At last matters seem to be moving at St Mary in the Castle. After a speedy refurbishment of some essential matters, ten Trustees have been appointed, the auditorium is now in pristine condition for use by a wide spectrum of events. One such was the eagerly-awaited concert in honour of the late Alan Spackman, valued member of Opera South-East with all artists, professional, semi-professional and amateur giving their services in memory of someone who had been a pillar of almost every aspect of the organisation for over twenty years. At the time of writing it is understood that St Mary’s will be closed during February for further renovations.
Fortunately other venues are offering a feast of music and entertainment in our immediate area: If your taste is for something light and nostalgic, Rye Wurlitzer Academy at Rye College on Friday February 8 at 7.30 p.m. is hosting An Evening of Olde Tyme Music Hall with a modern flavour – so the publicity states! All-round fun for everyone.
Admission £7.
Open to all, Old Hastings House has its monthly Coffee Morning with tombola and table sale on Wed Feb 6 from 10 a.m. A warm welcome, excellent freshly-brewed coffee and the opportunity to chat in the convivial atmosphere of the conservatory.
The White Rock Theatre is the venue for the eagerly-awaited Hastings Musical Festival from early March attacting participants for the competitive classes for all ages from the youngest to adults. The scope of the classes increases year by year and assuredly the Festival Director Molly Townson, with President Petula Clark Vice-President Sarah Kowitz and the team will include something new and exciting.
The all-important finals of the Hastings Piano Concerto Competition take place at the end of the second week. The choice of subject is purposely wide so that any student specialising in music of a certain era may select accordingly. Works by classical composers intermingle with contemporary concerti. The Piano Concerto Competition is held in such high regard in musical circles that previous winners have since been heard through the USA, Europe and the Far East.
Anyone therefore who comes to the concerto competition finale can be assured that he or she is hearing young performers whom one day will be gracing concert platforms worldwide. MW