With the return of live music now back in our lives, CommunityAd thought we would catch up with Ben Saul; musical showman and founder of the weekly classical recitals at The Alexander Centre.
Faversham composer Ben Saul tells us about his early start in music, his career highlights and what he loves most about living in Faversham…
What are your earliest memories of music and was there a particular moment when you realised you could pursue a career in music?
My earliest memories are clambering into the back of our garage at home to thump out old pop tunes on the dusty old piano there. I was always able to pick out tunes and my mum and dad were great as they packed me off for piano lessons straight away.
I was a terrible student and never practiced so a succession of piano teachers gave up on me. I kept learning and probably knew by nine or ten that this was something I could do and ended up doing all the time.
If you could pick three moments from your career so far that you are most proud of, what would they be?
There are always moments that you think have gone really well in music although there are always things that you think could have gone better.
However, filling up St Mary of Charity Church in Faversham with hundreds of school kids and their families for two nights of getting them to perform an opera was a very proud moment. It’s one of the biggest churches in the South East and we encouraged a load of schools to take part. That was ten years ago now so we maybe need to do that again!
I’m very proud that we managed to keep our recital series of classical music going online throughout the pandemic and then underneath the Guildhall in Faversham through last summer. The town council were very supportive and loads of people came along. It seemed to be very important for music lovers but also for the well-being of everyone who came across us. People were very happy.
Finally, I’ve been really proud of the work we did with Faversham Youth Choir. That is an open access, no audition choir which has sung in Cathedrals, major concert venues, and of course everywhere in Faversham and the surrounding areas.
If you could only listen to one piece of music for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
That’s a mean question! I’ve always got a million tunes running through my head!
What are your plans for 2021 and can you describe just how good it is to be back playing music after the past 15 months?
It’s amazing! Our plans are to get our recitals back up and running in the Autumn at the brilliant Alexander Centre. Also, we’re going to get some larger events going through the autumn so keep an eye out for them!
Away from music, what are your hobbies and what do you enjoy most about living in Faversham?
Music is pretty much it! Faversham has always been a town where people support live music and all of the arts. We need people to come out and support us now, and we’re really confident that the amazing folk of Faversham will get out and support the arts as we move forward!