One item we forgot to mention during our radio slot yesterday was the return of the Sunday Recitals to the Ventnor Winter Gardens.
Last month saw the start of a monthly season of Sunday Recitals being held in aid of the Earl Mountbatten Hospice.
Back on the 22nd November, Bonchurch Cellist James Halsey and his pianist daughter, Sally performed in the wonderful setting of the Winter Gardens.
The main hall had been transformed with plants and lighting, whilst staff at the venue had arranged the seating to make the very best of the hall. The gentle introduction to classical music provided a fabulously relaxing afternoon and despite the horrendous weather, there was a fairly good turnout. Organisers tell us that the retiring collection at the end of the recital raised £170 for the Hospice.
This month Island mezzo-soprano Hannah Brear will be joined by Richard Wiseman at the piano. They will present an entertaining range of songs from composers such as Bach, Schubert and Handel with favourites from Puccini, as well as some jazz.
We’re told that Hannah promises some Christmas spice sprinkled in after an interval where mince pies and mulled wine will be available in the Winter Gardens Cafe.
Background
Originally from Ventnor, Hannah Brear has performed as soloist with the National Youth Choir, and recently sang with the BBC Singers. Whilst living in the south of France, she worked as Principal Voice Coach for the Choir of the Conservatoire of Music, Perpignan, and performed with Montpelier Opera and the Paris Conservatoire of Music.
Hannah’s accompanist, Richard Wiseman, studied Music at the Universities of Leeds, Huddersfield and Durham, gaining a degree and Masters in Performance, specialising in 20th Century Music. Before moving to the Island he worked in many musical fields, and particularly enjoyed a two and a half year “stretch” teaching a women’s choir at HMP Newhall (Wakefield)! He now teaches music at Medina High School and the Island’s Music Centre.
Hannah says, “I feel honoured to have been asked to take part in this recital series, not only to support such a wonderful charity but to return “home” to perform amongst friends and family.”
