This June, Encore were delighted to have a full house of over 90 guests for their Swing Summer Concert hosted by Pam and Robert Stiles in their garden, on a hot summer evening, the Brighton & Hove Youth Big Band rose to the occasion with a programme of swing classics, featuring an exceptional sax solo, and some superb gypsy jazz chosen by our young performers. They were accompanied by professional singer Darren Abrahams, who donated his time to rehearse and perform with the band.
Congratulations to the Big Band and Darren on such a roaring success at their first ever house concert with encore, and a huge thank you to Pam and Robert Stiles for hosting. Special mentions go to the Parents and Friends Association for putting on a fabulous spread of canapés, supported with donations from Springs Smokery and Choice Cuts Butchers.
From there, it was straight on to Encore's Summer Concert with Brighton Youth Orchestra String Ensemble (BYOSE), playing at Brighton & Hove Progressive Synagogue. As part of a selection of beautiful and joyous music they played Bach’s Concerto for 3 Violins. It is a rarely heard work and was an opportunity to showcase BYOSE's three wonderful violinists Rama Suphadet, Freya Stewart and Freya Clarke. Conductor Andy Sherwood also tested the players with a final piece performed without music and with choreography - the very first time the players had attempted the movements with an audience. We are glad to report no trips or slips....
Encore would like to thank Leanna Toltz for sponsoring the String Ensemble at this event, and to all the staff at the Synagogue for their exceptionally warm welcome to all our young players.