Once again, Seaford Choral Society delivered an amazing evening of merry music making as the choir celebrated "Songs of Nature" in an eclectic blend of songs featuring everything from mountains, lakes, rivers and rocks to a veritable army of hippopotami. We were once again ably aided and abetted by the Semiquavers from Seaford Primary School conducted by their head of music, Kate Steer. Our own Musical Director, Veronica Fewkes, once again managed to make us produce a level of performance we had not managed in rehearsal. We are truly fortunate to be led by someone as talented and patient as Veronica. Our regular accompanist, John Eady, was unavailable but Gavin Stevens once more stepped up and enabled us to always find the right note at the right time - well almost always!
We were also joined at this concert by a local and extremely talented poet, Peter Martin, who read his poem "The River Story" interspersed with wordless music composed by Frederick Delius - "To be sung on a summer night on the water". The words and music combined to create a wonderful atmosphere as we were led downstream from source to sea, and from conflict to peace.
Somehow, reflecting the incredible diversity of nature, the programme managed to hold together; moving from the magnificence of Haydn's Creation to the silliness of On Ilkla Moor Baht'at (an accurate translation provided for us by a true Yorkshireman!) we came full circle via two very different but equally moving renditions of The Circle of Life by Elton John. The audience were invited to "Dip, dip and swing" which they did with alacrity.
Thank you to those who supported East Sussex Wildlife Rescue Ambulance Service, who provide a vital service for wildlife that becomes a casualty through no fault of its own.
Huge thanks to Veronica who has worked so hard to bring the best out of us; to Steve our Chair for his unswerving leadership, supported by our equally hard working committee. Thanks to all who have supported us through this year, especially Newberry Tully Estate Agents; we look forward to seeing you again for our Christmas concert on Saturday 6th December at St Leonard's Church for Puccini's magnificent Messa di Gloria. |
