A Flute Affair is the debut album of the flutist Marlene Verwey. It combines music ranging from classical masters such as Handel and Mozart to classical arrangements of contemporary compositions such as Sigmund Romberg and Coenie de Villiers. It begins with the beautiful and dreamy Karoonag, inspired by the tranquillity of a night in the Karoo desert. It then takes the listener through a collection of flute pieces that are at times technically challenging, (Carmen Fantaisie Brilliante, Taffanel Grande Fantaisie), and at other times peaceful and calming (Tango - Adios Nonino), with the technical brilliance and musical maturity of the soloist shining through in each piece. This album will appeal to a wide range of listeners, from the untrained ear to the classically trained. Many of these pieces are original arrangements, and contain combinations of flute and backing instruments not heard before. Charl du Plessis is a guest pianist on Karoonag and on Adios Nonino. Marlene is accompanied by: Anne Marshall (piano) Ken Craig (viola) Evert van Niekerk (violin) Theuns Pienaar (violin) Carel Henn (cello) Armandt Marais (double bass) Marlene Verwey is the James Galway Rising Star 2012. She was a prize winner at the International de Lorenzo flute competition held in Viggiano, Italy and was the overall winner in the 2004 SAMRO International scholarship competition. In 2007, she commissioned works for flute and piano by the South African composers Hendrik Hofmeyr and Stefans Grove. After studying under John Hinch, Jeanne Baxtresser, and Raffaele Trevisani, she has performed with conductors such as Vladimir Ashkenazy, Edward Gardner and Michael Collins and worked alongside musicians from the Academy of St.Martin in the Fields, the Royal Opera at Covent Garden and the British Youth Opera. She has recently been named a WmS Haynes Artist and performs these pieces on a 18k and 14k Golden Haynes Flute. "This is a beautiful recording and a pleasure to listen to" - Sir James Galway, Meggen, Switzerland, April 2012