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Maidstone Area Arts Council
It is such a shame that there are few mechanisms within the Borough to communicate more widely the success of events recorded in the Autumn Brochure. Those attending will have come away with warm hands from the generosity of their applause, but sadly our local press does not place ‘news-worthiness’ on past events (how we loved the reviews of the local sports matches).
Without over indulging, but merely picking up recent vibes, one can reveal that there have been some stunning performances since the last Brochure was published. The poignancy of the Willington Players production of Di Raffle’s ‘Round the Houses’ will not have been missed; the simply stunning premier of Simon Proctor’s ‘Fables’ for choirs and orchestra was a milestone. How does Jeffery Vaughan Martin ‘orchestrate’ such a large and diverse platform? And the virtuosity of Jennifer Pike’s violin at the MSO’s opening concert in October under Brian Wright’s baton was dazzling.
There are simply too many to mention. All we would ask is that if you enjoyed a performance, you must tell others or get them to join you next time. The MSO even offers free tickets on demand in order ‘to bring guests’ for the first time. What a good idea!
All of this endorses the commitment of MAAC members to maintaining high standards and richness of choice in tempting you to come out with your friends. This Spring brochure is simply stuffed with performances not seen elsewhere in the County, and artistry unsurpassed around Kent. A real ‘community’ programme no less.
One of the Spring highlights (and there are so many) is the Kent County Youth Orchestra’s Concert in the Cathedral at Canterbury in April. Put talented and gifted young musicians in a venue close to heaven and you are near to paradise. Do make the effort and go across to one of the ‘wonders of the world’.
The local Choral Societies at Sutton Valence and Bearsted are offering stunning concerts in their intimate venues, and the Research Station Music Club rarely fails to delight with concerts at Bradbourne House, a few minutes away from the town centre. Also to be welcomed into the Spring programme are the Kent Chamber Choir, renowned for their ‘Joyful Singing’.
With the Symphony Orchestra, Choral Union and Simon Proctor all returning with truly great works, Spring looks really promising for audiences around the Borough. Wrap around these backbone events the real ‘meat’ of the artistic gifts in the area with contributions from Ben Rous’s talented East Malling Singers, the Willington Players ‘A Month of Sundays’, the Film Society’s stunning film programme at the Hazlitt, and the Summer Art Exhibition at the Tithe Barn, Lenham, then the feast of delight on offer is clearly apparent.
Click here to see the Spring 2008 events |