Proms in the Park
The evening of Sunday 30 June saw the Proms in the Park concert in Red Oaks gardens. Over 400 people brought their blankets, chairs, picnic hampers and bubbly for a concert of music given by local musicians Brass Fusion and Royal Opera star Sidonie Winter. The post-concert collection raised money for the Henfield Youth Club, HART, and the Warren Playgroup.
The concert was introduced by Brian Grindall and the first half of the varied programme included notable solos from Martin Buss (cornet), Andrew Hodges (flugel) and Paul Labus (euphonium). Drummer Dave Stewart made ‘Sing sing sing’, swing swing swing! Brass Fusion also accompanied Sidonie Winter in a wonderful arrangement of Gershwin’s ‘Summertime’. The second half featured Handel, Strauss and Purcell and another solo for Sidonie Winter- Puccini’s ‘O mio babbino caro’. The evening was rounded off with ‘Last Night of the Proms’ favourites Jerusalem; Fantasia on British Sea Songs; Rule Britannia; and Land of Hope and Glory.
It is hoped to repeat the Proms in the Park experience on Sunday 29 June 2014. Many thanks to all the musicians, the helpers and to Red Oaks for the use of their premises and for running their legendary Pimms Tent!