The Bembridge Singers gave a wonderful concert of light music at Holy Trinity Church, Bembridge last Wednesday (12th February).
Accompanied by Alastair Nye on the piano, the choir was directed by Richard Hutchins, who introduced each section and provided amusing encouragement to them throughout. The choir performed a variety of songs beginning with a harmonious interpretation of Amazing Grace to Pachelbel’s Canon, followed later with a trio of Irish melodies. Afterwards, well-known Soprano Amy Bottriell-Nye sang a captivating solo of Mozart’s Laudate Dominum.
However, the undoubted star of the show was special guest 14-year-old Thomas Nash, who has a music scholarship at Ryde School. Born in Wuhan, China, he moved to the Isle of Wight with his family as an infant beginning his musical studies aged 6, taking up the guitar under the tutelage of his grandfather, John Nash. Thomas has developed considerable talents in all areas of music, now playing the violin and piano, whilst more recently beginning to pursue singing and percussion.
For his part in the evening’s entertainment Thomas firstly played 4 pieces on the piano, including compositions by Chopin, Kabalevsky and South Korean composer Yiruma, to a mesmerised audience. Later, he played on the acoustic guitar and gave more superb renditions including Gavotte by Bach and also the score ‘Un Dia de Noviembre’ from the film of the same name. The energy in the room was tangible as this capable young musician commanded his instruments with both confidence and delicacy beyond his years.
Various local sponsors who gave their support to the event were thanked for their contributions and Richard Weaver of Weaver Brothers Ltd, Independent Funeral Directors was pleased to hand over a cheque to Thomas Nash, in support of his continuing studies.
To complete the evening, the singers performed a medley of crowd-pleasers from the musical ‘Oliver’ with soprano Lydia Partington giving her debut solo performance during this section.
The Bembridge Singers started in 1979 and while primarily a local group, does attract several members from outside of Bembridge.
The next event will be their summer concert, which will take place at St. John’s Church, Oakfield, Ryde on Saturday 6th June at 19:30 along with James Longford and members of IoW Symphony Orchestra. Tickets from www.ticketsource.co.uk/bembridgesingers.
i would have thought that the couple of hundred there are offended by your remark. The room was mesmorised with the playing of this young man and of the choir singing. My mother always said “if you can’t say anything nice, dont say anything at all”. Shame no-one said it to you..