Hawkhurst hosted a lovely event as the Brickwall Music and Arts Society celebrated its 47th season with a concert at St.Ronan’s. The Primavera Ensemble who are known locally, nationally and internationally for their musicality and versatility played a programme which included string trios by Beethoven and the much under-rated Erno Dohnanyi, as well as three of Mozart’s four flute quartets, concluding with the divine number 1 in D major (catalogue reference K.285).
On this occasion the Primavera’s line-up consisted of Paul Manley (director and violin), Catherine Musker (viola), Andrew Fuller ( cello) and Anthony Robb (flute). They played with an inspiring commitment, vividness and brilliance which made even the relatively unknown Dohnanyi live in the memory.
Since its summary exclusion from Brickwall House at the end of its forty-fifth season, the society has had a precarious time, without a settled venue and without access to a high-quality piano. But it has presented over the last two years a full complement of five high quality concerts a year in places as varied as Beckley Village Centre, St Ronan’s School and the Fairlight Hall Recital Room.
The society needs more members and has compiled a fascinating series of concerts for 2014 – 2015, all to take place in Beckley. The cost for all five concerts is £65 and the price for a ticket to one concert is £16. Anyone who is interested in attending any or all of the concerts should contact the membership secretary on 01797 225822 who will be delighted to send full details.