Viva Lewes Issue #116 May 2016

IN TOWN THIS MONTH: MUSIC
Classical Roundup
Bach, Bax and Boo
May’s music begins with Glorious Baroque Concerti
courtesy of Lewes’ Corelli Ensemble and opening
with Bach’s gorgeous Brandenburg Concerto No. 3.
Pay attention to the rather mysterious 2nd movement
– due to the various interpretations of its odd
structure, no two performances (or recordings)
are ever alike. Also on the bill are Albinoni’s Oboe
Concerto played by Owen Dennis, Telemann’s Concerto
for Two Violas and Bach’s Violin Concerto in E.
8th May, 4pm, St Pancras Church, £10- 12,
corelliensemble.co.uk
The Lewes Concert Orchestra’s spring concert will
feature Elgar’s Cello Concerto in E minor played by
Kieran Carter. At just 22, Mr Carter has already
played in the Royal College of Music’s String Orchestra,
their Philharmonic Orchestra and their
Symphony Orchestra, sometimes as leader. The
programme begins with the Overture to Yeomen of
the Guard by Arthur Sullivan, and also features Bax’s
symphonic poem Tintagel
and Four Cornish Dances,
by Malcolm Arnold. 20th
May, 7:30pm, Town Hall,
£10-12, info@lewesconcertorchestra.org
Finishing off the month with royal panache, New
Sussex Opera presents Purcell’s magical semi-opera,
King Arthur. The libretto by John Dryden bases
the story on Britons and Saxons, rather than on
the legends of Camelot. And a point of interest: in
a semi-opera the main characters are usually nonsinging
actors to whom the secondary characters
sing. John Hancorn conducts the NSO Baroque
Players and Chorus in a production by Boo Wild.
Listen out for the famous ‘Frost Scene’ in the 3rd
Act as it builds to its wonderful, musical climax, ‘Tis
love that has warmed us. 28th May, 7pm, Town Hall,
£16 & £12, nso.ticketsource.co.uk Paul Austin Kelly
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