On Tuesday, March 7, I missed my regular ukulele evening and decided instead to attend the Classicus gathering in ‘His Place Church’, Hastings. Classicus live used to be in White Vine House, Rye High Street. Polo Piatti, composer and pianist said that he feels it is important to experience beautiful, classical music in an informal setting with good conversation, exchanging musical ideas.
‘His Place Church’ is hidden in Robertson Street, Hastings and is a non denominational church, which encourages community use. The reason for my going was to hear the special guest, opera singer Thomasin Trezise.
Trezise has the most wonderful, powerful voice and has just left Glyndbourne, which is our gain. She has no need of a microphone to deliver her emotional or funny opera pieces. I would suggest to all opera enthusiasts that they go and hear her before she escapes to bigger pastures.
Derek Cardon, (main picture) music director and conductor, as well as a teacher specialising in opera, (he has conducted over 50 operas), accompanied Trezise on the piano. He also recounted many stories of his busy life and talked about the creation of an opera, with the trial and tribulations of “two egos” (director and conductor) trying to create a masterpiece for the audience. He explained just how much is involved in the production, with rehearsals,the bringing together of the artists and orchestra, how the conductor has music as a prop, but the director does not, and has to encourage the costume and stage designers to be as creative and ingenious as possible, depending on the opera and composer.
It was a very interesting evening with a short interval for coffee, tea and cake. In the second part, the audience was able to ask questions resulting in an enlightening discussion.
Picture by Heidi Foster, Bella Vista from website