Old friend attracts Dutch flautist

A childhood friendship has brought a noted Dutch flautist to Wanganui for a birthday feast, a concert and a master class.

Robert Pot celebrates his 50th birthday today with his school friend Jos Berkhout, who lives in the River City. It's the first time he's had a spring birthday.

His playing and teaching skills won't be wasted, even on this gala occasion.

Mr Pot and Wanganui flautist Ingrid Culliford - who played professionally in Europe for 23 years - are seizing the opportunity to give a concert, Fabulous Flutes, in the Jane Winstone Chapel on Friday at 7.30pm. They will be accompanied on piano by Kathryn Ennis.

The music would be sweet, melodic, showy and flamboyant, Ms Culliford said.

It had Dutch/New Zealand links, with composers Van Dijk and Locatelli tied to The Netherlands and Anthony Ritchie's Tui representing New Zealand. Music by Cimarosa, Kohler and Doppler, some of it with a Hungarian gypsy feel, will also feature.

Tickets will be available at the door, costing $25 for adults and $5 for students.

Mr Pot, a noted flautist and teacher in Germany, will also give a master class for people of all abilities tomorrow at 6.30pm in the St Paul's Church hall in Cooks St. It will cost $5 per person, and is subsidised by the Wanganui branch of the Institute of Registered Music Teachers.

The teaching method Mr Pot uses is unique. He said he developed it to teach people with little ability but it proved an excellent way to teach professionals.