Handel Acis and Galatea

Hi everyone.

Last time I posted, I’d just got Covid visiting Bristol. That was back in November. To my shame, it’s 6 months since I posted that. Many of you are interested in my garden, and I have to say that it’s doing really well this spring. However, today it’s raining, so I can’t nip out and take any photos. And there’s scaffolding out the back as we’re having the back of the house painted. But I promise that as soon as the sun shines again, I’ll get out there and update you on what’s blooming.

I’m fast approaching a busy performing time and I wanted to let you all know about some of my up-coming events.

Handel: Acis and Galatea

New Sussex Opera are presenting this lovely pastoral opera by Handel 5 times in the next month. This weekend 28 and 29 May at the Birley Centre in Eastbourne. In Lewes on Sunday 5 June and Saturday 18 June, then our final performance in Brighton on Sunday 19 June. We have a lovely band of 6 young players, 2 violins, cello, 2 oboes (who double various recorders) and harpsichord – all playing Baroque instruments (and at Baroque pitch). And some lovely young soloists. There’s the beautiful nymph Galatea (Kathryn MacRae) who is in love with the shepherd Acis (Alex Akhurst). Acis of course has his friend Damon (Olivia Hemmings). But then there’s the monster Polyphemus (Andrew Robinson) who is deeply infatuated with Galatea and therefore jealous of Acis. Things don’t go well, but thanks to the special divine powers that nymphs apparently have, and also some inspired Directing (David Foster), there’s a silver lining to the cloud.

This my debut conducting a staged opera, so please come along. Don’t like opera?!?  Come along and be entertained and delighted by Handel and New Sussex Opera.

Booking details here

Further concerts I’m involved in:

Monday 6 June at 1pm: St Saviour’s Church, Eastbourne: Organ recital by Nick Houghton.

Saturday 11 June: All Saints Church, Eastbourne. J.S.Bach: Mass in B minor with Phoenix Choir and me playing continuo on my organ.

Sunday 12 June: Big Sing for Ukraine. Lewes Town Hall. A come and sing workshop with John Hancorn (and me on piano) followed by a short informal performance.

Tuesday 14 June, 1.10pm: Song recital with Ruth Kerr (Soprano) and Nick Houghton (piano).

Hope to see some of you there.

best wishes

Nick

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