The Society of Strange and Ancient Instruments.

Strange and twangling instruments…

On Friday 24 May, St Leonards is in for a treat when the Society of Strange and Ancient Instruments perform at St John’s Church in Pevensey Road. HOT’s Erica Smith asked the organiser Glenys Jacques what inspired her to invite them to play.

Glenys, why did you decide to organise this event?
I saw The Society of Strange and Ancient Instruments in Walthamstow, in a church which plays early music concerts once a month. It was so wonderful, I wondered if we could start doing more early music in St Leonards, so I invited them down.

When you heard their music for the first time, what was it that won your heart?
This kind of music awakens the medieval mind and transports us back to the early development of language and sound structures. You can literally hear the beginnings of early musical ideas in the rhythms. Listening to this kind of music is a meditation, rather like deep hypnosis, it rests the mind and takes you on an inner journey.

Can you tell us a little bit more about the musicians?
Clare Salaman, is a multi-instrumentalist and composer, she plays hundreds of weird and wonderful instruments and has a passion for non-European music. She plays with the Ian McMillan Orchestra and has founded several other inspiring groups. Some you can hear on-line here, and here.

You can read more about the musicians and their strange and ancient instruments on their website.

What made you choose St John’s Church as the venue?
St John’s Church in Pevensey Road has a growing reputation for hosting fabulous musical events. Father Andrew is very supportive and open to hosting quality music in the church, which of course brings the community together. This concert is particularly apt for this time of year with our Jack-in-the-Green festivities, when everyone is out listening to great music. This will be a particularly special event.

Also in: Music & Sound