A birthday suite composed for Atarah Ben-Tovim
for 6 players, including piccolo, alto and bass flutes.

This suite in three movements was composed by Hilary Taggart in celebration of the 70th birthday of Atarah Ben-Tovim MBE, in appreciation of her musicianship and love of the flute, and in gratitude for all she has given others in the way of direction and encouragement through her energy and enthusiasm.

The first movement Spiritoso is lively and energetic, reflecting Atarah's early association with Merseyside, where she was a legendary Principal Flute in the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra from 1963 until 1975.

The second movement Divertissement shows French influence, with use of whole-tone passages and café-style themes. This celebrates Atarah's life in France, where flautists from Britain, France and around the world have enjoyed her food-wine-and-music house parties.

The final movement Canzona is a round in which all players have their moments. It ends with a mad, scatty explosion of joie de vivre, typical of Atarah's life-style.

The following participants from Atarah's Advanced Adventure courses, who count themselves amongst her friends, pupils and admirers, commissioned, supported and financed this work, dedicating it to her with grateful thanks:

Anita Biltoo
Alex Davis
Inger Dawson
Rhonda Dzakpasu
Alison Gill
Emily Gilliver
Svetlana Gladycheva
Chris Hammond
Liz Hargest
Trudi Higgins
Carolyn Kelly
Marianne McGhee
Anastasia Micklethwaite
Rachel Misson
Janice Norman
Val O'Sullivan
Kate Osborne
Nicolas Piquet
Rosie Sprackling