Petworth Festival booking opens, music appreciation and Comic Con
Round-up
General booking opens on May 9 for this year’s Petworth Festival, which will feature Georgie Fame, Julian Clary, Sir John Tomlinson and
Rick Wakeman among the performers. Book online or call 01798 344576 (Tuesdaysaturday, 10am-1pm). The festival runs from Tuesday, July 16- Saturday, August 3.
Artistic director Stewart Collins said: “Fresh from a record breaking 40thanniversary year, Petworth Festival hits fine form again this summer with a characteristically wide ranging series of events that features classical superstar Miloš, rock legend Rick Wakeman and a hilarious recreation of the evergreen sitcom Dad’s Army.
“From classical music’s top drawer Sir John Tomlinson, Imogen Cooper and Viktoria Mullova are just three of the international talents due in Petworth over the summer, but as ever the festival also celebrates the finest in jazz and worldroots music, comedy and family entertainment in a programme that runs for nearly three weeks.
“The 2019 programme includes three events (July 25-27) in the atmospheric surrounds of Petworth House’s Stable Yard variously featuring Georgie Fame, Julian Clary and Ray Gelato and the Giants, whilst Petworth House Pleasure Grounds will host a free family afternoon featuring a performance of Kenneth Grahame’s The Wind in the Willows.”
Music appreciation
Pianist and Chichester University lecturer Angela Zanders is starting another of her music appreciation courses at the New Park Centre, Chichester, entitled
Composers and Concepts.
Angela started the Chichester Music Circle in 2017 with over 30 years’ experience of teaching music appreciation to people who love classical music and want to increase their understanding and enjoyment of it.
Angela explained:
“Composers and Concepts is an eight-week course taking place on Mondays at 1.303.30pm (with a break for tea/coffee) in the Studio at the New Park Centre and explores how several wellknown and less familiar classical composers created their own, unique musical styles and language. My object in running these classes is to try to bring music alive for people by explaining the historical context, the lives of the composers and how the music works without complicated, technical language.”
The cost of the course is £72. To book your place or for further details, contact Angela on 02392 598541 or 07582 537123 or email a.zanders@hotmail.co.uk.
Funtington Music Group
Crispin Ward, Piers Adams and the University of Chichester Chamber Orchestra combine for the latest evening in the Funtington Music Group’s programme (Chichester University Chapel, Wednesday, May 8, 7.30pm).
FMG chairman Chris Hough said: “We are delighted to welcome back Crispin Ward and the University Chamber Orchestra in a programme of English string music. The concert features the world premiere of Crispin Ward’s Concerto for Recorder and Strings (2017) with the incomparable Piers Adams, as soloist, together with works by Peter Warlock, Ireland and Elgar.
“The programme includes two much-loved works for String Orchestra, John Ireland’s locally inspired Downland Suite and Elgar’s Seranade for Strings. All are welcome to join us at 7.30pm on Wednesday, May 8 in the University Chapel. Tickets are available at the door for £15. Membership details are available from our membership secretary on 01243 378900 or on our website www.funtingtonmusicgroup.org.uk.”
Portsmouth Comic Con
Organisers promise Portsmouth Comic Con 2019 is shaping up to be “even bigger and better than last year.”
Spokeswoman Kate Gordon said: “Taking place on May 4-5 at the Portsmouth Guildhall, the Con will welcome some of the greatest artists and writers in the industry alongside stars of screen and cosplay.
“Portsmouth Comic Con – International Festival of Comics 2019 is continuing to add fantastic names, activities and events from the world of comic, film, TV and pop culture entertainment to this year’s line-up, which follows hot on the heels of the success of the inaugural event in 2018.
“This year’s Comic Con will explore the science of comics through a range of panels, exhibitions and displays. There will be the opportunity to pay homage to the legend that is Stan Lee by joining Lee’s right-hand man, Roy Thomas, with his seminal Marvel counterpart, Steve Englehart, as they reminisce about their time with the legend.”
Students at Bognor club
Head of vocal studies at the University of Chichester Susan Legg presents students from the university at the next concert at the Bognor Regis Music Club on Saturday, May 4 at 7pm.
Club chairman Chris Coote said: “They will perform an exciting and varied programme of solo and ensemble repertoire. The performers include soprano Ellie Farmer and pianists Yizhuo Li and Freddie Harvey, who will play Grieg’s Wedding Day in Troldhaugen and Chopin’s D flat Nocturne.”
The concert is at the club’s concert room, 2 Sudley Road. Entry at the door is £6 for members, £8 for visitors. Students will be admitted free of charge. New members and visitors are especially welcome. More details from Chris Coote (01243 773276) or Helen Woods (01243 861860), Bognorregismusic.org.uk.