The Hastings Sinfonia conducted by Derek Carden.

Hastings welcomes its own new orchestra

For those lovers of the International Composers Festival, who regret not having their usual opportunity of hearing recently composed classical tonal music here in Hastings, there is – this year at least – an exciting new development for romantic music, namely the first official concert of the Hastings Sinfonia. And the concert will include many much loved soloists from earlier Composers’ Festivals for us to enjoy, once again under the expert lead of conductor Derek Carden. HOT’s Chris Cormack writes.

In 2013, Polo Piatti, founder and artistic director of the UK and Europe’s first ever International Composers Festival , brought together some of Hastings’ top musicians to form the Hastings Sinfonia Orchestra. Not yet at full strength, the musicians joined with some visiting musicians of the Osaka Concert Orchestra from Japan to perform many of the festival favourites.

Derek Carden and Polo Piatti.

Now Hastings Sinfonia will make its debut performance as a stand-alone orchestra in a concert entitled An Evening of Romantic Music on 19 July at 7.30pm in St John The Evangelist church in Brittany Road, St Leonards-on-Sea. Founded by local composer Polo Piatti, the orchestra will be playing wonderful and inspiring works by Beethoven, Mascagni, Puccini, Tobani, Verdi, Vaughan Williams – and Piatti.

Great soloists include local soprano Thomasine Trezise, Lithuanian tenor Gediminas Varna, Scottish prodigy Daniel Rainey on violin, Jonathan Bruce (violincello), well-known maestro Peter Fields and Polo Piatti himself. All under the direction of London conductor Derek Carden, who was chief conductor of the Hastings International Composers’ Festival 2013.

The Hastings Sinfonia, with Jonathan Bruce on violincello.

Polo Piatti  is an award-winning British-Argentine composer and concert pianist. Originally from Buenos Aires, Polo left Argentina at an early age to pursue an international career, continuing his studies in Paris and Berlin. He has worked as a composer, arranger, concert pianist, musical director, teacher/lecturer and conductor in numerous countries. During extensive touring as a concert pianost, Polo became known for his ground breaking classical piano improvisations. Most recently, Polo has returned to his roots of composing and performing, his compositions being widely considered as highly emotional, evocative and passionate.

Thomasine Trezise - a favourite soloist from the 2013 Composers' Festival.

Hastings Sinfonia is looking for new players to join them. Whatever you play, please get in touch. This may give you the opportunity to participate in the 2015 International Composers’ Festival, themed this time on Harmony. With the support of the people of Hastings, the festival can be a regular fixture on the calendar and build an international reputation for the town as a platform for newly composed music. Funding proposals and sponsors for this event are eagerly sought.

An evening of Romantic Music. 7.30pm on Saturday 19 July at St John The Evangelist church, Brittany Road, St Leonards-On-Sea, TN38 0RD. Tickets only £8 and children under 12 free at the door, or in advance at the Tourist Information Centre, Aquila House, Hastings TN34 3UY and Phoenix And Plum, 13 Kings Road, St Leonards TN37 6EA. Refreshments will be available during the interval.

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