I was looking forward to an evening concert on June 4 in St Thomas’ church, Winchelsea. Hastings’ Occasional Consort of soloists, choir and accompanist Shirley Carey, led by Anne Whiteman did not disappoint.
As ever the voices echoed through this beautiful space with its great acoustics. We were treated to wonderful solos by Grace Constable, Lin Westcott and Rebekah Gilbert and works by Purcell, Gibbons, Byrd and Delius. A young man from Frewen College in Northiam, Gregory Jennings, was very courageous and sang Handel’s “Where’er you walk.”
On Sunday June 5 there was another musical experience and a total contrast. At the Ypres Castle pub it’s always a lovely atmosphere on Sunday, not too crowded, friends one knows and good music. This evening the Angelo Tristan Band performed. Looking at the musicians with their long hair, torn jeans and easy going air one might prejudge them but wait for the music. The lead singer, Angelo, has the best blues voice, some songs are covers that they made their own but others were originals written by him. The two guitarists were brilliant and they all blended which often is not the case with bands. They looked as if they were having fun, very enjoyable. Do check them out.
Photos: Heidi Foster