Horsham Music Circle confident for the future despite lockdown

Horsham Music Circle are looking forward to happier times as the latest lockdown inevitably forces the cancellation of their next lunchtime organ recital.
Gerald TaylorGerald Taylor
Gerald Taylor

As spokeswoman Jill Elsworthy says: “The Music Circle welcomed back its audiences last month with a return to live performance when Gerald Taylor presented the first of a mini-series of organ recitals – all thanks to the Unitarian Church for providing the venue where the Covid-secure socially-distanced protocol allowed everyone a comfortable safe experience in which to thoroughly enjoy Gerald’s expertise and innovative programme of works.

“It has been a strange year for church organists and indeed all musicians. It will certainly be a different one to any we have held in the Music Circle’s 79 years!

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“And there has been much to consider in its planning. Whilst accepting these necessary limitations at the current time we hope eventually, in 2021, concert settings will be getting nearer to the norm.

“In the meantime we are keen to promote the concerts and welcome meeting up with our audiences as and when we can.

“Instrumental music is at its best when shared by an appreciative audience with musical activities having beneficial effects for everyone’s wellbeing.

“The restrictions needed over these last months have impeded performers’ livelihoods and local and nationwide music organisations at a time when there is a need for morale-building through participating in the arts.

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“So starting up live performance again has been short lived.

“We were anticipating Gerald’s return to the organ console on November 25 with a further lunchtime recital but due to the second lockdown this concert has had to be postponed. We now look forward to the planned recital for Wednesday, December 16 at 1pm at the Unitarian Church.

“With only 24 audience places available to account for social distancing, pre-booking will be necessary. More details of the programme and how to reserve a place will be announced at the end of November.

“Looking ahead to 2021, the postponed May concert by the Sharpenhurst Quartet is now scheduled to take place on Sunday, January 24 at a new venue for the Circle, St John’s Church, Broadbridge Heath.

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“We then return to the Causeway Barn for the remaining concerts. On Saturday, February 20 we welcome three fine musicians with local connections. Clarinettist Steve Dummer is well known as conductor of the Horsham Symphony Orchestra as well as recently giving memorable Music Circle concerts. He is joined by Pavlos Carvalho cello and pianist Warren Mailey-Smith.

“There will be three further concerts in March, April and May starting with an evening of music for violin and piano given by Judith Templeman and Heejung Kim. The Countess of Munster Musical Trust offers us one of their recommended young artists with a piano recital by Dominic Degavino and finally to mark our 79th anniversary, what could be better than a celebration of opera. Soprano Helen Whittington, will be joined by friends to present Aspects of Opera.

“There is plenty of live music to look forward to, but plans remain provisional and flexible. As we continue to monitor government guidelines any changes will be notified to our supporters, posted on our website and Facebook page. You can also contact the Horsham Music Circle on 01403 252602 or by email [email protected].”

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