Hartland Town Band Concert

Friday, 12th July 2002 - 8:00 PM
Hartland's own 31st Music & Arts Festival opened with a rousing concert given by Hartland Town Band, conducted by Chris Taylor, ably assisted by Kevin Surgeon.  The Band played a very varied programme with a vigorous attack and good ensemble where the balance and blend were exceptional, as was the phrasing and dynamic range.  The various soloists excelled themselves and the evening was greatly enjoyed by the audience. 
Service of Praise with
St. Nectan's Junior Choir

Sunday, 14th July 2002 - 11:15 AM
On Sunday morning St. Nectan's Junior Choir led us in a Service of Praise - singing well and with enthusiasm.
Concert by Electronic Organist Penny Weedon 

Saturday, 13th July 2002 - 8:00 PM

On Saturday evening we welcomed Penny Weedon who broadcasts on Classic FM and Radio 2 and 4, playing the mighty Yamaha EL900 Concert organ.  Penny presented a programme for all tastes ranging from Rachmaninov and Sibelius to Gershwin and music from the Tower Ballroom, Blackpool, "My Fair Lady" and Big Band numbers.  Penny presented the programme in a warm and humorous manner which delighted the audience.  An excellent evening where Penny was able to demonstrate her technical and musical skills left us all with so many musical memories, not least Penny's arrangement of the themes from Symphonies 2 & 5 by Sibelius, where the Concert Organ allowed her to use sounds emulating the original orchestration.
Hartland Schools in Concert

Monday, 15th July 2002 - 7:00 PM
It was "youth to the fore" again on Monday evening when the traditional Schools Concert provided contributions from Hartland CP School and The Small School.  The Primary School presented musical solos and duets for piano, flute, recorder, violin and trumpet, with the climax provided by the drumming groups, all with great confidence.  The Small School gave us some medieval music to accompany jugglers from the Hartland Youth Project, ending with music for guitars and a very able vocalist, Hannah Tooke, including some music which they had composed themselves.  
Organ and Brass Concert

Tuesday, 16th July 2002 - 8:00 PM
On Tuesday evening the Hartland Brass Ensemble (a new venture) impressed us all with their balance, well tuned and shaped performances of a high standard, directed by Kevin Surgeon. We hope to hear them once again in the near future. The concert also feature Barry Draycott on the church organ.
Hartland Male Voice Choir and Appledore Singers Concert

Wednesday, 17th July 2002 - 8:00 PM
Wednesday evening was a choral evening, with the Hartland Male Voice Choir, conducted by Alan Roberts, and the Appledore Singers, conducted by Pam Beechey. Interludes were provided by Jonathan Clarke with clarinet solos and Chris Beechey on the organ. Again a wonderful range of music, ending with the combined choirs singing "The Rhythm of Life".
'Jazz at the Abbey'
with Gordon's Algiers Strutters

Thursday, 18th July 2002 - 8:00 PM
at Hartland Abbey
Fingers successfully crossed (over the weather), Thursday evening saw a well attended concert at Hartland Abbey with music from Gordon's Algiers Strutters. Yes, the weather remained favourable, if a little on the cool side, and we all enjoyed the jazz and refreshments provided by our Cordon Bleu Barbecue Chefs!
Concert by Guitarist Abigail James

Friday, 19th July 2002 - 8:00 PM
at St. John's Music & Arts Centre
Friday evening saw a change of venue when a Guitar Recital given by Abigail James was held at St. John's Music & Arts Centre, where the acoustic was well suited to the instrument and the music performed. This was a quality performance by an already well established young performer. There was a very good attendance and the audience showed their appreciation for such musical talent. We hope to include further such events in future Festivals as there was a clear indication of support for the concert.
Hartland Chamber Orchestra Concert

Saturday, 20th July 2002 - 8:00 PM
Saturday evening we were back at St. Nectan's Church for a concert given by the Hartland Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Colin Hodgetts. Tina Bennett opened the programme, playing the lovely "Lark Ascending" by Vaughn Williams with care and great feeling for the style and pictorial element of the music. Colin Hodgetts' arrangement of Brahms' St. Anthony Variations followed and the programme ended with a wonderful performance of Dvorak's Serenade in D minor.
1500 Sung Eucharist

Sunday, 21st July 2002 - 11:15 AM
On Sunday morning a goodly sized congregation joined in an Holy Communion as used in 1500 - using the music of John Merbecke - which was sung, as were the hymns, without accompaniment. It was interesting for me to sit at the back (not at the organ) and capture the "1500" feel and atmosphere, especially when we gathered around the altar with men to the left and ladies to the right, as was the practice in those days. Again a "learning" experience for us all as we looked back at our liturgical roots.
"Songs of Praise" with Hartland Town Band

Sunday, 21st July 2002 - 8:00 PM in The Square
Sunday evening was "cool" but it did not deter people from attending "Songs of Praise" in The Square with the Hartland Town Band and a further barbecue. (With Chris Taylor conducting the music, Barry Draycott introduced the hymns, until late in the programme when Andrew Macwilliam was able to join us after taking a service at Welcombe.)
Hartland Chamber Players Concert

Monday, 22nd July 2002 - 8:00 PM
The last concert of this year's festival was held on Monday, when the soprano Angela Henckel joined the Hartland Chamber Players in a programme of vocal music by Bach and Mozart and Haydn's "Clock" Symphony. The audience were enthralled with the concert and the opportunity to hear Bach's Solo Cantata 209 and Mozart's "Exsultate, jubilate" performed (so rarely) in its entirety.
One Week in Summer

The annual 'One Week in Summer' Musical Festival at St. Nectan's is always a great occasion, its week-long programme of concerts providing a variety of interest for differing musical tastes. 

Looking Back on the 2002 Festival

 

Return to Hartland

Based on article from Issue 129, September 2002, of the Hartland Times. Original article by Barry Draycott, Organist & Choirmaster at St. Nectan's Church,
edited by Tony Manley, Editor of the Hartland Times.