A MOTHER'S Day treat was an evening in France in the lovely setting of Alston Hall at Longridge, writes Brenda Kean.

Alston specialises in these musical evenings of good food and beautiful music, where professional musicians entertain as an after-dinner highlight.

Top recording artist, pianist John Clegg, delighted the replete audience with music from French composers of the 19th and 20th century.

Faur, his illustrious pupil Ravel and Debussy were featured, as was Poulenc, their music evoking a unique sound-scape of impressionism and virtuosity. John Clegg's light touch and sure phrasing brought this wonderful music to life and his appreciative audience were treated to an evocative 'fin de siecle' evening. Two of my personal favourites were played: Ravel's Pavane for a Dead Infanta and Debussy's Prelude, The Girl with the Flaxen Hair, but there was much more to charm and enrapture in equal measure.

John Clegg has made a speciality of this period of French music, and that thorough understanding shines through in his performance. His CD of the music is worth searching out.

Unfortunatley, this concert was the last for this season, but keep an eye out for the future if you love classical music and gourmet food.