2013 Festival Review
The annual New Milton Music Festival took place on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 March at The Arnewood School, New Milton, and the Piano Festival took place on Saturday 9 March at Durlston Court School, Barton on Sea.
Two full days of fantastic local talent was on display at the Piano Festival and the Music Festival. As always, there was a wonderful mix of musical skills to enjoy – classes were held for both vocal and instrumental entries, including choirs, solo vocal, piano, orchestral instruments, and accordions. The classes were adjudicated – offering participants guidance and encouragement from experts in their field. Graded certificates were awarded to participants – with many receiving a trophy upon winning their classes.
The New Milton, New Forest, and Highcliffe Rotary Clubs, and Lions Club again offered their valuable support to the Festival. Numerous local companies and individuals donated the awards, and also offered extra sponsorship and support to enable the Festival to function. Tony Kidman (Chairman) and Linda Harland again led the Festival Committee, who worked behind the scenes to make the Music Festival such a success.
The event was concluded by the Festival Gala Concert, which showcased some of the best performances of the Festival. This year the variety of musical performances seemed even better! There were performances by young people, as well as adult performers, including a beautiful performance by Rosie Gill (aged 9) on the harp, and Adam Smith (recently named as Bournemouth Young Musician of the Year) wowed the audience on the accordion. Other performances showcased piano, woodwind, brass, vocal, strings, guitars and ukulele! The concert was attended by the Mayor, Cllr Mr Neil Tungate and the Festival was concluded with a vote of thanks given by Mr Nick Mussert, President of The Lions Club.