|
Choral Society is not a choir or a club. We've all heard about High society, the café society and so on, which identify people collectively who share a common interest. There exists amongst singers a bond which identifies and unites them in the same way. So this web-site is for choral singers who are passionate about their singing. If you’d like to make a contribution, please tell the Web-master |
Coming soon! |
|||||||||||
|
CHORAL SOCIETY WebMag is now on Facebook. Like or Not Like?
The site is now receiving With this level of traffic, it is mutually beneficial to have reciprocal links. Please tell your web-master. This site is changing and developing as a result of your input and my self-indulgent additions! So what’s new? This is! Composers & Performers page. Editorial messages. You can click on FEEDBACK to send me a message but e-mail is quicker. Archives from 2007 to 2011 can now be found under Links & Archives. Please, please give this site a link to yours. It is mutually beneficial. If you want a logo, right-click to download and save here. Please make the link to this site simply as Are your concerts a sell-out? Rupert Street talks to Di Masters, Publicity Manager of Ashtead Choral Society and discovers that it Pays to be Pushy. Read the article here. Which composers will be popular in 2012? Any ideas, please send them to John the Mélomane Lots of famous people were born in 1912 including Jean Françaix, Kathleen Ferrier, Virgil Fox (first heard him at Canterbury as a small boy and resolved to visit every English Cathedral), Alfred Deller, John Cage Jean Françaix is amazing! In response to the mention above, I am in contact with Armelle Turc. She has told me about the Organisation du centenaire-2012 de Jean Françaix Inscrit officiellement parmi les "Célébrations Nationales 2012.” In short, his Centenary celebration 2012. If you have never heard his choral music then listen to his Oratorio ‘L’Apocalypse selon Saint Jean’ here. The web-site is very good but very big but as they say in the Michelin Guide, “vaut le voyage”. Comment on the Choral Society Facebook Want something to read Boy choristers have sung the liturgy in English cathedrals for fourteen hundred years. Until now, their history has never been written. The author Alan Mould takes you from the Middle Ages, through the upheavals of The Reformation, Georgian neglect to the Victorian revival to the present day. Buy The English Chorister from www.continuumbooks.com
Why the 4B pencil? Just to remind you NOT to use a highlighter or an HB pencil or a ball-point pen to mark up your score! And remember to erase your markings before you return your score to the librarian What do you think? Feel like singing Nick Landauer, conductor of Cantamus Reigate is planning a concert for Wednesday 2nd November at All Souls’, Reigate. This is a Liturgical performance of the Requiem by Maurice Duruflé. If you are interested in singing without months of note-bashing and live within singing distance of Reigate, . contact Nick here Did you perform Sleep with Eric Whitacre on Youtube? More news. Can you help the Kathleen Ferrier Society? I have been contacted by David Whittaker as follows. “I am presently doing research for the Kathleen Ferrier Society. We are compiling a performance chronology of the great contralto's career, which we aim to complete for her centenary celebration in 2012. I have discovered she sang in two performances of the Messiah at: If you could find the time and you have access to this information would it be possible for you to give us any further details of these performances? Who the other soloists were? The orchestra? The conductor? (I feel sure it must have been the Chesterfield Philharmonic Choir?). The KFS would be very grateful for your co-operation, our Chronology will have two more completed performance details and there will be a record of the professional link between Ferrier and the Chesterfield Choir.” Singing Holidays (Contact Jeff Stewart) is a new venture, which takes amateur singers to Umbria, Italy for a week. During that time, guests will be treated to 2 hours of daily rehearsals plus some short rehearsals in idyllic locations. Do you know of anybody who went who would like to give a report? Where do you find your I am approached sometimes by choirs, wishing to find a professional soloist. Similarly, professionals ask me about opportunities. I have regular contact with Jill Davies who knows about these things. She has a list of sopranos, mezzos, tenors, bass-baritones, counter-tenors to offer. Like-minded... John Hooper is a like-minded singer, musician and doer of all the sort of things which would interest you. The title of his site is "John's (downloadable) Midi File Choral Music". Orlando Chamber Choir In their concert on 24th November Yet another Orlando; Orlando Singers is based in the middle of Dorset, with singers from London to Somerset. They perform in cathedrals including Canterbury, Winchester, Lincoln, Truro, Bristol and Ely. The choir does not meet weekly. Instead, they have six Saturday "sing-days". Take a look at their site. There is yet another Orlando in Cambridge. Who can tell us more? One of many useful contributions from Brian Maskell is this. He has used NoteWorthy Scriptorium to prepare electronic versions of pieces for himself and fellow choristers are learning. He says it is a very versatile tool and fantastic value for money. He adds, “I am not on commission!” Ever heard of MULAG? In 2002, the Eastbourne and Hastings Music Libraries closed and their Music Librarians were made redundant or moved elsewhere. The Lewes Music Library was demolished and its music collection severely reduced. So what happened to the music? The music scores, reference books and recordings from all three libraries were either 'weeded out' and sold or put into storage. These actions by East Sussex County Council have deprived local musicians, music lovers, teachers and students of an essential resource. MULAG was formed to campaign for long term Music Library provision. If you are concerned about this loss, please consider joining MULAG. You can read the the most recent Newsletter which I have by clicking here. mulag.org.uk seems to have disappeared. The only web link is here Two ‘High Note’ MULAG campaigners are Roy and Angela Goodall. They publish “Words and Music” five times a year. Download September-October 2011 issue here. This magazine is for those of you in Surrey, Sussex and Kent and London boroughs South of the Thames who love the Performing Arts. I originally saw this about ten years ago in my local library where it is distributed free. But hey, it has developed enormously so is worth ordering by post for £8 a year from Roy and Angela Goodall, 28,Northcote Lane, Telscombe Cliffs, Peacehaven, East Sussex, BN10 7ED. Visit their web-site words-and-music.info How far is far?. So far, New Orleans but even more recently, South Korea. James shin, a choral conductor in Incheon is a reader of this site. One of the singers of Symphony Chorus of New Orleans, named Ginger, asked for some help on Bernstein’ Chichester Psalms. I was delighted to answer her and in passing, I said I lived about 60 miles from Chichester. She replied, The site is worth a visit. You can always learn something from other choirs. Liturgical Music Courses. I had not not heard from them for ages but now Richard Smith who runs them tells me |
We’re well into 2012 so? Take part in the Leith Hill Musical Festival as an independent singer The 2012 Festival begins with Handel’s Messiah on 11th March at 7.00pm at the Dorking Halls, Reigate Road, Dorking, Surrey. Rehearsals at United Reformed Church Hall, Dorking. Sundays 8th Jan, 22nd Jan, 19th Feb, 26th Feb, 4th Mar at 3.00pm Independent singers are welcome. The singing fee is £20 per singer (Juniors 10 pounds). Download an independent singers application form here.
And you can hear more bawdy songs in Tunbridge Wells. Royal Tunbridge Wells Choral Society are doing Carmina Burana in The Assembly Hall Theatre on Sunday 11th March More soon. On Saturday 17th March, Vivace chorus is giving their first concert at the new G Live Concert Hall in Guildford. "Night at the Opera" is an evening of operatic music, both well known and not so well known, with both chorus and soloists. More here soon. Langlais Festival Choral Course in Brittany is now open for entries Here is a chance to sing in Brittany with Malcolm Archer, composer David Bednall and voice coach Hilary Jones from 21st to 26th July. There is also and optional Solo Master-class given by Hilary Jones with accompanist Colin Spinks. You can see the brochure here which includes both the Choral Course and the Master-class, application forms etc. or
Morning warm-up at La Fontenelle. The Langlais Festival Choir sang in the Annual Sailors’ Society service at St. Columba’s, Pont Street on 25th October 2011. See Facebook entries. Still can’t make up your mind? Read Rupert Street’s report on the 2010 course HERE. He liked it so much that he went back for more in 2011! The Brandenburg Spring Choral Festival’s Sound Start To mix the metaphors, Surrey Voices kicked off the Festival with a resounding Messiah. Rupert Street reports “You know within the first few bars whether you are going to enjoy the music or just hear the notes. This was a very sensitive performance under the leadership of conductor Malcolm Hicks. Bob Porter introduced the Festival and his Brandenburg Sinfonia baroque players made a very sweet sound. GIVE YOURSELF AN EVENING OFF FROM SINGING. LOTS OF LOVELY MUSIC; TRY LISTENING TO SOME JAZZ! Remember the Easton Rabble Chorus Fancy a trip to Ipswich? Easton Rabble Chorus’ repertoire is very eclectic. Folk songs, 'pop' songs by bands like Divine Comedy and the Kinks, world music, songs from musicals and the odd bit of classical for special occasions eg. Really Big Chorus events. Basically they perform whatever their MD, Kirsty Logan, feels will work for the voices and has time to arrange! Take a look on YouTube here to see a choir really enjoying themselves. A new contributor is Andrew Fotheringham of St. Alban's Bach Choir. See their concert on Saturday, 24 March 2012 7.30pm at the Cathedral and Abbey Church of St Alban. Rachmaninov: Vespers plus. A new singing group in Ewell, Surrey - TopNotes Surrey - started on Wednesday 18th January 2012 at Bourne Hall, Ewell. An introduction to choral singing for those who might not be confident enough to join a "proper" choir. There is no commitment beyond paying £8 a time (there will be a discount for anyone booking 10 sessions). Conductor is Jo Bryant, an enthusiastic professional musician. Close harmony in Surrey Lingfield Harmony is a women’s a capella choir based in Lingfied, Surrey (where else?). Interested? Contact Vanessa Lydon The Sixteen’s new Palestrina CD Harry Christophers and The Sixteen have recently released a brand new recording of works by Palestrina. It's the first in a brand new series devoted to the composer.
£5 discount* on the disc and free postage and packaging if bought online here. Remember to type 'CHORAL' into the discount box at the bottom of the order confirmation pages when buying your CD. Tell your friends about the offer. Did you sing something last Christmas Encore Publications has introduced me to June Nixon’s attractive arrangement of The Holly and the Ivy, based on a traditional French tune. This was featured in the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols broadcast on BBC radio from King's College, Cambridge, last Christmas Eve. Her carol was also included in the traditional televised celebration, Carols from King's. Interestingly it is in a minor key finishing with a major cadence. You can hear it on YouTube here This is with organ accompaniment but the composer’s orchestral version is available from the publisher. You might also consider some new works by Canon Chris Chivers. Diptych, God made a Garden, The Kohima Epitaph and Ubi Caritas et Amor. Thet are written for unaccompanied voices. His son, also Chris, has written Born in a Stable, a carol for unaccompanied mixed voices. If you go here, you will some some sample pages of the scores as a pdf. You can buy the scores from Tim Rogers of Encore. Can you make Please can you help by giving an hour or two over the festive season to entertain at one of their following collections? Thursday 1st December Enfield Palace Gardens; Saturday 3rd December N1 Centre; Thursday 8th December Euston Station; Friday 9th December Kings Cross Station; Tuesday 13th December Nags Head Shopping Centre; Thursday 22nd December Barnet Spires Shopping Centre; Friday 23rd December Marylebone Station; Friday 23rd December St Pancras Station. If you can, please contact Londinium City Voices has a new MD Stephen Farr is Londinium’s newly appointed Joint Musical Director, a position he shares with Andrew Griffiths. He has an established reputation as one of the leading organists of his generation, and made his début at the Proms in 2011 with a solo organ recital. He is Director of Music at St Paul's Church Knightsbridge and Worcester College Oxford. Their next concert is on Thursday 9th February 2012 7.30 pm at Holy Trinity, Sloane Square, Sloane Street, London. “We can’t do Brahms’ Req because...”
Why not tie-up with a local charity, make friends and contribute to your local community? Sussex Festival Choir raises £37,000 Through the generosity of the orchestra and participants, the Sussex Festival Choir ‘Come and Sing’ Messiah in Croydon Parish Church on 5th February made a profit of around £300. The choir under the leadership of Stephen Hope has now raised £37,000 for Hospices. Here’s an example how it helps. Only about one third of St. Christopher’s Hospice income comes from the NHS. They have to raise more than £9 million p.a. to continue to deliver their patient and family services free of charge. Tired of singing the same old thing? Want something different? Write your own or commission a composer such as How good are your ticket sales? Ashtead Choral Society based in Ashtead near Epsom, Surrey had a sell-out for their ‘Out of Africa’ concert in January. What made it a success? Was it the efforts made by members to sell tickets? Was it the programme? The venue? What is the secret? More news here very soon of new sources of music to hire at very reasonable rates. Why not go to France to visit the Association Let’s Sing?
Click on Polymnia to find out more about them. Jean-Claude Rollet (left above) is the President and Founder of the Association Let’s Sing. This was formed in response to many people close to Paris who want to sing, who would like to learn how to sing and who would like to have the pleasure of meeting like-minded people. It is open to anybody who has the burning desire, be it experienced singers or those who are about to make their début. Their Music Director Gilles Gaubert (pictured right) is a ’Professeur de Chant’ so there is great concentration on breathing and relaxation. The choir performs as Polymnia. ____________________________________ Here’s something interesting; a site called Helping You Harmonise. It is all about Liz Garnett and what she as a professional musician, can offer singers. In her own words “Helping You Harmonise offers ideas to help choral directors and singers in vocal ensembles to rehearse and perform more effectively.” We now have reciprocal links because we both feel that we can benefit one another. Take a look. It’s an interesting site. www.helpingyouharmonise.com Get smitten with SMITF. St. Martin’s in the Fields is a magical venue for choral concerts. Bob Porter (Brandenburg Sinfonia) presents many concerts there and our choir could be one of them. Bob’s ‘band’ has accompanied many choirs. If you are interested in performing Brahms’ Requiem but lack the resources for a full orchestra, Bob has written an arrangement for small orchestra (Brandenburg Sinfonia ideally!). Contact him at Brandenburg Sinfonia. |
Want to be a Cathedral Singer?
The Oriana Singers have sung at every Anglican Cathedral in the country and in recent years in Wales and Northern Ireland. More about the choir from Chair, Rosie here Oriana Singers Oriana Singers is the only dedicated Cathedral choir to take part in the Brandenburg Spring Choral Festival 2012. They will be singing at The Queen’s Chapel of The Savoy, The Strand, London on Thursday 26th April at 7.30pm. The programme, “Queen & Country” which covers six centuries of choral music, is inspired by the Diamond Jubilees of Queen Elizabeth II. You can read all about it here. See their web-site The London based City Chorus welcomes new singers to their rehearsals at the NatWest Building, 1 Princes Street, EC2R 8BP next to Bank station (Exit 1) at 6pm on Tuesdays. Potential members can meet the current choir and sing with them for the evening without obligation. There are vacancies for all voice parts. Here is their programme for 2012.
If you would like to join them, just turn up or contact Caroline Weiner at citychorus.info
____________________________________ Motor into 2012 and 2013 Stephen Hope, the enterprising musician, conductor, organiser, charity fund raiser is giving you a chance to be enterprising. He tells me “I am looking at a 'coach' tour for 2012 to Normandy with concerts in Rouen, Chartres and Bayeux Cathedrals and a full fledged tour to Salzbourg/Southern France for 2013 - your interest and input would be welcome!”. This could be a wonderful opportunity to sing abroad. Some choirs used to do this sort of thing on a regular basis but found it became too expensive. If you are interested contact Stephen by e-mail here. Take another look at one of his choirs Sussex Festival Choir You can sing with A Capella Singers A Cappella Singers in Weybridge in Surrey is looking for new members, especially tenors and altos, to join immediately as the summer term is just starting. They are a small friendly chamber choir. Their new conductor is looking to grow and develop their skills. No auditions are not required but a reasonable sight-reading required. For more information please contact secretary Diana Chapman Are 40 parts too many or or too few? Monteverdi did his Vespro della Beata Vergine, 'Vespers' (1610) in 25 parts just a bit after Tallis. If you want to hear it you might consider going to Paris. It will be performed in 2012 by the Choeur du Marais It does not appear to be performed very often in the UK. The Mayfield Festival Choir did it in 2008 under Graham Caldbeck. TCC2:a new Children’s Choir The choir has been started by Thame Chamber. The organiser of TCC2 is Alison Green who is a well-known local music teacher. She says, “We’ve all seen the TV choirmaster Gareth Malone do his stuff and we all know that singing in schools can be a bit patchy: some excellent, some less so. When we realised there wasn’t a really good concert choir for children locally, we decided to found one. And so TCC2 was born”. You can hear TCC2 for the first time at Thame Chamber Choir's Christmas Fantasia concert conducted by Duncan Aspden on Saturday 18th December More.
____________________________________ Charity Concert at St. Margaret the Queen, Buxted Park, About £4,000 was raised for St. Peter & St. James Hospice. North Chailey, Sussex. Thanks to everybody who took part and the audience who gave so generously in addition to paying for their tickets. This was a Voices for Hospices event. Voices for Hospices is a wave of simultaneous concerts around the globe which takes place on World Hospice and Palliative Care Day every two years. The objective of the event is to raise funds and awareness for hospice and palliative care in your region and around the world. (See previous pics here) Of course you are and will Anna Martindale of Marie Curie writes as follows: “I'm writing to you on behalf of Marie Curie Cancer Care to ask if you would be interested in promoting an event of ours called 'Sing Out' on your web-site. The event it aimed at choirs, carol singers, anyone with a love of music and asks them to hold a singing event to raise money for us.” Find out more here
____________________________________ Ever wondered where the young choristers go when they grow up?
Do you ever complain and wish somebody would listen? There was an interesting item on Radio 4’s Today programme which I followed up. There is a complaints organisation called Complaints Choirs Worldwide here and if you want a bit of fun, go to this item on YouTube. The things which people complain about (up with this I will not put) transcend nationalities and geographical boundaries. Why not compose your own piece and I will post it on this site. This item about Robin Milford, composer, was introduced to me by Nick Landauer MD of Cantamus Reigate. He is very interested in performing some of Robin's works. Robin grew up in Surrey. He was a pupil of Vaughan Williams and Holst and was a lifelong friend of Gerald Finzi, all of whom influenced his music. Mainly in the 'English' style, it includes choral, solo and chamber music, cantatas, a symphony and an Oratorio. He took over the direction of the Leith Hill choir, Dorking. If this resonates with you, contact Nick at Cantamus Reigate A new aid from the USA to Learning the Notes. I don’t accept commercials or advertisements but if something interesting comes up for singers, I will include it in the editorial. SingleParts CDs are available to choral singers in the UK. I have had a look at this and think it is good. I personally continue to use midi files because I haven’t found anything why suits me better. Go to their web-site for more information and a demo. Tell me what you think by clicking FEEDBACK at the top of the next column. By request this link is left at the request of singers who want to Learn Brahms’ Requiem - click here BBC Performing Arts Fund, a charity that was set up within the BBC in 2003 to help everyone achieve their musical ambitions, from choirs, hip hop artists and musical theatre performers to folk musicians. Since its inception the fund has awarded over 3m to aspiring musicians, performers and groups across a range of genres through funding instruments, training and development. To learn more about what the fund does and how you can apply, visit the website
|
||||||||||
Here is Joseph Cornwell who sang Messiah with the Ceramic Choral Society, Stoke on Trent
Go to 
, Alexander’s Feast is not only Orlando Chamber Choir’s largest and most sumptuous production to date, it is sadly also 
For many choirs, the idea of performing Brahms' Requiem with an orchestra is impossible. That was until Bob Porter, the Artistic Director of Brandenburg Sinfonia wrote his orchestral arrangement for 18 parts! If you’d like to know more, click on 
Mystery partly solved thanks to Chairman, Malcolm Bury (pictured right), of 
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
