St Mary-in-the-Castle, Hastings 24/25 August 2012

Over two days new works by 15 composers were performed in three concerts in this festival  produced by Hastings-based composer Polo Piatti.  Nigel Hess and Patrick Hawes were among them, together with Nobuya Monta, attending from Japan.  Local composers were also taking part, including Thomas McLelland-Young,  Jonathan Bruce & Louise Denny. Many of the composers were also in attendance and took part in discussions with each other and with other festival goers. The festival’s broad theme was “Beauty”.

Some of the composers were involved in their own performances as well as in performing the works of others. Also featured were the London Gala Orchestra, members of Hastings Philharmonic Choir, soloists and accompanists.

The keynote speech was given by Nigel Hess, giving some insights into his own work as a composer, including television, film and stage work. He gave illustrations on the piano and managed  a lively and entertaining Question and Answer session. Local resident and BBC radio broadcaster & researcher Richard Sumner spoke on “Plato’s Aesthetics – the true meaning of beauty”.  Festival organizer and cultural anthropology expert Daniela Othieno talked about the idea of the Romantic in music, in the wider arts and its relationship to conemporary music.

The majority of works featured were firmly based in the tonal tradition but within this there was some variety of harmonic and structural approaches. Many of the composers would say that they were champions of melody and perhaps see themselves as reactionaries against a prevailing culture of music that is less accessible and seen by many as being less emotional. Much of the discussion throughout the weekend focussed on these ideas.

Notable performances were given by Tyler Hay, a young virtuoso pianist. He performed two of Simon Proctor’s works which drew on a number of styles – Rhapsody No 21 and Paganini Metamorphosis. The choir’s presentations of Kate Dunn’s Dei Gratia and Soledad Para Dos by Polo Piatti (with lyrics by Kate Barnwell) were particularly pleasing. Thomas McLelland-Young’s 6 Songs for high voice & harp  were given a highly polished performance by Sarah-Jane Dame & Luisa-Maria Cordell.  Andy Meyers’ Aphrodite played by daughter Maria on recorder and the composer on piano was a particularly evocative portrayal of the story of Aphrodite’s birth. Nigel Hess’ The Statue from The Winter’s Tales’ was beautifully performed by the orchestra as was Swan by Patrick Hawes  and Nobuya Monta’s Concerto for Clarinet & Strings with Sarah Thurlow as soloist.

There was a range of quality of composition and performance throughout the event  and as with any new venture there are obviously improvements that can be made for the future. It is to be hoped, however, that this was the beginning of a regular festival. The presence of so many composers, the interest and excitement of hearing so much new music and the inclusive and welcoming  ethos was all very stimulating. Whether attending  as a composer, performer, participant in discussion or member of the audience there was much to enjoy and benefit from.

The event closed with Tango Allegre for choir and improvised piano composed and performed by artistic director Polo Piatti (piano) and Hastings Philharmonic Choir. The two conductors involved during the weekend Stephen Ellery & Aleksandras Simelis brought the house down as they took turns to conduct this final item and together danced a nifty tango. Polo Piatti should be congratulated on what he achieved. SP