On Saturday 12 November Hastings Philharmonic, now a choir and an orchestra,
launch their new ‘Season’ with the well loved Beethoven’s 9th Choral Symphony
together with a specially commissioned piece by talented young English composer,
Philip O’Meara. This incorporates a Beethoven theme and Schiller’s ‘Ode to Joy’,
intertwined with Gregorian plainsong. The Choir wishes to be welcomed back to
its old haunt, the White Rock Theatre (formerly Pavilion), where it famously
produced Beethoven’s 9th to a record audience under Sir Malcolm Sargent with
the ‘Southern Philharmonic’ orchestra in celebration of the Coronation.
This was in 1953, of course, but in the 1930s, the choir had already performed Beethoven’s 9th 4 times at the White Rock Pavilion under Julius Harrison and the prestigious Hastings Municipal Orchestra, always to great acclaim. Today’s music director of both choir and orchestra, Marcio da Silva, is ambitiously rekindling the spirit of excellence in classical music that prevailed prewar when, three years in a row (1935-37), the Hastings Municipal Orchestra broadcast from the White Rock Pavilion on BBC Radio in the prime spot after the King’s Speech on Christmas Day.
Beethoven’s entire 9th Symphony will be performed with the full professional orchestra, the Hastings Philharmonic Orchestra’s first public outing. Philip O’Meara’s choral piece is called ‘No Man’ and uses the fine words of great writers, Victor Hugo, W B Yeats, John Donne and the book of Psalms to depict the stupidity of war and the virtues of friendship and cooperation. ‘No Man is an Island’ is an appropriate sentiment in this year when Britain’s relationship with continental Europe is being reset to acknowledge the Referendum result.
Marcio da Silva’s new name for his orchestra, formerly known as Ensemble OrQuesta, reflects his growing commitment and enthusiasm for living and working in Hastings. He strives towards ever improving standards in classical music. The orchestra is building a wonderful reputation among ‘people in the know’. This last year in Hastings, Marcio’s musicians produced the Brahms Requiem, Sibelius’ Violin Concerto, Mozart’s Marriage of Figaro, Faure Requiem and more. Lark Reviews has reported on most of these.
Marcio da Silva and his wife, Aysen Ulucan, who are both renowned soloist singers, also produced recitals together. Aysen is a brilliant virtuoso violinist, who has played in concerts with Maxim Vengerov. Next year’s ‘season’ of classical music in Hastings produced by Marcio will cover 10 orchestral and choral concerts, recitals and opera of the usual outstanding quality. Season tickets for the entire year will be on sale at £130.
For more information see http://hastingsphilharmoni
Marcio’s musical acumen, zeal and charisma attracts great talent and loyalty from his orchestra and soloists which, at this coming concert, will be a cast of international virtuosi – names to watch! New Zealander soprano Claire Egan, Italian mezzosoprano Ale
“Hastings and St Leonards, you have real talent with this conductor and choir, make sure you don’t let them go. I urge all and sundry to attend their next concert, wherever and whenever it is. Something special has come to the south coast, and we must all appreciate this new arrival.” Hastings Observer 19.5.2016 by Peter Georgiadis, former Chairman, Rotary Club of Hastings and former double-bass with many orchestras
HASTINGS PHILHARMONIC at the White Rock Theatre, Hastings TN34 1JX, Saturday 12 November 7.30pm featuring Beethoven’s Symphony n. 9 and Philip O’Meara’s ‘No man’. Tickets £20, £10 and £5 (under 16) – booking fee may apply – from White Rock Theatre box office (01424 462288)
and online at whiterocktheatre.org.uk