Fay Tate shows us where to enjoy Horsham’s musical delights this month, whatever genre of sweet melody you’re after
John Forster Memorial Concert - 6 March
The staff at Christ’s Hospital present an evening to celebrate the work of Farnborough Symphony Orchestra Music Director John Forster, which will include a performance of Elgar’s Piano Quartet. The pianist and violinist was the orchestra’s first professional conductor and served as music director for 26 years.
Tickets cost £6 for adults, £5 for concessions, £1 for Christ’s Hospitals students and staff. (01403 247434; christs-hospital.org.uk)
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Blues Business - 6 March
Named one of the South’s Best Rockin’ Blues Bands, this five-piece band has been entertaining blues audiences all over Europe since 1998 and now returns to The Tanners Arms in Horsham. Band members ‘Wildman’ Roger Fuller, Paul ‘Chicken Legs’ Burris, ‘The Authentic’ Alan Burris, BBB Fryer and ‘Mr 110%’ Mark Roberts live and breathe music making this free gig the ideal for the blues enthusiast. (01403 588789; thetannersarms.com)
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Antara Duo - 7 March
A sought-after flute and harp duo that have played at Kensington Palace are coming to St Mark’s Church for one night only. This is a great recital for classical music lovers as Thomas Hancox and Rachel Wick play Early Morning Variations by Damase, Sonata for Flute and Harp by Bax and works by Fauré and Debussy.
Tickets cost £17.50 for adults, £10 for students and £3 for under 16s. (9 The Causeway, Horsham, RH12 1HE; wegottickets.com/HorshamMusicCircle)
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Secret Love - 8 March
This show journeys through the life and music of Hollywood icon Doris Day as a celebration of her 90th birthday. The critically acclaimed musical at The Captiol sees the return of jazz singer and West End actress Claudia Morris, as she dedicates the show to her idol.
Tickets cost £18.50. (01403 750220; thecapitolhorsham.com)
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Horsham Symphony Orchestra - 21 March
Described as “one of Britain’s finest amateur orchestras”, this enterprising group returns to The Capitol for their second concert of the season. Performances will include Stravinksy’s Symphonies of Wind Instruments, Grieg’s Holberg Suite Op. 40 and Copland’s Symphony No.3.
Tickets cost £14 for adults, £12 for concessions, and £5 for under 18s. (01403 750220; thecapitolhorsham.com)
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MAGIC, A Kind of Queen - 13 March
Formed in 1974, the first and most successful tribute to the infamous British band brings to life Queen’s greatest hits including Bohemian Rhapsody and Killer Queen. Band members Colin Chapman, Dave Chapman, Rob Lock, Trevor Lock, Roger Brown and Dave Fusaro are coming to The Capitol to deliver their unique Queen sound.
Tickets cost £19.50. (01403 750220; thecapitolhorsham.com)
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John Stapleton’s Rhythm and Blues Party - 13 March
This extraordinary mix of Rhythm and Blues, Boogie Woogie and Jump Jive returns to The Tanners Arms in Horsham with musicians who have performed all over the UK and Europe. The band finds their inspiration in the musical roots of New Orleans, Chicago and Memphis making the free party a perfect attraction for boogie dancers.
(01403 588789; thetannersarms.com)
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Counterfeit Stones – Grass Me Up - 19 March
Labelled as “the most famous Stones band in England” by Mick Jagger himself, this theatre production at The Capitol sees band members completely emulate The Rolling Stones in every way. Tickets £21. (01403 750220; thecapitolhorsham.com)
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No Pressure - 28 March
This local cover band (pictured above) have been performing the works of Paul Weller, Snow Patrol, Coldplay, Stereophonics and many more for four years at open air festivals including the Firefest Festival. This free event is perfect for rock fans as band members Ken Robertson, Tony Hanks, Dave Hatto, Richard Donnelly and Roger Johnson play some of the biggest hits of the genre at The Queen’s Head, Horsham. (01403 252721)
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Get involved
Piano students will have the opportunity to participate in workshops hosted by the internationally acclaimed concert pianist William Fong on 1 March. The Royal Academy of Music Professor has performed with ensembles including members of the Guildhall Strings, and his performances have been broadcast on television and radio. Workshops will run from 11:30am to 5pm at the Court Room, Christ’s Hospital and will be followed by a short piano recital. For more information, call 01403 247434 or go to christs-hospital.org.uk
Aspiring musicians can join the Horsham Symphony Orchestra and have the chance to play at The Capitol three times a year. The orchestra is conducted by Steve Dummer who has conducted the Trinity College Of Music Theatre Group, Oxford University Chamber Orchestra and the Royal College of Music Symphony Orchestra. Rehearsals take place on Wednesdays from 7:30-9pm at The Millais School. Membership fees are currently £45 per term or £115 per year with a reduced fee for those in full-time education. More information about the orchestra can be found at horshamsymphony.org.uk
The Horsham Music Centre based at The Millais School offers a range of after-school activities on Mondays and Tuesdays. Activities include Horsham Singers, Horsham Youth Big Band and Horsham Percussion Ensemble. The Centre also offers opportunities to play in concerts and performances. For more information, go to westsussexmusic.co.uk
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