Last Saturday, March 12, Rye Bay Crew performed a fundraising concert in the beautiful environment of St Peter’s Church in Newenden.
The Church, built during the reign of Edward I (1272-1307), boasts a large Norman stone font dating from the early 12th century which is a remarkable example of craftsmanship and features carved leaves, pomegranates, roundels, a lion and other beasts.
Like all old buildings, St Peter’s Church needs funding for repairs and heating and the Ray Bay Crew offered to perform for the Friends of the Church, treating the audience to a wonderful evening of opera and musical favourites.
First up was Jonathan Breeds whose powerful voice always delights me and others. He is busy running two pubs in Rye (the Queens Head and the Cinque Ports Arms) and is Mayor Elect on Rye Town Council.
He sang “O Du Mein Holder Abendstern” by Richard Wagner and delivered it in near perfect German. We are very lucky he is part of our choir, Ryesingers.
Rebecca Gilbert, a sports massage therapist in Rye and another Town Councillor, appeared as the teasing/sensual Carmen singing the Toreador’s song by Georges Bizet. Her third song, “Mon Coeur s’ouvre a ta voix, Samson” by Camille Sait Saens was emotional and entranced the audience.
Her voice soared above our heads, the clarity and strength filling the calm space of the church. Rebecca, a mezza-soprano, has an extraordinary vocal range.
Andy Rivett, tenor and another Town Councillor, who is fairly new to the singing world – being more used to solve mechanical and engineering problems on boats in the Rye area, wonderfully portrayed Don Giovanni’s cheeky arrogance, and also entertained us with songs from the Guys and Dolls musical.
The duet of “Maria” from the musical West Side Story, which Rebecca and Andy delivered, was magical and transported me back to when I was sweet 17 when my then future husband (now sadly late) dropped me after a date at the front door, and rode off on a scooter singing this song – but with my name, very romantic.
Anne Marshall, pianist, a regular accompanist for Sir James Galway, was amazing in keeping up with her beautiful playing as it was a very varied programme.
If you want to find out about forthcoming performances, visit their website.
Photos : Heidi Foster