On Sunday, July 25, the Rye Creative Centre, the new thriving cultural community and home of studios for over 35 local artists, opened its doors to an audience of about 50, with Covid-19 safety procedures in place. The building underwent significant renovations during 2020 and reopened this year with a programme of events, concerts and a summer exhibition. The Bridgepoint Ensemble was one such concert. Over the weekend the musicians also gave workshops to children, which everyone enjoyed.
The Ensemble itself included two violins, a viola and two cellos. It was wonderful. In the first half Matthew Sharp, a baritone, joined the ensemble and sang Mozart, Schubert in German and Jacques Brel in French. He brought an exciting and exuberant energy to the stage. In the second half he showed his versatility, playing the cello with the string quartet. Classical Music magazine calls him ‘The Renaissance man’.
The next event is ‘Margins’, a studio summer show curated by local artist Matthew Burrows. It spotlights the artists of the Rye Creative Centre studio. There will be a choice of over 100 works from printmaking and sculpture to painting, photography and textiles. This runs from July 30 – August 20, Monday to Wednesday 10am – 4pm, Thursday to Sunday 10am – 6pm.
The renovation of the site includes a lovely new garden space with a small bar which is used before the show and in the interval. When the weather allows, it will be very nice for people to come a little earlier to sit in the garden and enjoy a glass of something. Anyone interested in future events should go to the website or telephone 01797 229797.
Image Credits: Heidi Foster .