On Saturday, August 20 an audience was treated to the wonderful works of Polo Piatti and the stories behind his music. It was in the interesting place of the Opus Theatre, Hastings.
Polo is the director of the theatre and has made it an amazing performance space. Opus Theatre is an iconic venue with its horse shoe shaped auditorium which provides excellent acoustics. An outstanding feature is a nine foot Concert Grand piano, called the Phoenix Opus, which was donated by an anonymous benefactor in 2017, custom built to the theatre’s exact specification and finish.
Polo Piatti, who has lived in Hastings for many years, is a British-Argentine composer, concert pianist and conductor and has performed his music across the world. He is one of the few high-profile international musicians concentrating exclusively on the creation, performance and promotion of melodic, universally appealing, classical music. Polo is considered one of the few romantic composers for the concert hall and believes that harmonious music can generate positive emotions. His compositions continue being performed for their passionate character. His latest commission includes the multi-faith oratorio, Libera Nos, to be world premiered by the London Mozart Players and the Hastings Sinfonia in the UK, November 2022.
The audience certainly were treated to a unique opportunity to experience Polo Piatti performing, on piano, his best known works, while telling them the story behind each piece composed. Another treat was that the compositions included cello, flute, violin, a soprano soloist, clarinet and surprisingly the Hastings based, Sound of Rock-A-Nore shanty group which included Rye’s mayor, Andi Rivett. It was an emotional and unforgettable experience and one did not want it to end.
Polo also organises events including dance, opera, theatre and lectures at the Opus Theatre. Since its opening, it has staged diverse public events and it is well worth keeping a look out for the next offering. The space is shared with the United Reformed Church, which uses the the lower entrance accessed from Robertson Street. The entrance to the theatre is in Cambridge Street.
Image Credits: Heidi Foster .