Halls are alive with sound of music

The Hastings International Musical Festival kicked off with a bang last Thursday when dozens of young talented pianists took to the stage at the White Rock theatre to perform at The Hastings International Piano Concerto Competition.
Judy Atkinson presents the Atkinson Cup to Katie-Louise Wren for Verse and song 16yrs and over SUS-170103-084320001Judy Atkinson presents the Atkinson Cup to Katie-Louise Wren for Verse and song 16yrs and over SUS-170103-084320001
Judy Atkinson presents the Atkinson Cup to Katie-Louise Wren for Verse and song 16yrs and over SUS-170103-084320001

Now in its 109th year, the Hastings Musical Festival is one of the biggest and most prestigious in the country.

On Monday (February 27) The Hastings International Piano Concerto Competition reached Stage 2 in the Main Hall.

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The Sussex Hall was also filled to capacity for the first day of the Singing Section of the Hastings International Musical Festival.

Ken Johnson, a vice president of Hastings Music Festival, presents the Ken Johnson Cup for Verse and song 14-16yrs to Finity Soan SUS-170103-084307001Ken Johnson, a vice president of Hastings Music Festival, presents the Ken Johnson Cup for Verse and song 14-16yrs to Finity Soan SUS-170103-084307001
Ken Johnson, a vice president of Hastings Music Festival, presents the Ken Johnson Cup for Verse and song 14-16yrs to Finity Soan SUS-170103-084307001

Festival chairman Molly Townson, says it was a spectacular day. “Yvonne Patrick, adjudicated with warmth and expertise and spoke of the lovely atmosphere for performance, and the high standard of singing,” she said.

Highlights of the day included Alex Horton being awarded 90 marks for her performance of Roger Quilter’s ‘Go Lovely Rose’ in the English Art song class 14–18 yrs. Ken Johnson, a vice president of the Festival, presented the Ken Johnson Cup for Verse and song 14-16yrs to Finity Soan and Judy Atkinson presented the Atkinson Cup to Katie-Louise Wren for Verse and song 16yrs and over.

Molly added: “Yvonne Patrick returns on Monday March 6, for another day of Singing Classes in the Sussex Hall, which concurs with the new Junior Instrumental Concerto Class in the Main Hall, with Professor Frank Wibaut chairing the Jury. Senior Piano classes follow in the afternoon.

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“Classes for Brass, Woodwind, Piano and Strings continue throughout the week, whilst nine glorious days of Dancing begin on the evening of Monday, March 6.”

Ken Johnson, a vice president of Hastings Music Festival, presents the Ken Johnson Cup for Verse and song 14-16yrs to Finity Soan SUS-170103-084307001Ken Johnson, a vice president of Hastings Music Festival, presents the Ken Johnson Cup for Verse and song 14-16yrs to Finity Soan SUS-170103-084307001
Ken Johnson, a vice president of Hastings Music Festival, presents the Ken Johnson Cup for Verse and song 14-16yrs to Finity Soan SUS-170103-084307001

The Festival Finale takes place on Saturday March 18, 7pm with guest Jazz Musician, Liane Carroll presenting the Prizes and the audience will vote for their favourite act.

Tickets (available from the White Rock Theatre Box office) £5 adults (£4 concessions) under 10’s free.