This is an edited version of the Havant Orchestras newsletter which is e-mailed in PDF form to players and Friends of the Orchestras (or posted in printed form for those who do not have e-mail).

The Havant Orchestras

December 2023 Newsletter

Welcome to the latest issue of the HADOS Newsletter

We are excited for our slightly early Christmas Concert at Oaklands on December 9th!  Remember this is an afternoon concert—starting at 2.30pm.  It will included a few carols for all to sing as well as the phenomenal Valentina Seferinova performing the Piano Concerto no. 2 by Rachmaninov—currently no. 1 in the Classic FM Hall of Fame!  Look forward to seeing you!

Saturday 9th December’s Programme

From the podium

As winter closes in around us and Christmas approaches, we have a treat for you all, which should get you in the Christmas spirit and, I can honestly say that there should be something for everyone.  So, please book your tickets for our December Concert now, if you haven't done so already - Saturday 9th, in the afternoon.

From possibly the most famous and popular piano Concerto of all time to excerpts from Humperdinck's perfect Christmas opera Hansel & Gretel to ballet music by Delibes and audience participation - Christmas Carols, of course - we think you will be in for a good time.  

I have a particular fondness for the Rach. 2 Concerto, as I was close friends with Eileen Joyce, whom many of you will know provided the sound track to the film Brief Encounter, with her wonderful performance.  Eileen lived at Chartwell Farm, near Westerham in Kent and her neighbour was none other than Sir Winston himself.  In fact the famous brick wall, which he built, bordered her property.  I had the immense pleasure of playing piano duets with Eileen, but she wouldn't allow me to do the pedalling, despite me playing the lower line.  I was happy to fall in with her wishes.  She was an international star, after all! 

We start with Weber's cheerful overture, Oberon, which should remind us or warmer, summer days.  It's a great opener, with some magical touches and lots of great melodies! 

After  Coppelia, H & G etc. we finish with a Festive Finale and no Christmas Concert would really be complete without some Leroy Anderson.  The USA's answer to Eric Coates.  He of Dam Busters fame and much more. 

As I hope I have implied this will be concert for all ages, so may this might be an opportunity to bring younger folk along - for there first concert, perhaps?  I can assure you they won't get bored.  An early Christmas present may be? 

So, all I can say now is - see you on the 9th December, I hope. 

Jonathan Butcher

Concert Report

Havant Chamber Orchestra strings performed at Holy Trinity in Fareham on October 14th.

We had a good audience of around 80 people thanks to the involvement of Rob Blanken performing the Finzi Clarinet Concerto.  This was a magnificent performance greatly enjoyed by all.  The rest of the programme was also popular and involved a larger number of string players than usual due to the extra forces needed by the Vaughan Williams Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis.

Unfortunately this was a tricky programme financially with the Finzi and  Vaughan Williams pieces having to be hired so overall there was a loss of around £1900.  Next season we plan to explore alternative venues where we might have a bigger audience.

Stella Scott

Notes from the committee

The HADOS committee meets on a regular basis to ensure smooth running of our concerts but also to discuss and decide on more general matters.

I’m delighted to report that a few people from both within and outside the committee are taking on some of my administrative roles.  Becky Hill will handle all communication with soloists, Andy Hill will deal with music hire, Wendy Stafford will expand her Bursary role to include liaison with students whilst they are with us and Bryony Whitmarsh will be taking over editing this newsletter (so watch this space!).  Thank you to all of those people.  Anyone who would like to join the team could take on hall bookings or noticeboard displays for rehearsals and concerts so let me know if either of those are of interest to you or if there’s anything else you can do to help!

On a far more urgent note, a Tickets Secretary is needed to take over from Stuart Annable—please speak to Stuart if you or a family member could do this.  The new person can shadow Stuart this year so as to find out exactly what’s involved and be trained up and ready to take over for next season.

You will be aware of the EGM to be held at 7pm on 12th January at The Pallant.  This is not the place for me to say any more about this but if you have questions please do contact a member of the committee.
 

Next Concert

Saturday February 3rd, 7.30pm

Holy Trinity Church, Fareham

Overture In the Italian Style in C – Schubert
Violin Concerto No. 4 – Mozart
Soloist: Alexandra Peel
Symphony No. 4 ‘Italian’ – Mendelssohn

Tickets are available from TicketSource
or call the Tickets Secretary on  01489 877497

www.havantorchestras.org.uk

Society contact information

Havant and District Orchestral Society (HADOS)
Registered Charity No 288747  Email: havantorchestras@gmail.com  Tel: 023 8026 1372

Website: www.havantorchestras.org.uk

Contact information can be found on the Contacts page within this web site.