The director of the Opus Theatre in Cambridge Road, Hastings, composer, impresario and pianist, Polo Piatti invited the press in order to introduce The World Series. He started by explaining just how important the press is to this new venture to get people enthused and introduce previous and new audiences to this wonderful venture in this beautiful church where they can experience music, art and story telling.
It has always been Polo’s vision to create a community space where music heals and is accessible to all. He has installed an Artist in Residence, pianist Oliver Poole, who said: “I was thrilled and honoured to to organise the World Series with Polo and to welcome six incredible, inspirational and internationally renowned acts this year.” Oliver’s message is simple: “I want to unite the world through music.” Polo and Oliver as well as the artists coming to perform at the Opus Theatre from all over the world believe in one core principle: the power of music and its ability to enlighten and bring change to the world.
Oliver Poole has thrilled and enchanted audiences worldwide with his enthusiastic drive and interactive piano improvisations. He introduced Carly Paoli, an international star whose album Singing My Dream went straight to number two in the classical music charts. The British soprano has performed across the world including in Cadogan Hall (USA) and the Rome Forum and has performed with many iconic stars such as Andrea Bocelli. She gave the press attendees a taster of her wonderful voice with an Italian song from the film of Il Postino (The Postman) accompanied by Oliver Poole on piano.
Oliver Poole was very enthusiastic about the Phoenix Opus concert grand piano, one of the most technically advanced instruments in the world. It was custom built to the venue’s exact specifications and was constructed using the latest Phoenix technology, including their carbon-fibre soundboard, fitted to a 1925 Bluthner style XI acoustic body. There are many events during the year in the theatre, however, the press preview was very much about the new World Series joint venture.
The international performers are extraordinary:
June 9 – Carly Paoli, soprano
June 16 – Pedro Gomes, piano star from Portugal
June 30 – Fiery Balkan music from the swamps of New Orleans
September 8 – Marcelo Bratke, Brazilian star pianist
October 27 – Ramtin Ghazavi, Iranian Tenor and Nina Kotova, Russian/American cellist, date still to be announced.
All performances start at 7:30pm.
Oliver Poole told the press that each artist has overcome some personal and social trauma in their life, hoping to tell their story and their many achievements through the music. It is also important to mention that these concerts are not for profit but to give the community artists with calibre – to start a movement that offers something exceptional. Most importantly of course to make the exciting venture a success it needs an audience.
For further information of all that is on offer at the Opus Theatre go to the website or email: polopiatti@mac.com
Photos: Heidi Foster
The bayous around New Orleans offer some wondrous things, including Zydeco, but music from the Balkans? I suspect on June 30 Hastings will be treated to some red hot Cajun sounds! Should be a fab fairs do-do!