Our Inaugural Concert

See, hear & read details of the first event for Bexhill Sinfonietta

This first event for the orchestra took place at the Izzard Theatre, Bexhill, which was chosen for its superb facilities and theatrical atmosphere.

The programme included two new pieces, one by our conductor, Kenneth Roberts, and the other by our Chairman, Peter Lapham. These were a Flute Concerto, with the young and gifted flautist Daisy Noton, and the ‘As You Like It’ Suite respectively.

The rest of the programme was made up of some favourite traditional pieces such as Vaughan Williams’ Fantasia on Greensleeves, Elgar’s Chansons de Nuit and de Matin and the ‘Pineapple Poll’ Suite comprising music of Sullivan. A particular favourite with the audience were the two duets, sung by Helen May and John Twitchen.

The evening was a great success with the sense of occasion enhanced by the presence of Bexhill’s mayor, Paul Plym and other councillors from both Bexhill and Rother. The pre-concert reception was enjoyed by all our VIPs and those members of the audience who had decided to start the evening in style with champagne and canapes.

The attendance was beyond our expectations with approximately 180 seats taken out of the 200 maximum capacity at the theatre.

Some reactions from our audience:

‘I count myself extremely lucky to have had the opportunity to be in the audience for the inaugural concert of the Bexhill Sinfonietta at the Izzard Theatre Bexhill.

It felt as if we were at a London main stream production, the quality was so high.

The Flute concerto was an unexpected highlight, allowing me to witness for the first time the extraordinary talent of young flautist Daisy Noton .

The performance continued to delight with works by Elgar, Vaughan Williams, Novello and Sullivan, alongside the two excellently well-crafted and wonderful new pieces from Kenneth Roberts and Peter Lapham whose 'As You Like It' suite was a personal favourite from the concert.

What better persuasion would anybody need to dip a toe into classical orchestral music?’

Stuart Cowley-Wenham

‘A well balanced programme presented with first class professionalism’

Helen Genty

‘It was exciting to hear recent compositions by local composers’

David Genty

‘This was a performance of exquisite detail, Superb playing, especially, from principal violas, woodwind, trombones, percussion – actually, let’s say everyone!

Thoughtfully programmed, well prepared and entertaining as well.

More maestro if you please.’

Lisa Monteith