A VERY special fundraising concert will be taking place at Ilminster Arts Centre on May 18, raising money for two charities.

These charities are Dementia UK (a charity who provide dementia support for families) and Lions Club International of Ilminster (who help a variety of individuals and local organisations).

The concert will be performed by Bacchaeia, a hugely talented young wind quintet formed from past and present students of Royal Academy of Music.

Their programme celebrates French romanticism, elegance and wit, with a selection of 19th and early 20th century pieces.

The concert will include works by two women composers, Mélanie Bonis and the pioneering Louise Farrenc, who finally achieved her goal of equal pay with her male counterparts at the Paris Conservatoire in the mid-19th century.

Chard & Ilminster News:

Joining Bacchaeia is special guest Lysandre Ménard, a French-Canadian pianist who is celebrated for her starring role as the young piano prodigy Alice in the 2015 film The Passion of Augustine. The programme of entertaining and picturesque French music will also include pieces by Albert Roussel, Maurice Ravel, Eugène Bozza and Jean Francaix.

The concert will be performed at Ilminster Arts Centre in May 18 at 8pm. Tickets cost £16. Concert goers can also enjoy a delicious pre-show supper at 7pm, for an additional £15 (must be pre-booked). To find out more or to book call the Ilminster Arts Centre box office on 01460 54973.