Clive Matthews and Jacqueline White.

In 1940, Sophie, aged three, placed her copy of Babar the Elephant upside down on the composer Poulenc’s music stand and said ‘Play this!’

Poulenc was charmed and began to improvise an accompaniment to each scene.

Before long, everyone in the neighbourhood came by to hear the new piece.

This year is the 50th anniversary of Poulenc’s death, and SeatonMusic is celebrating with a performance of this work and others given by Jacqueline White, soprano, and Clive Matthews, piano.

They are currently on tour specialising in Poulenc’s songs and solo piano.

For a concert with a degree of novelty, go to Seaton Town Hall on Thursday, January 17, at 7.30 pm.

Tickets are £12.50 on the door or in advance from the Town Hall Box Office, 01297 625699.

Advance note to regulars: there will be two concerts this month, the second on January 31, when nine members of the Nordic Ensemble from Sweden will provide an exceptional evening.