Karen McInally as Azucena in OSE’s production of Il Trovatore in April 2015

Divas unleashed!

Whether it be Buxton or Bust or Opera South East’s Divas, we can do a whole lot of celebrating women in opera this weekend – and don’t forget the beautiful Thomasin Trezise and Midsummer Melodies at St John the Evangelist in St Leonards this Saturday! We are spoilt for choice here in 1066 country, writes HOT’s Chris Cormack.

Karen McInally as Azucena April 2015

After a busy Spring with their much praised production of Il Trovatore, Opera South East are singing once again, this time to raise funds for Hastings and Rother Voluntary Association for the Blind (HRVAB), a local charity for visually impaired people, providing access to services, support and encouragement. They also offer information to those with visual difficulties and look after some of the needs of  carers and families.

The Divas

This programme celebrates women in opera – the Divas of the art form – and will include choruses and much loved arias from Carmen, Tosca, Rusalka and La Traviata to name a few.

Kenneth Roberts conducts with Helen Ridout at the piano. Sussex based baritone, Leo Selleck, is the guest soloist and Karen McInally, company member and soloist, will reprise one of Azucena’s aria’s from Il Trovatore, Condotta ell’era in ceppi, for which she won the John Lockey Trophy this year at Hastings Music Festival. It’s set to be a dramatic evening in aid of a deserving cause.

Divas, a Concert in aid of Hastings & Rother Voluntary Association for the Blind at St Clements Church, Swan Terrace/High Street, Old Town TN34 3ES  Sunday 28 June 2015 at 7.30pm, Tickets £8 and available from:

• Imagen Gallery, Claremont – 01424 447 518
• Hastings Information Centre, Aquila House – 01424 447 518
• from OSE Members, or at the door

Buxted or Bust

At Bexhill for four days, we are graced with a world premiere show, Buxted or Bust, with 32 of Gilbert and Sullivan’s wonderful songs and a feel good factor to enjoy and take home with you. It is a modern story with a strong nod to Gilbert’s repertoire of ridiculous plots. The question is: can Lord Simon get the company to The Gilbert and Sullivan Festival and financial success or will he be thwarted by the health and safety officer, a property developer, a chorus of unruly ghosts, an interfering parrot and two suitors?

Buxton or Bust – Gilbert and Sullivan meets Mamma Mia… sort of… at St John’s Hall, London Road,Bexhill on Sea,TN39 3PD from 24-27 June 2015 Tickets

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