Young musicians thrill Irvine Unit

One of the delights of the Arts in Healthcare music recital series presented in the Irvine Unit at Bexhill Hospital is that not only are professional artists invited to take part there is also opportunity for young people to gain valuable experience in performing in public.

Last Thursday’s music was provided by singers Maddison Hansford, Jasmin Acquaah-Harrison and Gregory Jennings and flautist Angelina Johnson. Their programme included music by Thomas Arne, Benjamin Britten, Richard Rogers, William Boyce, Aaron Copland, Randy Newman, Franz Schubert and Jerome Kern.

Frewen College is a unique school for young people 7-19 with specific learning difficulties. The Arts in Healthcare series is organised by the Rev Neville Barnett, chaplain to the hospital. The students were introduced to Arts in Healthcare by Mr Barnett’s son Ian who has himself performed at the Unit and who teaches music at the college. They were accompanied at the piano by teacher Ann Whiteman. The recital was the 17th since the series was founded just over a year ago. By John Dowling.