is looking forward to playing in our new “home”.  She, with husband Matthew and 3-year old daughter, Rachel, will be staying at Os Agostos, i.e. near the piano, during their stay in the Algarve.  Katya has prepared a  programme of exquisitely chosen pieces by Bach, Beethoven and Schumann on Tuesday, and Mozart, Grieg and Chopin on Thursday.

Please make your reservations as usual with reservasconcertos@gmail.com ,
and remember, doors open at 18:00 – drinks and appetizers at 18:30 – concert begin at 19:00.

I look forward to seeing you at Os Agostos for these last two concerts in  2015.

Enjoy this beautiful autumn sun,

Helga Hampton