On the opening day of the now postponed Barbirolli Oboe Competition, this is to send a message of thanks to all involved for your understanding and support. Like events all round the world, we will have to sit this crisis out and I do hope that everyone is keeping safe and well.

I spoke to John Bethell in Port Erin yesterday and he and the whole team are very sad that they will not enjoy the arrival of participants, jurors, audience and supporters. I would like to thank John for the brilliant way in which he and the office have handled this and especially for identifying a new week for the competition:

20 – 27 March 2021!

Please put this in your diaries and remember to keep 19 and 28 March for travel days. All participants will be able to compete and you should have heard already from John Bethell about this.

We hope to stay in touch with you in the months ahead. Please send me a message here or contact  John and the competition office in Port Erin if you have any questions.

Finally, I have so enjoyed learning the set work by Martin Butler, On the Idle Hill of Summer, and I hope that everyone competing has too. Thanks to Martin!

Looking forward to seeing you all next year.

Martin Butler

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