BIOGRAPHIES

 

Rebecca Anstey

Rebecca achieved a Degree and Postgraduate Diploma in Vocal Performance and Opera at Birmingham Conservatoire, under the tuition of Christine Cairns.  Whilst at the Conservatoire she won a Kathleen Ferrier Trust award and a Music Sound Fund award.  Rebecca has performed with Grange Park Opera among other touring opera companies, playing roles such as Romeo in Bellini’s I Capuleti e i Montecchi and Orfeo in Gluck’s Orfeo ed Euridice.  As a soloist, she has performed in many major works including Handel’s Messiah, Bach’s St John’s Passion, Mozart’s Requiem, Haydn’s Nelson Mass, Mendelssohn’s Elijah and Rossini’s Stabat Mater with a number of choral societies. These include Seaford, Shrewsbury, Hailsham and Norwich, The Royal College of Organists, The Royal Free Singers, Derby Cathedral Choir and the Choir of St John’s.  Rebecca now spends most of her time singing, teaching and giving vocal workshops to choral societies.

 

David Horne

David Horne Horne is known to Eastbourne audiences for his many appearances at the Devonshire Park Theatre – over forty different productions as either actor or director.  He has appeared all over the country in theatres from Aberdeen to Truro and from Dublin to Norwich, playing in everything from Shakespeare to Agatha Christie. 

 

He has also worked abroad – in the English theatres of Frankfurt and Vienna – the magical city of Vienna being his favourite place to work.  Highlights of his career include playing Dr Rance in the 30th anniversary production of Joe Orton’s What the Butler Saw, and Robert in the world repertory premiere of the farce Don’t Dress for Dinner. 

 

He has directed numerous national tours, including Rebecca, Private Lives and the first ever adaptation of Galsworthy’s The Forsyte Saga.  In pantomime he has played the villain opposite Matthew Kelly, Su Pollard, Christopher Timothy and Kathy Staff, and has occasionally donned skirts as Cinderella’s Ugly Sister. 

 

He also has a series of talks and entertainments on subjects as wide-ranging as Charles Dickens, ENSA and Wimbledon.  Recently he appeared in the national tour of ITV’s popular series Heartbeat, playing the lugubrious garage owner and undertaker Bernie Scripps.   

 

Colin Hughes

Colin Hughes Colin trained at Trinity College of Music, London, where he studied the Violin.  Whilst there he was awarded scholarships for both piano and organ and developed an interest in accompanying.  He has performed in major venues including The Royal Albert Hall, The Festival Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall and Glyndebourne.  He grew up in North London and held positions as Choirmaster and Organist at a number of churches, as well as playing in orchestras and chamber groups, giving solo recitals, conducting choral societies and drumming for a rock band. Since moving to Eastbourne, Colin has become well known and respected as a teacher, accompanist and performer.

 

Lewes, Glynde and Beddingham Brass

Lewes, Glynde and Beddingham Brass, originally formed as the Glynde and Beddingham Brass Band in 1922 and the Village Reading Room in Glynde was its bandroom for almost 80 years.  An invitation from Lewes Town Council, led to the Band relocating to the All Saints Arts Centre in 2002.  Recent engagements include appearances at various venues including Hever Castle and at Eastbourne’s 1812 nights.  In addition to a busy calendar, the band competes in the Southern Counties Amateur Band Association and in 2006 gained a place at the National Brass Band Finals in Harrogate.  In 2013 LGB Brass were crowned Third Section National Champions of Great Britain. The musical achievements made by the band are largely due to the Musical Director, Ian Stewart, who has developed the Band’s skills using his wealth of experience and knowledge.

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The Renaissance Singers

The Renaissance Singers, one of Eastbourne’s most popular local musical Groups, was founded over 40 years ago by Reginald Bertin and have established a loyal following enabling them to raise funds for a wide range of local charities as well as singing for private functions.  They currently sing under the leadership of Paul Collins who stepped in after the sad death of Shirley Barrell in 2019. They specialise in unaccompanied singing and aim to produce a pure blend of sound.  They have developed a diverse repertoire including motets, madrigals, spirituals and folk songs and specifically seasonal material.  The singers’ enthusiasm and enjoyment during their performances is evident and they consistently inspire a warm response from audiences.

 

Ian Stewart

Ian Stewart began playing trombone at school when he was 11.  He was became a member of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain and a Junior Exhibitioner at the Guildhall.  Ian has been a member of Horsham Borough Band and is currently a member of Friary Guildford, giving many years of membership to each.

 

After school, Ian spent 22 years in the army music service, first as a bandsman in the 2nd Battalion, the Royal Green Jackets. In 1985, he completed the army Bandmaster’s course and was appointed Bandmaster to the Queen’s Own Hussars. His final appointment was as School Bandmaster at Kneller Hall.

 

Ian became Musical Director of LGB Brass in 1999 and has conducted the band on concert tours to France, Germany and Hungary, as well as all their regular venues in Eastbourne and Lewes. 

 

In his spare time, Ian likes trains and plays trombone.

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