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Our recent Inaugural Recital at Christ Church Freemantle
Sailing by, composed by Ronald Binge (arr. Sheen)
"Sailing By," composed by Ronald Binge, is a serene and soothing orchestral piece that has become an iconic symbol of maritime tranquility. Known for its lilting melody and gentle rhythms, this composition evokes the peacefulness of the open sea and the gentle sway of waves. It has been famously used by the BBC as the signature tune for their late-night shipping forecast, offering a calming prelude to maritime weather reports. The piece's elegant and flowing structure captures the essence of a serene seascape, making it a beloved and enduring piece of light orchestral music.
Highlights
The recent concert by the Hamtun Ensemble was a delightful maritime-themed journey through music, held at Christ Church, Freemantle. The program featured an eclectic mix of compositions that beautifully captured the essence of the sea. The concert opened with Ronald Binge's soothing "Sailing," a perfect start to the afternoon's voyage. Gordon Jacob's evocative "Swansea Town." was followed by Kenta Nagata's "The Great Sea" from Legend of Zelda, arranged by Ethan Wilson, which brought a touch of modern adventure to the repertoire.
Kerndl's "The Ship and the Sea" provided a hauntingly beautiful narrative, while Amy Beach's "Pastorale Woodwind Quintet" offered a serene and reflective interlude. Malcolm Arnold's lively "Three Shanties," sent the journey into tidal effect and was followed by Ralph Vaughan Williams' "Sea Songs for Wind Quintet" being a popular highlight, with its robust and folk-inspired melodies.
The ensemble's players – Jenna Williams on flute, Helen Matthews on oboe, Rob Blanken on clarinet, Lucy Smith on French horn, and Rob Eckett on bassoon – delivered each piece with exceptional skill and emotional depth, showcasing their remarkable cohesion and individual artistry. The concert was a resounding success, leaving the audience eagerly anticipating future performances by the Hamtun Ensemble.