Mayor’s Concert Brings Choral Music to Hailsham Festival

Residents and visitors came together on Saturday [12 September] for a free afternoon of live choral and classical music as part of this year’s Hailsham Festival of Arts & Culture.

The Mayor’s Concert, held at Hailsham Parish Church, was officially opened by the Mayor of Hailsham, Councillor Chris Bryant, who welcomed audiences to an afternoon celebrating music and the artistic talent taking part in the festival.

The concert featured performances by Hailsham Choral Society, conducted by Jozik Kotz, alongside acclaimed soprano Nicola Sharkey and organist and pianist Brian Cotterill.

Hailsham Choral Society, which has been bringing choral music to the town for more than six decades, was founded in 1961 and now has around 60 members. The Society performs several major concerts each year, with an extensive repertoire spanning composers and musical styles from Bach and Rossini to Rutter, Gershwin and The Beatles.

The Society was joined for the Mayor’s Concert by soprano Nicola Sharkey, whose extensive professional career has seen her perform leading operatic roles across the UK and Europe. She has worked with major opera companies and festivals and has also appeared in concert, oratorio, recital, radio and television performances. Her career has included performances with Welsh National Opera and Opera North, as well as a period touring internationally with the world-renowned Swingle Singers.

Accompanying the concert was Brian Cotterill, an experienced organist, pianist, musical director, teacher and composer. Brian has held a number of prominent church and school music positions and has performed throughout the UK and internationally. His career has included performances at St Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican and St Mark’s Basilica in Venice, as well as work with choirs, schools and cathedral music organisations.

Councillor Chris Bryant said: “The Mayor’s Concert was a wonderful opportunity to bring people together through music and to celebrate the wealth of artistic talent taking part in this year’s Hailsham Festival.”

The Mayor’s Concert formed part of the 20th anniversary celebrations of the Hailsham Festival of Arts & Culture, one of the town’s much-loved annual events.

The festival brings together a diverse programme of music, theatre, visual arts, performance and cultural events, featuring artists and performers from across the South East and further afield.

The 20th anniversary programme continues to showcase the breadth of cultural activity taking place in Hailsham, providing opportunities for residents and visitors to experience performances and events across the town.

Councillor Bryant added: “Reaching a 20th anniversary is a remarkable achievement and reflects the passion, dedication and creativity of everyone who has helped make Hailsham Festival such a success over the years. The festival has become one of the highlights of our town’s calendar, bringing people together through a shared appreciation of arts and culture.”

“Whether you enjoy music, theatre, literature, history, visual arts or family activities, there really is something for everyone. I would encourage residents and visitors alike to support the festival, discover something new and celebrate the incredible talent that exists within our community and beyond.”

Hailsham Town Council thanks Hailsham Choral Society, the performers, Hailsham Parish Church and everyone involved in organising the Mayor’s Concert for contributing to a successful afternoon of music as part of this year’s festival.

For the full Hailsham Festival programme and details of other events taking place as part of the 20th anniversary celebrations, visit hailshamfestival.uk.