Hastings Musical Festival: Continuing to build our community

Courtesy Hastings Musical Festival

Now in its 105th year, the Hastings Musical Festival remains one of the most exciting events for local performers in Hastings. Months of preparation both from participants and organisers will finally be exhibited in what is a spectacular three weeks of endless entertainment, writes Sarah Orsborne.

The Festival has had a positive role in building young performers’ experience and confidence, and gives huge support through the extensive grant and bursary schemes. Many of those who have participated have continued their passion for performance through studies at University, conservatoires and performing arts schools and many have continued onto a successful career in their chosen art. Others have used the festival as a chance to perform as a creative outlet whilst pursuing other career choices – a chance many would not otherwise have.

courtesy Hastings Musical Festival

It is not simply the support given to the youth of the Festival, however, that is impressive. The Festival brings together performers of all ages, offering a chance to perform to an appreciative, like-minded audience. In effect the Festival brings together a community of performers. It is not simply the competitive side that makes it great, but this community which it has helped to create. Schools, choirs, children, adults, professionals and amateurs alike all join together each year to create this impressive event. The organisers should be proud.

Most  musical instruments, both conventional and unconventional, are catered for, as are categories and styles  of singing.  The World music class  widens the scope still further, but  the introduction of the Rock Band classes had the most dramatic effect on the whole tone and popularity of the festival. Its success was in part attributed to the provision of first class sound systems.  It comes as a surprise to many that the festival also includes dance, speech and drama sections. The festival gave an opening to many actors – as far back as 1952, British Film Academy and Oscar winner Julie Christie won the Verse Speaking Class for 11 and under 12’s.  The scope of the Festival is outlined below in a brief resume of events taking place at the White Rock Theatre:

Programme of events:

Monday 4 March:  Primary School Ensemble & Street Dance – solo, duos and teams U12 & U13
Tuesday 5 March: Solo & duet dancing – Greek, modern, lyrical, tap, ballet, character,classical
Wednesday 6 March: Strings concerto, gold medal  & recital – Violin, Viola, Violoncello, Double Bass or Harp
Thursday 7 March: Dancing solo,duet, trio/quartet & Singing  solo
Friday 8 March: Choirs & Scout/Guide trophies
Saturday 9 March: Song incl. folk, foreign language, sacred, singer/songwriter
Monday 11 March: Piano competition 18-30 & Show song, Gilbert & Sullivan
Tuesday 12 March: Show song , piano set pieces & speech, humorous verse etc.
Wednesday 13 March: Piano set pieces, sonatas, Bach, Chopin & speech (continued)
Thursday 14 March: Piano – concerto, recitals, sonatas etc. & speech/drama (continued)
Friday 15 March: Speech, Drama, Dance/drama (continued) & piano beginners/sightreading/contemporary etc.
Sunday 17 March: Dancing trios/quartets, groups, song & dance etc
Monday 18 March: Dancing solo & duets, trios/quartets
Tuesday 19 March: Dancing incl. cabaret and adult any style & recorders, woodwind
Wednesday 20 March: World music, swing, electric guitar, drums, rockfest
Thursday 21 March: Popular music singing, solo duet and ensemble, folk, singer/songwriter, lieder, french, English & international art song, veteran, vintage & light opera
Friday 22 March: Early music, sacred song, Bach aria, oratorio,opera, slavonic etc.

So, if you are performing in or watching the festival, take a moment to appreciate the community you are a part of. Make sure you watch lots of performances and clap as loud as you can for each and every individual!

Preliminary rounds and other Piano classes Sessions Tickets £5 Concessions £4 –  Day Tickets:£12 Concessions £9    Children under 16 are free with a paying adult – A £1.00 per ticket booking fee will be added to all orders

Tickets and further information are available on the White Rock Theatre and Hastings Musical festival websites

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