Written by Josh Anderson-Grey
A piano and song recital took place at Bournemouth University to mark bonfire night.
Sarah Cronin, who has worked as an administrator for the university for 16 years, sang a series of eight classical music songs before an audience while accompanied by pianist Ian Davis, the university’s Head of Music.
“I really enjoyed myself,” Sarah said.
“I always feel a level of anxiety, but overall I was pretty pleased with my performance.”
Sarah, who has been a professional singer for 35 years, held her recital in the Talbot House building.
The arrangement to perform was made between Sarah and Ian in September of this year.
While many Bournemouth residents attended Bonfire festivals and firework displays, the soprano singer’s audience listened intently to the music, giving a resounding round of applause after each piece was delivered.
The recital consisted of compositions by Henry Purcell, Francis Pilkington, Thomas Campion and George Friderich Handel.
“I first got into music because my Grandma had a piano,” Sarah said.
“When I was about seven or eight my mother took me to violin classes.
“After that, a teacher brought me into her choir.”
Although Sarah sings infrequently with a number of choirs (both as a soloist and a choral singer), she remains a permanent member of the group Orlando Singers, consisting of 18 members, which she joined in 1995.
Sarah studied music at Cardiff University, and managed to win the Sir Geraint Evans award in her third year.
“Performing music is a great way to connect with the people you’re performing with and to,” she said, giving advice for university students who wish to pursue it in the future.
She added: “It’s a great way to relax after the pressures of coursework.”
Although the singer does not plan to perform at the campus with the Orlando Singers, she does intend to sing as a soloist with Bournemouth University’s choir in the future.
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