Hope comes to West Malling

12.18.54pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 28th Sep 2009

On the 10th October 2009, West Malling will relive its past through the music of one of the UK's leading composers Dr. Nigel Clarke. The premiere of "What Hope Saw" will be performed by the Eynsford concert band, under the musical direction of John Hutchins.

This new and exciting suite for symphonic wind band, dedicated to the Eynsford concert Band celebrates the colourful history of West Malling based on the bronze statue of "Hope", sculpted by Sarah Cinnington, which was recently erected in the town centre.

The statue is of a running woman with the rich tapestry of West Malling's past depicted on her cloak as it billows out behind her. The eight images include:-

1. The sculpture 'Hope' depicted as another meeting point for today's thriving community in West Malling;

2. West Malling Airfield and its Second World War Mosquito squadrons;

3. Hop gardens and local agriculture;

4. The first recorded game of cricket, which took place in West Malling in 1704;

5. West Malling's long history as a market town;

6. Thomas Wyatt's rebellion crushed by Mary Tudor in West Malling in 1554;

7. The Black Death (1348-49) when only 15 local town residents survived;

8. The founding of a community of Benedictine Nuns in 1090.

What Hope Saw is a six-movement work that focuses on all eight subjects. To give the Suite a sense of unity, musical ideas from previous movements reappear in unexpected places implying that history often repeats itself! - it also hints at a number of familiar pieces from England's rich musical heritage.

The concert is being performed by candlelight in the 15th century tithe barn of West Malling Abbey, and now leased to the Pilsdon Community.

There will also be the first reading of a modern poem entitled "What Hope Saw" commissioned by the composer from his friend Martin Westlake, currently Secretary General to the EU Economic and Social Committee. It is hoped Mr Westlake will be able to join the concert to do the reading himself. The concert is being held to raise much need funds for two local charities. The Pilsdon community West Malling and Spadework Offham.

During the afternoon of October 10th the composer will be holding a masterclass with A level music students from local schools, and junior pupils from the three local primary schools have been invited to meet conductor John Hutchins and see part of the rehearsal free of charge.

Trudy Dean, Chairman of West Malling Parish Council, said:

"This is a very special occasion for West Malling; there cannot be many communities who have a piece of music dedicated to their history. We are delighted that this exciting new piece of music will be performed by such a talented group of musicians, in the Abbey right where West Malling began."

Further information and tickets available from Brian Bennett on 01732 522507.