As the New Year celebrations came to a close, members of the early music group Hartes Ease came together in concert at St John’s Methodist Church Hall for a successful concert, featuring music and song from the Renaissance period.
Playing viols, recorders and other instruments, their afternoon performance, under the title Drive the Cold Winter Away, proved popular with a capacity audience, who enjoyed an extensive selection from a cross-section of composers from the period
Ranging from rousing melodies to moments of gentle reflection, their recital included light refreshments and an opportunity to mingle with the musicians and find out more about this distinctive style of music.Monetary contributions from the concert were donated to the Service Users’ Network (SUN), a local charity which focuses on helping those who have experienced mental health problems and looks to raise awareness and challenge the stigma associated with mental illness.
A member of SUN also spoke during the concert, revealing more about how the charity, launched in 2002, provides support for those in need.
Valerie Caine
© January 2015
