Local singers perform ‘Late Night Lyrics’ in world première
Singers from Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge and Sevenoaks made a triumphant return to the scene by being the first to perform a new work for its composer as he visited the UK.
The American choral composer, Frederick Frahm, was in attendance for the Cantate choir’s performance of ‘Late Night Lyrics’ on June 25 at St Mary’s Church, Platt, north of Tonbridge.
The work included a setting of the Emily Dickinson poem ‘I felt a funeral in my brain’ and Janet Little’s ‘Hecate the Bandicoot’.
Cantate’s musical director, Robin Walker, said: “Fred’s music is incredibly special, and highly revered, and it has been a wonderful experience rehearsing this piece, understanding the intricate details of the work, and bringing it to life for the first time.
“Performing new works by top living composers, working together as a group of musicians, and performing it to an audience who will have never heard it before is an incredible experience, and it many ways is what it is all about as a choir. This will be a remarkable occasion, particularly when performed alongside other gems of the repertoire,” he said.
Choir member Jim Follett told the Times: “It’s a huge coup for the choir, and just the sort of thing we need to get people excited about singing and going to concerts after two years of not being able to.
“It was truly inspirational to be able to sing such a fantastic piece with Frederick himself there at the concert.
“He was such a nice man to meet, incredibly generous to allow us to sing the première before it went to print, and said some very nice things about our performance, which is always nice.
“We put our heart and soul into learning and performing it. Definitely a highlight not just of this year, but the last 20 years that the choir has been going.”
On Stage & Screen
‘ESTELLA’, a ground-breaking new play will see three actor-musicians leading a radical re-imagining of Dickens’ ‘Great Expectations’, against a backdrop of live music and song. Trinity Theatre, July 14-15 at 8pm. On July 14, followed by a Q&A between director Kate McGregor and Trinity Theatre artistic director Sean Turner.
What better company in which to lift your spirits than Shakespeare’s ‘Merry Wives of Windsor’? July 15 on the South Lawn at Penshurst Place. Doors open at 5:30pm, with food available to purchase from the bar before curtains up at 7pm. Bring your own seating or a blanket.
The hilarious Scummy Mummies are back, in an event guaranteed to make parents laugh and non-parents happy about their life choices. Comedians Ellie Gibson and Helen Thorn return to Tunbridge Wells as part of the TW Fringe — celebrating the scummier side of parenting, from drinking wine at teatime to hiding from the PTA. Catch them before they head up to the Edinburgh Fringe this summer. The Assembly Hall, July 15 at 7:30pm.
Another TW Fringe must-see is Flitt & Folio’s Jubilee Hangover at record store and coffee shop Even Flow at 8:15 on July 15. Join Pam Flitt and Ivor Folio for an evening of spoken word, sketch, and song. From the whimsical to the bawdy to the downright silly, Flitt & Folio reflect on life with the help of humour, rhyme, and plenty of wine.
Going Live
The Forum’s summer Stable showcase continues, with three special nights this week welcoming new artists from around Kent and East Sussex, at 7:30pm. Tonight’s lineup (July 13) is Revolver, Rugosa Hips, Sammy Vincent and Shoot The Messenger. Monday’s (July 18) show features King Reverend, Move Over Dali, Stormy T & Bluesman Lane, and U TURN. Tuesday (July 19) sees India Blue, Chris Chalaye, Matt Dolphin and Sofia Lovell onstage. Age 16 and older unless accompanied by an adult.
Tone up by day and get down by night, because the UK’s first fitness festival is back. At the beautiful St Clere Estate (Sevenoaks), LoveFit combines fitness and wellbeing with a passion for music. On July 15-17, exercise like never before, joining mass workouts which include cycling and pole fitness. After an utterly feel-good morning, festival gives way to feast and fiesta, with food, drink and partying to live music and the hottest DJ sets. Tickets from LoveFitFestival.com.
On July 16, the sensational Bowie Experience takes over The Assembly Hall, celebrating the sound and vision of David Bowie. A must-see for all fans from all eras, featuring all the hits, from A to Ziggy. 7:30pm.
One of the Southeast’s most exciting soul, funk and RnB bands, Groove 101 is coming to the TW Fringe for a 90 minute set in The Compasses pub, Little Mount Sion on July 16 at 7pm. Featuring soulful vocals, fiery horns, and a tight rhythm section.
Family Fun
TW Fringe is also for the kids, and Arty Farty Retreat (Southborough) has laid on some of its most popular workshops for the festival this Friday. On July 15, the programme is two drawing masterclasses, 4pm and 5pm at THE HUB, Grosvenor and Hilbert Park. Suitable for the whole family, with all materials provided.
Also at Grosvenor and Hilbert Park (Lower Football Pitch), the Friends are holding their Picnic in the Park this Sunday (July 17) at 12-4pm. Celebrate Love Parks Week by joining in with the fun and games! Bring a rug and your picnic.
The Knights of Royal England are appearing at Hever Castle this weekend (July 16-17), for the annual Jousting tournaments. Jousting field opens at 1pm, tournament 2:15-3:30pm. Entrance to tournament included with Gardens Only and Castle & Gardens tickets.
At the E.M. Forster Theatre (Tonbridge) for a two-night run (July 18-19), Eric Carle’s bright and colourful world will be brought to life by a collection of 75 loveable puppets, set to charming music. Featuring titles loved by every child, including ‘Brown Bear, Brown Bear’, ‘10 Little Rubber Ducks’, ‘The Very Lonely Firefly’ and ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar’, the beautiful production makes a perfect preschool outing. Showtimes at 2pm (July 18) and 11:30 and 2pm (July 19).
