Eastbourne: Phoenix Choir and Concentus both return to the concert platform

Fiona Evans, President of the Phoenix Choir, has confirmed that they will perform Bach’s Mass in B Minor on Saturday June 11 at 7.30pm at All Saints Church, Eastbourne. Tickets are £18 (under 18s/students £9) available from Reid & Dean; Tourist Information Center, Welcome Building, Compton Street; WeGotTickets.com and on the door. Collection withdrawn for the benefit of the Hospice St Wilfrid.

“The Phoenix Choir singers had no idea in March 2020, after just a few rehearsals for their new program, that they would not see each other in person for over a year.

“After several months of Zoom rehearsals, Phoenix relished rediscovering the joy of singing together again this season. Just like the phoenix rises from the ashes, Phoenix Choir is not known to shy away from a challenge. After much deliberation, it was decided to resume the original plan for the performance of Bach’s Mass in B minor, a difficult piece even for the seasoned singer.

“Fast-forward then to Phoenix’s now imminent performance of Bach’s Great Mass. The concert has been planned for almost two years. There were many challenges and losses during this time. Phoenix will sing in memory of friends and beloved singers who are no longer around, and in aid of St Wilfrid’s Hospice. Phoenix is ​​now eager to see this project come to fruition, happy to have done their best in the tough times. The Mass is certainly a glorious piece to mark a return to public performance.

“Bach’s Mass in B minor is his last work and one of the most famous choral masterpieces of the Baroque period. Written on a large scale and incredibly diverse, the mass is considered the culmination of his life’s work and his finest achievements.

“As is now customary, Music Director Michael Fields will bring his fresh, exciting and engaging approach to this great piece, rarely performed at Eastbourne. Phoenix Eastbourne and Phoenix Maastricht will once again join forces, accompanied by the Phoenix Baroque Orchestra, headlined by Julia Bishop.A stellar cast of soloists including Aisling Kenny, Ansy Boothroyd, Alice Simmons, Tom Kelly and Dan Jordan will round out the ensemble.

Concentus’ Seaford gig is also coming soon

Spokeswoman Chrissie Higgins said: “Having been unable to hold their own concerts due to pandemic restrictions since December 2019, Concentus are due to perform again this weekend in Seaford at Belgrave Road Baptist Church. On Saturday, June 11, the performance of the choir will begin at 7 p.m. Singing their usual eclectic mix of opera and pop, there will be traditional patriotic tunes as well as unexpected additions!

Tickets cost £12 for adults and £6 for under 16s, free for under 5s; tickets at the door; Newberry Tulley Estate Agents, 53 Church Street Seaford; or via www.concentus.TICKETSOURCE.co.uk.