28 February – 2015 Piano Concerto Competition
This is the first short film, made by Oscar Nominated Director Mike Figgis, from the 2015 Hastings International Piano Concerto Competition. Another film will come soon which will show a range of performances from Stage One of the Competition. Participants and spectators are invited to send us their comments and pictures on any aspect of the Hastings Musical Festival, for publishing in the diary, writes Chris Cormack.
Michael Woodhouse plays Lydorv. ©Alexander BrattelSaturday
28 February and there is a full programme of excellent pianists at Priory Meadow Shopping Centre playing their favourites on a grand piano , care of Sussex Pianos. Old and young, all showing what a wealth of talent there is in Hastings.
Jacob Willoughby came on in the afternoon with a wonderful rendition of some jazz favourites and he really ‘had rhythm’. Originally from Pett, Jacob’s music teacher was Jayson Boyd,
Isabelle Ho plays Beethoven Sonatine Minuet in G. ©Alexander Brattell
who still teaches at Bexhill High, but music is in the blood – Jacob’s great grandfather was the great entertainer, Joe Phipps, also known as “Joe Piano”.
Jacob now tours the UK and Europe with some Jazz musician friends from other parts to play in many jazz festivals and other gigs. He often accompanies the Three Belles, a 1940s Andrews Sisters tribute act.
Arran Keith. ©Alexander Brattell
That same afternoon, Sam Mileberg, age 11, gave a very impressive performance of some modern classics including Coldplay, from a bundle of sheet music all neatly ‘wrapped’ in his tablet.
Spectator Maureen Cleaver was especially impressed by performer Scott Nightingale, who as a teenager is a ‘veteran’, having played last year too. Maureen loved his interpretations of Ludovico Einaudi music, this Italian composer being one of her favourites.
Come along on Sunday to Priory Meadow to hear more beautiful music on Sunday 1 March, or go to White Rock Theatre for more of the Piano Concerto Competition, Stage One.
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