Clacton Arts & Literary Society » Uncategorized

Christmas concert – Caledon

Doug — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 10:54:07 +0000

The eighth presentation at the Arts and Literary Society – the Christmas concert – brought back Caledon, the most exciting trio of Scottish tenors in “Christmas in Kilts”. These three wonderful and exciting singers cavorted around the stage in kilts, singing such fun-filled numbers as The Tartan, Winter Wonderland and an Elvis Presley medley. These items were interspersed with evocative Scottish airs, carols and lullabies, even one sung in Gaelic. Audience participation was encouraged with White Christmas and Silent Night and to finish the concert everyone joined in singing Auld Lang Syne. The audience clapped and cheered, so Caledon gave three encores. This was a truly lovely and happy evening and a great start to the Christmas season.

The evening was attended by the Chairman of Tendring District Council and sponsored by the Princes Theatre.
Audrey Owens

Press Officer

Winter in Majorca Michael Lunts

Doug — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 13:41:42 +0000

The seventh presentation at the Arts and Literary Society was Winter in Majorca, the story of three months in the life of Chopin and his lover, George Sand. Michael Lunts gave a dramatic portrayal of the dying musical genius as he fought against the consumption which was to kill him and his terrible fears created by the atmosphere of the mountain monastery in Valldemosa. During this performance he played much of the music composed by Chopin during this time especially the many Preludes, which he wrote and rewrote seeking perfection. Among other magical musical moments were the two Polonaises so very famous for Chopin’s portrayal of the war being fought in his native Poland. This was a very unusual entertainment and very gripping. The evening was sponsored by Essex Theatre & Leisure Club, Clacton-on-Sea.

Audrey Owens Press Officer

Eric Knowles

Doug — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 09:31:05 +0000

A packed house greeted the famous Eric Knowles as he made the fifth presentation at the Arts and Literary Society. Eric, who was totally irreverent throughout the evening, gave us a potted history of his life from his childhood in Nelson, with a father who must be believed whatever his explanation, to his work at Bonhams and the varied antiques programmes on television. The lecture was illustrated with pictures of his home town and, of course, the many antiques he had seen and handled throughout his life. The non-stop talking, with many outlandish jokes, rocked the audience with incessant laughter together with some oohs when shown a slide of an exquisite sapphire and diamond pendant which sold for £385,000. Eric had examined various antiques brought in by members and gave his valuations during the show.

This was a thoroughly fascinating evening given by a superb showman who received the rapturous applause he richly deserved.

The evening was sponsored by Thompson, Smith and Puxon, Solicitors of Clacton–on-Sea.

Audrey Owens

Press Officer

The Oxford Players in Kicking Leaves

Doug — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:52:54 +0000

The fourth presentation at the Arts and Literary Society was made by The Oxford Players in Kicking Leaves. This quartet of musicians gave us an interesting evening of diverse music. They started with 14th century Italian and proceeded through baroque, classical, romantic to modern jazz. The highlight of this section was Rhapsody in Blue played on the piano by Kirsten Johnson, a truly breathtaking performance. Chris Britton, who played various flutes, piccolo and recorder, accompanied Wendy Nieper, a jazz singer turned classical on various items as did Keith Fairbairn on his many percussion instruments.

The evening ended with modern music from around the world and included an item of music for pieces of wood – literally played on various thicknesses of sticks.

The evening was sponsored by Countywide Letting s & Property Management of Holland-on-Sea.

Audrey Owens

Visit Bletchley Park

Doug — Mon, 18 May 2009 10:49:39 +0000

Take a day visit to the once top secret code breaking centre during WW2. There is so much more that I didn’t include. I can only recommend you go for a visit yourself as the atmosphere is amazing. I simply took my video camera and filmed everything possible. Remember during the wartime all this was top secret. Loose tongues costs lives.

Clacton Arts & Literary Society visit on Wed 20 May 2009

There is a petition to keep this museum, check it out:
http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/Blet…

Programme for 2009/10 Season

Doug — Wed, 13 May 2009 10:32:08 +0000

Clacton & North East Essex Arts & Literary Society

Just released Programme for 2009/10 Season

Breaking News

Doug — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 18:19:40 +0000

Sorry folks John Suchet is unable to attend on Monday 2nd March

He will be replaced with a good music programme for you to enjoy

Doug C

Our Life in Birds’ by David Lindo and Mike Dilger,

Doug — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 09:54:50 +0000

The 11th presentation of the Arts and Literary Society was ‘Our Life in Birds’ by David Lindo and Mike Dilger, This double act gave us the life histories of both presenters showing how they came to be interested in and to make life long careers in bird watching. Both had started their interest in birds when very young, David in London and Mike in Stafford. We were shown videos, one of David in his favourite haunt, the parkland around Wormwood Scrubs, with the large numbers of birds to be found there, some common and some not so common. We saw Mike filming the night jar in flight and in close up. Perhaps the most fascinating film was of the peregrine falcon family nesting on a high ledge in Manchester. The RSPB had screens at ground level to show visitors what was happening far above them. These birds fly at 200 mph and their prey, the pigeon, has no chance of escape. As an amusing finale David and Mike showed the 100 metres dash which they ran for the One Programme on BBC. David was the winner!

The sponsors for this evening were Marks Mobility Centre of Holland on Sea.

Audrey Owens
Press Officer

Bill Giles OBE

Doug — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 10:52:38 +0000

The 10th presentation of the Arts and Literary Society was a remarkable insight into weather. Bill Giles OBE, one of the best known weather men at the BBC, gave an extremely interesting and informative talk on our weather, which is, of course, a major topic of conversation in this country. He started by showing us slides of the various cloud formations which appear regularly in our skies and explaining what they mean to our weather. It would appear that we have more funnel clouds which are the basis of tornados than America but they are not so violent. Then he talked about global warming and showed a video of what could happen by 2050 in the West Country. This was quite a worrying scenario and his further descriptions of the steady increase in temperature made a very thought provoking evening.

Interspersed with the serious side of his talk, we were given various insights into how the weather is presented by BBC television and radio and the odd things which happen. This was illustrated by a fascinating glimpse behind the scenes of the weather centre, videod some 10 years ago when several well known presenters were learning the job, they do not look a day older !

The sponsors for this evening were Regent Furnishers of Holland on Sea

Audrey Owens
Press Officer

MADAM BUTTERFLY presented, in full costume, by “OPERA INTERLUDES” – By Audrey Owens

Doug — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 10:29:29 +0000

13^th January 2009

The members of the Arts and Literary Society enjoyed a most incredible evening when Opera Interludes presented a highlight performance of Madam Butterfly. This was the opening event of the second half season and was a truly remarkable one. Rosa Lee Thomas sang the title role, Claire Bradshaw was Suzuki, Cameron Rolls, in magnificent voice, was the deceitful Lieutenant Pinkerton and Dean Robinson, the hapless Sharpless. Rosa was a compelling Butterfly and the entire performance was beautifully scripted. The missing chorus and other parts were hardly noticed as the music skilfully slipped from aria to aria. Nicholas Bosworth, the pianist, was a joy to listen to as he played the score with enormous aplomb and received a most deserved ovation.

After the interval, the delights continued as they rendered some of the most famous arias, duets and ensembles from the best known operas. These included Brindisi, La donna et mobile, Barcarole, the wonderful duet from Pearl Fishers, the Habanara and Toreadors song from Carmen, finishing the evening with Nessum Dorma, performed by the entire cast.

The audience and the sponsors, Health Plan Consultancy Services of Colchester, cheered and clapped and insisted on an encore – this was O Sole Mio – fantastic.
Audrey Owens
Press Officer