The Cello Pilgrimage to Swalcliffe: Orlando Jopling, who looks far too young to have a musical CV of such distinction in the field of playing, composing and conducting, presented in Swalcliffe Church on 8th November a sublime recital of Cello Suites by J S Bach as part of his Cello Pilgrimage which has collectively raised more than £75,000 for the restoration and upkeep of church buildings. It was a breathtaking feat of memory and sheer brilliant musicianship.

While admitting to resting his fingers from the demanding Suite no. 4 in E flat major he told us about his cello and its interesting history, finding it in a remote part of India and learning from his experts that it was made at the time of J S Bach himself. He followed on with Suite no. 2 in D minor and after a break for tea and delicious cakes provided by the congregation of Swalcliffe, completed his recital with Suite no. 3 in C major.

This was an afternoon of magic music and Gay Harris and Alan Perry should be congratulated on its organisation. 97 tickets were sold and over £1,000 raised for the restoration fund.