So a big THANK YOU to all who so generously hosted members of the choir over the weekend. They all enjoyed their weekend immensely and staying with local hosts was a particular pleasure for them without exception.

Sponsored by Harold and Joy De Souza

This concert/semi-staged performance of one of Mozart’s most popular operas should be an entertaining way to spend a Sunday afternoon! Soloists include Swedish mezzo soprano, Catrin Johnsson, who has been a big success in Rottingdean in the Opera Dinner last November, in the Mozart Requiem and the Songs from the Shows Dinner in the recent Spring Music Festival, will be singing the role of Cherubino. Jeffrey Black, the Australian International Baritone, again well known in Rottingdean, will guide us through the afternoon, and the soloists will sing all the well known arias/duos and other ensembles.

All this was made possible by the many people who supported the organisation of the Festival and in particular our Sponsors, Patrons and Friends without whom such an event would be impossible. Our thanks go to them all.

The Festival kicks off to a rousing start with a concert at St Margaret’s Church, and is followed this week by a packed week of events, including the concert by Outstanding Young Musicians, an anthology of Shakespeare and Music, Elaine Delmare singing Cole Porter and Gershwin, Rafael Bolero entertaining us again with a Latin American evening and culminating on Sunday with a performance of Mozart’s Requiem back in St Margaret’s. There is something here for everyone! and for those who want to be more involved there is a Gilbert and Sullivan workshop on Saturday with a short performance at 3.30pm for any member of the public who want tom hear some of their familiar tunes again.

Full details of all events are in the programme. But please note the two Festival bands scheduled for next Friday 22nd in the Queen Vic and next Saturday 23rd in The Plough have been CANCELLED due to unforseen circumstances.

Almost 30 guests helped to raise the target of £3000 at the Dinner held at The Bistro Gourmand on 20th February. Patrons and Friends sponsored the individual keys to the piano, and the RA Director, Roy Wales, auctioned the coveted Middle C for £100, paid by Jean Spray. The final purchase was made possible by the generous donation of £2000 from Seamus St George. This enables RA to have access to a quality piano for all the concerts during the Festival and other events during the year and will no longer mean we have to pay the cost of hiring a piano for each event. Many thanks to all involved for their support, to Kevin Peel for keeping everyone amused with his magic tricks, and to Franck Thomeret and his staff for an excellent dinner.

The internationally renowned Classical Guitarist, Julian Byzantine, is joined by the brilliant London-based Flautist, for the opening concert of the 2013 season. Julian, who performed last in Rottingdean in 2011 to great acclaim, is performing a programme of Popular Brazilian Music, including Choros and Sambas. It should make for an entertaining evening by two distinguished musicians.

The Spring Festival Programme was launched at the beginning of January with general booking open from January 15th. Tickets are already selling fast, particularly the Evening with Gershwin and Porter, Red Priest and the Songs of the Shows being particularly popular. To avoid disappointment, don’t delay and visit the box office at:

You can buy tickets from the Rottingdean Arts box office:
Best of Brighton and Sussex Cottages,
4 Laureens Walk off Nevill Road, Rottingdean, BN2 7HG

Box Office Hours:
Monday to Friday 11:00 am – 4:30 pm.
Saturday 11:30 am – 3:30 pm.

To download the complete programme, click here: Rottingdean Arts Spring Festival Programme.

Rottingdean Arts new season of Music and Arts has just been announced, with the Spring Music Festival running from March 13-24th, and a full summer programme including four concerts on the Terraces. Priority Booking runs from January 4-14th, with General Booking on January 15th. It is still not too late to become a Friend or Patron to ensure you get tickets for your favourite events! Click here for application details.

The year begins with the return of the renowned guitarist, Julian Byzantine, and the Festival is opened by a concert from the Band of the Royal Engineers. Further Highlights include Elaine Delmar in an Evening of Gershwin and Cole Porter, the internationally renowned Red Priest performing Handel, and the German Chamber Orchestra, Kammerphilarmonie Europa. For the full programme summary click here.

You can buy tickets from the Rottingdean Arts box office:
Best of Brighton and Sussex Cottages,
4 Laureens Walk off Nevill Road, Rottingdean, BN2 7HG

Box Office Hours:
Monday to Friday 11:00 am – 4:30 pm.
Saturday 11:30 am – 3:30 pm.

Sponsored by Norman and Maria Cuddeford and Kilcolgan Premier Bungalows (Seamus St.George)

The last day of the Olympics did nothing to deter crowds from flocking to hear our popular local Jazz group, firm favourites with Rottingdean audiences through their monthly performances at Rottingdean Jazz Club, on another beautiful summer afternoon on the Terraces. They were joined by guest artists Dan Shepherd (bass) Tristan Banks (drums) and Julian Nicholas (saxophone) for a kaleidoscope of jazz favourites, interpreted, as ever, by the lovely Imogen Ryall. Close your eyes, with the warm sun on your back, and you could almost imagine you were in St Tropez! A fitting end to this season of Summer concerts on the Terraces by Rottingdean Arts.