June 2010 Issue 34 Hemiola St George’s Singers

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: BUSINESS AND THE ARTS BY ELEANOR WOTHERSPOON Monteverdi Vespers— 2-3 review I found out something surpris- of their income from sup- Learn to Sing—a 4 ing the other week. Despite port from businesses and resounding success working in the arts for over five individuals – in 2008/2009 German Masterworks— 5 years, it wasn’t until recently this equated to nearly £655 concert preview that I discovered that more million. For example, for people in the UK visit museums every hour that Manches- Next Season’s pro- 6 and galleries than attend live ter Art Gallery is open, it gramme sporting events. What’s more, has to raise £393 (in addi- Prague Tour report 7 audience figures for arts venues tion to its support from have risen 12% in the past year. City Council) Eleanor Wotherspoon, Regional Director, Young men don’t sing 8-9 Here at Arts & Business, we to support its exhibitions Arts & Business North West concentrate on emphasising the and educational work with schools and families. community. Through support- St George’s Singers 10-11 importance of private invest- News ment in the arts—ie money I don’t think that anyone could ing an arts organisation as an from both businesses and from confidently say that they expect individual, you are becoming individuals. Culture and the government funding for the arts closely involved with some- ST GEORGE’S SINGERS creative industries are worth to increase over the coming thing you are passionate about, PRESIDENT: over £7.7 billion to the British years. In times of economic while actively helping it to grow economy. It brings visitors from difficulty, it is all too easy for and develop. Brigit Forsyth overseas, exports high-quality governments to cut cultural There are a myriad arts organi- VICE PRESIDENTS: products, and helps put the UK support. Yet everyone knows sations out there that need sup- Sue Roper on the map. that culture can inspire and port; whether through some- Mark Rowlinson In the UK, culture is supported motivate; provide a period of thing as simple as purely buying SPECIAL POINTS OF INTEREST:Stephen Threlfall Stephen Williams by our government. This helps calm in a busy life; or open a ticket, or by becoming more • Briefly highlight your point of interest here. • Briefly highlight your point of interest here. people’s minds to new hori- involved by being an active MUSICAL DIRECTOR: the arts become available to • Briefly highlight your point of interest here. everyone, while remaining at zons. supporter. In the North West Neil Taylor • Briefly highlight your point of interest here. the cutting-edge of new devel- As we expect the private sector alone, we look after a network ASSISTANT MUSICAL DIRECTOR: opments such as Manchester’s to recover more quickly than of over 200 arts organisations, Calum Fraser International Festival. How- the public sector, Arts & Busi- helping them raise the support ACCOMPANIST: ever, when the figures are actu- ness would like to encourage that they need to survive and thrive. By supporting a form of Jeffrey Makinson ally analysed, only half of fund- both businesses and individuals ing for culture in the UK is to support the UK’s cultural culture that you are passionate

from the government. Overall, heritage. Business support of an about, you can help an organi- Registered Charity no 508686 arts organisations still have to arts organisation provides real sation gain the freedom that Member of Making Music, the National raise around 35% from earned benefits such as advertising and they need for the future. Federation of Music Societies income such as tickets and cafe entertainment, as well as the www.artsandbusiness.org.uk, email www.st-georges-singers.org.uk sales. More importantly, the knowledge that you are sup- eleanor.wotherspoon@ artsandbusi- arts have to raise around 15% porting an intrinsic part of a ness.org.uk or tel 0161 236 2058. Page 2 Hemiola

MONTEVERDI AND FRIENDS—A GREAT NIGHT OUT FOR ALL The Monteverdi plause from the Choir wel- Vespers concert was comed back our favourite a truly special occa- baritone, Marcus Farns- sion. Not just be- worth, along with Richard cause of the glorious Dowling and Amy Wood music making, but who have sung with us be- also because we fore. welcomed back so The pre-concert reception many old friends— was a good opportunity to and sadly had to say entertain and say thank you farewell to others. Anne Francis making a presentation to to the Friends of St George’s Matthew Hamilton at his final concert This was the last Singers, who do so much to Marcus and Johnny Herford taking a official SGS concert for Dame support the Choir financially, breather during rehearsals SGS stage management team Joan Bakewell, who has now and by coming along to con- tried a number of different lay- stood down as our President certs with enthusiasm and a outs, manoeuvring the choir after six years. A pre-concert great spirit of adventure. (and the reception was held in staging!) the Monastery’s around the Chapel for SGS nave, side Friends and guests, to aisles and say goodbye to Joan, massive pil- and thank her for her lars of the loyal and valuable Monastery, support. before find- The Choir presented ing the right Joan with her very balance of own choir folder con- sound, and taining a score for the ensuring that Rachmaninov Vespers, the audience a memento of the could see. concert at the Monas- As Donald tery in which Joan Judge says in played a major part as Choir President Joan Bakewell, Vice President Stephen Threlfall, our concert host his critique Reader. We included Anne Marie Bailey and— trying not to get caught on camera—our bass section rep of the per- a selection of photos formance, of the Choir taken at concerts Once again the Monastery was this was the culmination of during Joan’s tenure as Presi- packed to capacity. The layout weeks of rehearsal which was dent, to remind her of some of of this concert was very differ- summed up for the Singers and the many wonderful moments ent to previous performances, the audience by Dame Joan: “a we have all enjoyed over the as Monteverdi called for two truly intense and emotional last few years. very distinct choirs, to be posi- experience.” tioned opposite each other. We also had to say good- Conductor Neil Taylor and the bye to our wonderful As- sistant MD, Matthew Hamilton, who heads off to conduct the Reading Bach Choir, and to direct RSCM Voices (Royal School of Church Music) - the RSCM training choir. ….. but as ever, her thank you speech is It wasn’t all farewells Joan doesn’t look too sure about what exactly we’ve given her …... gracious, entertaining and sincere. Photos: courtesy Graham North however. A big round of ap- Issue 34 Page 3

A TRIUMPH AT THE MONASTERY BY DONALD JUDGE ’s Vespers of There were authentic sackbuts, While soloists and orchestra 1610 is surely on the wish list of while it is of course better to only arrive at the last moment, every choral singer and conduc- have well tuned oboes than for the choir, the performance is tor, and as the large audience unavailable (or wayward!) cor- the culmination of many weeks for St George’s Singers’ per- netts. When heard alone in the of intensive rehearsal. St formance in Gorton Monastery ritornelli, the orchestra really George’s is a large choir, far on March 20th showed, there shone, and one could easily larger than would have been are many concert goers eager to forget that all the players are used in contemporary or mod- hear this wondrous work. still at school. ern performances of the Vespers. Maybe only Bach’s B minor The acoustic in Gorton Monas- Yet another packed audience at Mass or St Matthew Passion, Mes- The soloists, Clare Lloyd, Amy tery seems to magnify voices the Monastery Wood, Peter Davoren, Richard siah, Elijah, the Verdi Requiem while muting instruments, and Dowling, Marcus Farnsworth and The Dream of Gerontius have baroque instruments are quieter and Jonny Herford were all fine the same ‘pulling power’ for anyway. While the details of singers, well balanced but with both choirs and their audiences. orchestration were rendered distinctive voices – very impor- With its demanding multi-part almost inaudible in all but the tant when there are pairs of choral writing, six vocal solo- quieter and more sparsely “I thought the choir sounded fantastic, sopranos, tenors and baritones. ists, and dazzling instrumental scored numbers, we could revel tuning was impeccable and they sounded The four men blended beauti- accompaniment, it’s a brave in a gloriously full and beauti- really strong” - soprano Amy Wood fully when singing the plain- Choir that attempts the Monte- fully tuned choral sound. No chant. While any one of them verdi Vespers for both musical one would wish to deny the “It was great to take part in the lovely could have made sufficient and logistical reasons. Let me Poynton choir its sonorous concert with you and great to hear you sound on his own, it gave a real say straight away that St fortes, the balance between vocal navigating through all the difficult George’s performance parts was good syncopating passages!” - theorbo player was not an attempt – it even if the men Arngeir Hauksson was a triumph! sometimes pre- dominated, and “It was an absolute pleasure working Almost any perform- the tuning was with you again.. The choir sounded ance of the Vespers is a impeccable. Con- super” - Marcus Farnsworth compromise. Monte- trapuntal entries verdi’s instructions, for were reassuringly “The choir sounded excellent in the example as to pitch and clear from such a performance” - orchestra leader Yusuke instrumentation, aren’t large group in a Konishita always clear. It isn’t reverberant that long ago that many acoustic, while “I really enjoyed Saturday, and thought professional musicians the unison lines the choir were fantastic, a real credit to would have struggled to of sopranos and all your work”. - soprano Clare Lloyd play in an appropriate style, let tenors were beautifully blended. alone with an appropriate feeling of monks at their devo- sound. While we’ve come a tions. It was a very nice touch Neil Taylor had prepared the long way since Nadia Bou- for solo singers sometimes to Choir to a very high standard, langer reintroduced Monteverdi stand next to the theorbo, when and he held the performance to the world in 1937 with a the building, beautiful though it together with sensible tempi piano featuring in the accompa- is, and in many ways an ideal and a clear beat. This is a work niments, finding good enough venue for such a piece, has no that keeps our interest with players with the right instru- transepts and alcoves for differ- frequent changes of tempo and ments is not easy. ent groups of performers, such rhythm even within a single The young players of as Monteverdi probably envis- movement that can create real Chetham’s Baroque Orchestra, aged. It’s a pity the building difficulties for less well re- didn’t allow the ‘echo’ soloists, hearsed and disciplined forces. led by Yusuke Kinoshita, did Arngeir Hauksson with his theorbo wonders, making a lovely ba- even when behind the choir, to This was a concert that was roque sound along with the sound more distant. Personally, inspiring to both performers sensitive continuo of Arngeir I would have liked the lights to and audience: one to be sa- Hauksson and Jeffrey Makison have been dimmed or even voured and remembered for a on theorbo and chamber organ. extinguished! very long time. Page 4 Hemiola

I CAN SING! BY CLAIRE HAWKER

list of 100 in addition to the 200 Northern who were accepted! College of Music. I was indeed spared the horror This was of having to sing on my own a great but there was no room for inhi- opportu- bitions on this course – some of nity to be the warm ups were hilarious enter- and woe betide anyone who tained by didn’t join in. Musical Director all sorts of Timm Barkworth had a lovely different manner – he only had to choirs. threaten very slightly that he The vari- would come round and single ety of Timm leading the warm up out anyone who was ‘not play- people ing’ or not doing something participat- quite right, to guarantee 100% ing was fascinating, proving I have to admit I wasn’t a com- participation next time. that there’s no such thing as a

plete beginner – I can read mu- A few scales and exercises dur- ‘bog standard’ choir!

sic and hold a tune reasonably ing the first session helped us all well - but the thought of singing to establish which “Thanks for the very warm welcome in front of other people or hav- vocal part we should given to the group—I appreciated ing to audition for anything had be singing. Each the help given by the St George’s been enough to put me off in- week started with a members which contributed dulging my enjoyment of sing- warm up and singing significantly to the enjoyment of ing since my days in the school craft session to im- all participants.” choir. prove our technique

Then I was sent the details of a and along the way “I learnt so much and had immense ‘Learn to Sing’ course for an we were also given a fun in the process.” article in Inside Magazines. It whistle stop guide to would be hosted by Poynton’s reading music. We “It’s now Tuesday evening and I’m St George’s Singers and there learnt four pieces over the six week period, which wondering how I spent these times were 200 places on offer (safety All in all I enjoyed the course in numbers I thought – there we performed on the final Tues- immensely. It’s a shame it went before I joined the LTS course!” day evening. Four different was no way we would have to on for no longer than six weeks “It has been a wonderful and sing on our and I can’t really say I made own with so lots of new friends. I saw a unforgettable experience.” many people!). couple of familiar faces but

It was a couple there was very little time for “I actually feel it is one of the best of hours on a chit chat with the 199 other things I have ever taken part in.” Tuesday eve- people on the course who I’d ning for six never met before! But it has “You turned a motley crew of wide weeks so I definitely opened the door to a abilities into a very credible thought I could new leisure pursuit. At the end sounding choir” get a pass out of the course we were given for that long details of scores (get it?!) of notwithstand- singing groups and choirs in the ing the juggling region. Now it’s down to me to it would re- pluck up the courage to go quire with the along to one and see if I pass rest of the family’s evening styles of music, in three differ- muster! activities. ent languages and each one in four-part harmony – impressive I’m sure I speak on behalf of So I registered my interest be- huh? the majority (if not all) the at- fore the magazines had even tendees in thanking St George’s Some of us were also able to Evan Dawson (Making Music), Anne been printed. Subsequently so Singers for offering us this great Francis, Neil Taylor and Timm Barkworth did lots of other people – so attend (as spectators!) the re- opportunity. many that there was a waiting gional heats of the BBC Choir of the Year 2010 at the Royal Article reproduced by kind permission of Inside Magazine Issue 34 Page 5

GERMAN MASTERWORKS—PREVIEW A great wine connoisseur invited Brahms to dinner and in his honour brought out some of his The final concert of our 2009- sis of the two ever achieved, is choicest bottles. “This is the 2010 season brings together extremely rich harmonically Brahms of my cellar,” he proudly three choral giants: Bach, and clearly directed tonally, announced as the wine was Brahms and Mendelssohn, a whilst the melodic lines are poured into the composer’s trio linked together over a span fascinating. The listener is en- glass. Brahms scrutinized the of 150 years by influences that couraged to listen ‘horizontally’ wine, inhaled its bouquet, took a had lasting effects on musical in order to hear two or more sip and murmured, “Better bring composition. All three pro- strands individually, rather than out your Beethoven.” duced works of great profundity their combined effect vertically. and pathos from very simple There is a belief that contrapun- musical ideas, demonstrating tal music is cerebral or intellec- above all a total command of tual, and that harmony rather the technique of counterpoint. than counterpoint must be the What is counterpoint? The medium for the expression of word comes from the Latin emotion. But to all three of punctus contra punctum (‘note these composers, the use of The Cantor of Leipzig, 1685-1750 against note’), and involves the counterpoint is not some arid, writing of two or more melodic didactic and arcane practice, Like many in 18th century Leipzig, lines that sound very different but a tool, vital to producing himself.The Cantor ofHis Leipzig, setting J S Bach of Richte Bach was a caffeine addict, music of the freshest vitality— mich, Gott has wonderfully clear drinking 3 or 4 cups of coffee a and all of which will be heard harmonic writing, and trium- day, mostly at Herr Zimmerman’s phant, choral-inspired conclu- in this concert. coffee house. His ’Coffee Cantata’ sions that show the Cantor’s is a short comic about a Bach systematically explored influence is never far from the father trying to get his daughter to the full range of contrapuntal surface. And in the perennial possibilities in The Art of Fugue, kick the habit, and includes the favourite, Hear my Prayer, the memorable line, ‘If I can’t drink my a work that inspired Brahms to beautiful dialogue between solo write a number of works, of bowl of coffee three times a day, voice and accompaniment is a I’ll shrivel up like a roast goat.’ which the Geistliches Lied and delight. his three acapalla motets are fine examples, the contrapuntal Choirs love to sing Bach—and lines flowing seamlessly in dia- St George’s is no exception. logue with one another. The chance to sing Bach all evening—whether in the origi- However, the musical climax of nal or through other composers’ the concert will be Bach’s mo- interpretations—will surely be a tet, Jesu meine Freude, one (along real treat for both choir and Brahms (1833-1897) as a young man—a with Lobet den Herrn) of his vi- audience. Bach and Brahms form two-thirds long way from the heavily bearded and sionary Six Motets that had im- venerable old man usually depicted of what are sometimes called the mense influence on both ‘Three B’s’ referring to the and move independently, but Brahms and Mendelssohn. The primacy of three composers (the which sound harmonious when dramatic contrasts in vocal third of course being Beethoven). played simultaneously. So, texture, dynamics and metre Rather sacrilegiously, they are counterpoint focuses on me- provided a stimulus that can be also referred to as the ‘Trinity’ - lodic interaction, and only sec- heard in both their works. Bach the Father, Beethoven the ondarily on harmony. Son, and Brahms the Holy Ghost. The role played by Mendels- It is of course impossible to sohn in re-establishing Bach’s write simultaneous lines with- pre-eminence through the stag- out producing harmony, and ing of his St Matthew Passion in impossible to write harmony 1829 is well known, and re- without linear movement. sulted in the invigoration of Mendelssohn, 1809-1847 Bach’s counterpoint, consid- composition, especially for ered the most profound synthe- Brahms and for Mendelssohn Based on an article © Anthony Gowing Page 6 Hemiola

NEXT SEASON—JUST KEEPS GETTING BETTER!

So—what could possibly beat At the opposite end of the sea- St George’s season, an appear- Monteverdi’s Vespers at Gorton son, in June 2011, we find our- ance on the BBC Daily Service. Monastery? Well, what about selves at the other side of But the highlight of the year for Bach’s St John Passion at the Europe, with a programme of many of us will be Bach’s St Bridgewater Hall? sacred choral music from East- John Passion, which we will ern Europe. Janáček and That’s the main treat in store perform at the Bridgewater Kodály were both dedicated to for us next season—but it’s by during Holy Week next year. the cause of folk and nationalist no means the only one. This very special concert repre- music in their respective coun- sents the first time St George’s The 2010/11 season starts off in tries (Czechoslovakia and Hun- Singers has embarked on a true familiar territory. Visions of gary), and developed their own joint venture with Manchester Albion (shades of Blake, vision- unique styles. We’ll be per- Camerata. A wonderful line-up aries, ancient feet et al) is our forming some of their most of soloists will be joining us first concert, and presents some beautiful, dramatic and haunt- under the baton of the Camer- of the landmark works which ing works, fittingly in Gorton ata’s Principal Guest Conduc- defined the English choral Monastery, in Eastern Voices. tor, Nicholas Kraemer, and (to sound world of the 20th cen- Other events on next season’s keep a close eye on us!) Neil tury. Works by Parry, Holst, agenda include our usual Sing- Taylor will be on stage as well, Vaughan Williams and Finzi ing Day (this year it’s Haydn’s playing continuo. trace the renaissance of English Nelson Mass), our annual carol choral music through the cen- Our 2010-11 season promises to concert with VBS Poynton tury, as the musical baton is be fantastic! Brass Band, and what has now passed from one hand to the become a regular feature of a next.

Some members of the MAKING THE MOST OF OPPORTUNITIES Choir have already BY URSULA BIRKETT had experience Sometimes opportunities offer it was put on to showcase the source of anxiety. I think I kept singing with Nicholas themselves, you think “Why?”, College’s current brightest tal- up fully. Kraemer—here’s one and do nothing. And some- ents, semi-staged, with some times you think “Yes!”, and go costume, some props, quite a Rehearsals for the Chorus were story taken in total by five different for it. lot of movement, some video back projections, and some conductors, providing a lively Choir members may perhaps imported soloists. These latter education in adapting to differ- recall a notice last year about included Robin Blaze, whose ent styles and emphases. extra singers wanted at the illness in 2008 prevented his When it came to the final re- RNCM for a production of singing in our B Minor Mass at

©Robert Carpenter Turner Belshazzar – Handel, that is, not hearsals and performance, we the Bridgewater Hall, when he were in the eloquent hands of Walton. My ‘other’ choir is was replaced by to working its way gradually Nicholas Kraemer, with the stunning effect (which those Camerata, which was a further through Handel’s oratorios, and who were there will recall.) I this is one we’d sung, and en- education as well as a delight. now conclude that Robin As the story of Belshazzar in- joyed, so, having checked that I would have been very good and wouldn’t be either in costume volves uninhibited partying in compelling. praise of heathen gods (which or deprived of my copy, I went for it. Sylvia Glover went for it The local talent was also fine, proves not to be a good idea) too, but sadly fell victim to ill- and I look forward to claiming we also had stage ‘business’ for ness in the final days. This was acquaintance when some of not just principals but also cho- a particular shame after we’d them come to fame in the fu- rus, calling for a degree of braved the snow and black ice ture. The brightness and flu- drunken jollity only occasion- of late January to get there for ency of the coloratura of chorus ally seen amongst St George’s Singers (though I can’t vouch rehearsals. as well as soloists was remark- able, and a pleasure to hear for the students of the RNCM, Nicholas Kraemer, Principal Guest of course). Conductor of Manchester Camerata A production for the RNCM rather than, as sometimes, a Vocal & Opera Studies course, Issue 34 Page 7

PRAGUE TOUR REPORT

It’s Spring Bank Holiday week- Onto Sunday end—and it’s another fantastic and Mass at tour for St George’s Singers, the awesome this year in the beautiful city of St Vitus Cathe- Prague. dral, which sits This year we used the services in the heart of of a professional music tour the Prague company, who liaised with our Castle com- own tour organiser Pam Craig, plex overlook- to set up some great events: a ing the city. concert in the baroque extrava- We were all ganza of St Peter’s Church in shepherded up the heart of Prague, Mass in St a very tall, Vitus Cathedral followed by a Choirboys resting very narrow recital, then a concert at the spiral staircase Nymburk Music Festival. A lot before emerg- to pack into two days, but then ing into the organ loft with a we don’t go on tour to relax! spectacular view over the nave. the large crowd that had gath- Concert in St Peter’s Church, Prague After a late flight on Jeff was ered below us to listen to our the Friday, and a tucked post-service recital. Saturday morning round the Then onto our third venue in for sightseeing, re- corner on the old royal city of Nymburk, hearsals began in the organ, about 40 miles outside Prague. earnest on Saturday closely Each year the city holds a mu- afternoon. Neil had sic festival in honour of chosen a lovely, but the baroque composer very challenging Bohuslav Matej Cerno- programme to en- horský, a contem-porary tertain our Czech audiences: of Bach, but who leaves Britten’s Five Flower Songs, two behind only one

watched by the cathedral or- ganist himself, who clearly felt very proprietary about his instrument, and kept leaning Evening dinner over to pull out stops—with cruise on the rather alarming consequences River Vlatava for Jeff, the choir– and proba- published motet bly the congregation below! (Laudetur Jesus However, our performance of Christus), the bulk of anthems and motets by Bach, his work having Brahms and Mendelssohn met been destroyed by with a delighted response from fire. The festival began in 1991, St Vitus Cathedral and invites groups from all over The Cathedral loft the world to perform. St George’s Singers received a of Lauridsen’s Les Chansons des warm welcome from our Roses, extracts from Dvořák’s Nymburk hosts at a special Mass in D minor, and Kodály’s reception before the concert, Pange Lingua. All works we and then treated to a special had done before, though not for Czech dinner afterwards—with some time, so some fine-tuning the inevitable dumplings! was required before the audi- With lots of sightseeing, and ence arrived—which they did in The Chair of the Festival Committee (with wonderful music, the tour to droves! young son!), and Nymburk’s Minister of Prague was really pretty Culture with Anne and Neil at the reception fabulous! Page 8 Hemiola

YOUNG MEN DON’T SING? BY DAVE FRANCIS

Sorry—but there’s just no [Health Warning: Do not read ing goes by the name of the To to see this article if easily offended by Stretford End. It performs at Take me home United Road”. escaping football at the bad language] every Manchester United home moment! The World Cup match. Its extensive repertoire But perhaps the most powerful and poignant of these songs, has arrived, and England Like many an enthusiastic cho- of songs all involve contrafac- tum, the setting of new words given the club’s history, is are (as usual) driving us ral singer, I participate in sev- ‘We'll Never Die’, to the tune eral choirs. Some meet on a to an existing melody. to drink, drugs, divorce (or The Red Flag (O Tan- regular basis, others more occa- This kind of song has a long nenbaum): any combination thereof). sionally but all of them are history in popular culture. As “United's flag is deepest red, So let’s forget about the broadly similar: SATB, written musicologist Trevor Hold It shrouded all our Munich dead, music, learnt in order to be football and focus on notes, “The art of contrafactum Before their limbs grew stiff and performed to an audience, led something much more is an ancient one. Folksongs cold, by a conductor. have regularly been dressed up important—the singing. Their heart's blood dyed it's ev'ry But one is different – very dif- with new verses. The writers of fold. ferent. Unlike the others, it has topical ballads, hawked in the Then raise United's banner high streets of London in the 16th to Beneath it's shade we'll live and no audience. The music it sings th is not written down and has no 19 centuries, all did this: new die. named composers. While its words to existing tunes, so well So keep the faith and never fear, repertoire is made up of many known that they were printed We'll keep the Red Flag flying here. different songs, it holds no re- without music, with simply the We'll never die, we'll never die hearsals but meets only to per- instruction To be sung to the tune We'll never die, we'll never die form. It performs a capella and of Jenny Adair, Lillibulero, The We'll keep the Red flag flying high has no conductor, yet manages Grey Goose, etc.” 'Cos Man United will never die.”

to sing with impressive preci- But while contrafactum is not The second kind is ‘anti- sion. And this despite the fact unique to football grounds, opposition’ songs, that express that the choir is large – ex- tremely large. Most striking of all is its composition. It is made up almost entirely of men, with young men under 40 in the majority.

We are frequently told that men, especially young men, are resistant to choral singing. In- deed, Gareth Malone has made his reputation as a television ‘choral personality’ on the premise that it takes something (and someone) extraordinary to persuade men to sing. There is a male prejudice against choirs, we are assured, which is strong- est among young working class men, who perceive organised singing is alien and effete. But if contemporary football choirs the fans disdain for opposing this is true, how are we have taken this ancient popular clubs. Unsurprisingly, these are to explain the fact that art form to its most elaborate the ones with the most obscene the choir I am referring level. Every major football lyrics. A classic of this type is to, and with no Gareth ground has its own songs, ‘Build a bonfire’ (My Darling Malone in sight, consists many using the same tunes. At Clementine): of many thousands of Old Trafford the songs fall into “Build a bonfire, young men – standing three types. First, there are the Build a bonfire, together (no-one sits ‘club songs’ that glorify the club Put the Scousers on the top, down) singing song after and the fans commitment to it. Put City in the middle, song for two hours with There are many of these, one of And we'll burn the f***ing lot.” spontaneity and gusto? the most often performed being ‘United Road’: As this song indicates, the most In case you have not guessed “United Road, take me home common targets of anti- already, the choir I am describ- To the place I belong opposition songs are arch-rivals Issue 34 Page 9

Manchester City and Liverpool. There’s only one David Beckham, Another anti-City song is One David Beckham, ‘Nothing at all’: There’s only one David “This is how it feels to be city Beckham.” This is how it feels to be small This is how it feels, when your My own favourite team wins nothing at all, nothing player song is the Stre- at all.” ford End’s version of the Twelve Days of Christmas, The third kind is ‘player songs’, dedicated to their great star of And he won't be winning trophies in which particular players – the 1990’s, : any more.” current and past - are cele- “On the first day of Christmas brated. Almost all members of Finally, over the past couple of My true love gave to me, the current first team have years another set of songs has Eric Cantona. songs dedicated to them, as do been sung more and more fre- many Manchester United play- On the second day of Christmas quently at Old Trafford. These ers of the recent past. My true love gave to me, are the ‘Anti-Glazer’ songs, Two Cantona’s and an Eric Can- expressing the fans desire to rid The one sung most frequently tona” …..and so on. Manchester United of its hated at Old Trafford this season, for American owners, the Glazer obvious reasons, is the Wayne What is particularly impressive family. The most often per- Rooney song. This uses a South about this song is not just that formed uses the ‘Tom Hark’ African kwela tune ‘Tom the choir sings all twelve verses tune, to which is sung a simple, Hark’. This tune, with new almost regardless of what’s repetitive lyric: happening on the pitch, but the English words, was a top ten hit Love United and hate Glazer, “The emotions of football are back in the 1980’s for a group way it respects the tradition of Love United and hate Glazer, experienced collectively and are called The Piranhas and has accelerando and rallentando. In been used as the basis for nu- line with that convention the Love United and hate Glazer, expressed through singing merous football songs ever twelfth verse begins slowly but Love United and hate Glazer. together. Fans love to sing. What’s reaches ‘six Cantona’s’ very since. In the current Old Traf- There are several others, the more, they are very good at it. “ fast, then finishes very slowly ford version the words are most graphic being: (and together). Not bad for a “I saw my mate the other day, Gonna die, Gonna die, He said to me he’d seen the white choir of many thousands with Malcolm Glazer’s gonna die, Pele, no conductor. So I asked, who is he? How we’ll do it I don’t know, Some songs combine elements He goes by the name of Wayne Truss him up from head to toe, of two or more types, such as Rooney, All I know is Glazer’s gonna die. the one dedicated to United’s Wayne Rooney, Wayne Rooney, Korean midfielder, Ji Sung He goes by the name of Wayne This is just a small selection of Park, but also denigrating the Rooney.” the songs performed by the hated Liverpool (to the tune Stretford End. Of course, simi- The Stretford End choir regu- Lord of the Dance: lar collections are performed at larly performs songs about for- “Park, Park wherever you may be, other football mer Manchester United stars, They eat dogs in your own country, grounds. The link such as this one (to the tune It could be worse, between football You are my Sunshine) about You could be scouse, and singing is Ole Gunnar Solskjaer: Eating rats in a council house.” emotion. For “You are my Solskjaer, fans, watching Another which combines player My Ole Solskjaer, their team play is and anti-opposition themes is You make me happy, an extremely the Carlos Tevez song. After When skies are grey, emotional experi- two seasons at United, Tevez Though Alan Shearer, Was ence, one which, left last summer in acrimonious f***ing dearer, if you are not a circumstances and joined newly Please don't take my Solskjaer football fan it is wealthy Manchester City. Since away.” almost impossible to compre- then the Stretford End has sung hend. The emotions of football When David Beckham returned this song at every home match. are experienced collectively and to Old Trafford in March as The tune is another widely used are expressed through singing part of the A.C. Milan team, one, originally the Irish nation- together. Fans love to sing. the prodigal son was welcomed alist song God Save Ireland: What’s more, they are very with probably the most com- “Who's that tw*t from Argentina? good at it. If you don’t believe mon football song of all (to the Who's that money grabbing whore? me, get a ticket for an Old Traf- tune Guantanamera): Carlos Tevez is his name, ford match and have a listen for “One David Beckham, And he hasn't got a brain, yourself. Page 10 Hemiola

ST GEORGE’S SINGERS’ NEWS

NEW CHOIR PRESIDENT TV series Whatever happened to up the cello when she was the Likely Lads, as well as in the young, but stopped playing for A big welcome to our new BBC drama about the women’s many years until she was left a Choir President, actress Brigit soccer team, Playing the Field. cello by her aunt, and her inter- Forsyth. est in music was rekindled. She Currently, Brigit is appearing in Brigit, who lives in Broadbot- now plays with a local amateur a revival of Michael Frayn’s tom in the High Peak, was born group, the Fir Cones, whenever Noises Off in Birmingham, and in Edinburgh and studied at her busy acting schedule al- has just finished a run in the RADA in London. She played lows. West End production of Calen- with a number of repertory dar Girls. Brigit’s link with St George’s companies, before breaking into Singers goes back to 2004, the West End in Alan Whilst Brigit’s career has when she gave the readings at Ayckbourn’s The Norman Con- turned her into one of the coun- the Choir’s annual Christmas quests. Since then Brigit has try’s best-loved actresses, her carol concert. We look forward appeared in numerous TV, musical talents are less well St George’s Singers’ new Presi- to welcoming her to our future dent, Brigit Forsyth radio and stage productions, known. Coming from a musi- concerts as our new President— though is still remembered cal family, all of whom sang or and may even persuade her to fondly for her as Thelma in the played instruments, Brigit took pick up her cello !

AND THE VOICE OF THE PEOPLE WAS HEARD ………….. The uncertainty of the All Night Vigil(Gretchaninov) Blest pair of sirens (Parry) - (Finzi) - Charles Clarke, Jacqui General Election result on - for Dimblebys, Paxmen and the cheeky pair finally did for Smith et al gave their all 6th May kept politicians all varieties of Snow our Estonian friend Lembit Belshazzars Feast (Walton) - and pundits in gainful Visions of Aeroplanes Dixit Dominus (Handel) - the writing’s clearly on the wall employment for weeks (Vaughan Willians) - dream Lord Mandelson finally gives for the BNP an interview afterwards. If only they’d turned nightmare for UKIP’s Nigel Farage Mass in Blue (Todd) - the map turned to the choral Te Deum (Holst) - what we all of England on 7th May When David heard (Whitacre) felt at about 2.30am repertoire, they could have - Cameron reacts badly to hear- The long day closes (Sullivan) St Nicolas (Britten) - the Pick- sorted it all out in a matter ing the exit polls - and we all head off thankfully led Boys (AKA the Lib Dem of hours…….. to bed which, if not dreamless, Missa in angustiis (Haydn) - negotiating team) arrive is at least free of politicians. Straightened times for Gordon Lo, the full final sacrifice Brown, at every possible level

LEARN TO SING—THE FACTS!

The ‘Learn to Sing’ course was Grove, 27% from Poynton, • The remaining 180 stalwarts an enormous success—and here and 22% from Macclesfield, had an 89% attendance are the facts to prove it. the remainder traveling in record, and 108 people from outlying districts—as turned up to every single • Over 300 people expressed far as Sandbach, Frodsham, rehearsal (that’s 60%). interest in the course, for Lymm and Sheffield. which only 200 spaces were • 20 people had to pull out Over 100 people remain on the available. during the course, for rea- waiting list for the next course, • Of the 200 allocated a place sons of illness or work pres- which we hope to be running on the course, 31% came sure. later this year. More informa- from Bramhall/Hazel tion on this as soon as possible. Issue 34 Page 11

NEW ASSISTANT MD FOR SGS

We’re delighted to welcome cusing on the next phase of his jumped at the chance to Calum Fraser to St George’s as musical life and is enjoying his conduct such a great choir our new Assistant Musical Di- first year as their conductor, as and work with such a rector. well as working with the Uni- highly respected musician versity Choir. as Neil,” said Calum. “I Calum comes from Scotland enjoy the camaraderie and (yes, we spotted that one), and In Manchester, Calum studies spirit of working with an is currently in the final year of conducting with Mark Heron ensemble, and also being his music degree at Manchester and choral direction with Mar- able to hear the sound you University. He started his mu- tin Bussey. He has attended the are creating with them— sic career as a singer and a flau- renowned Canford conducting something you can’t do as a tist, and was bass soloist with course, and most recently par- soloist.” Calum Fraser the National Youth Choir of ticipated in a masterclass with Scotland and principal flute Calum we understand is also a the esteemed opera conductor with the National Youth Or- keen golfer–so we’ll have to Richard Bonynge. chestra of Scotland make sure he joins the rest of Calum heard about St George’s the SGS golfing groupies on At Manchester he has sung Singers from his good friend next year’s Choir tour to Elgar with Ad Solem, the Univer- Matthew Hamilton, who ad- country! sity’s Chamber Choir for the vised him to apply for the posi- last two years. He is now fo- tion of Assistant MD. “I

SEA DRAGONS MAKE WAVES

St George’s Singers’ very own Club sponsored swim, covering minutes which gives them a water babies, the Sea Dragons, an amazing 144 lengths—or very respectable average of raised almost £500 in their lat- about 2.2 miles. Two swim- 1.6 minutes per length. Half est charity swim on 7th March. mers were in the pool at any the money raised was do- The team of Jo Bluck, Jean one time, handing over to col- nated to the Haiti Appeal, the Egerton, Corrie Verduyn and leagues in relay fashion, with remainder to the Choir’s own Mark Warrington took part in each swimmer doing 36 lengths choice of charity, East the annual Macclesfield Rotary of 25m. The swim lasted for 45 Cheshire Hospice.

RECIPES ARE LIKE CHOIRS ……….. BY GEOFF TAYLOR Recipes are like choirs. The poor ones POTAGE SAINT GEORGES are simply a mixture of uncoordinated 2 oz butter 3 medium carrots individual parts. (The famous Portu- 2 large leeks (with plenty of dark green leaves) guese soup, Caldo Verde, is mainly 1lb potatoes 2 pints chicken or vegetable stock (cube will do) shredded cabbage cooked in potato Seasoning water—and tastes like cabbage cooked in potato water.) But the good ones Trim the leeks, removing roots and discoloured leaves. blend the ingredients to produce a Chop roughly, wash as little as possible and dry on kitchen roll. result that is much greater than the Chop carrots roughly, and peel and slice the potatoes. sum of its parts. This recipe, based on Melt butter in large saucepan, and sauté leeks, carrots and potatoes for Elizabeth David’s ‘Bonne Femme’, is 10 minutes, stirring continuously so they are all covered in butter. Add the stock and a little salt, and simmer for at least 30 minutes (or couple of the St George’s Singers of soup reci- hours in the Aga). pes. The individual ingredients are not Blend—a handheld blender in the saucepan saves washing up. very exciting, but when combined, a Season to taste, sprinkle with chopped parsley and a little cream (if you must). splendid blend is produced with a sen- sational overall effect. St George’s Singers

For more information, please contact:

Anne Francis (Chair), 01663 764012 [email protected]

Phone:Jacqui Smith 555-555-5555 (Secretary), 01625 533779 Fax:[email protected] 555-555-5555

SusanE-mail: Hodgson [email protected] (Publicity), 0161 338 3013 [email protected]

ThisSt George’s would Singers be a good was formed place into 1 insert956 by aRev short Eric paragraph Chapman and about Geoffrey your or- Verney,ganization. organist It might and choirmaster include the of St pu George’srpose of Church, the organization, Poynton in Cheshire, its mis- where the Choir still rehearses every Tuesday night. Geoffrey’s dream was to build asion, true communityfounding date, choir, and capable a brief of perfor history.ming You major could choral also works include to a high a briefstan- dardlist of and the which types would of products, attract singers services, and audiences or programs from neighbouringyour organization towns. Find us on the web at: offers,Geoffrey the died geographic in 1964, but area his legacy covered was (fnurturedor example, by his westernsuccessors U.S. Duncan or Euro- Eyre, www.st-georges-singers.org.uk. peanRay Lomax,Lomax markets), and Stephen more and Williams recently,a profile andStephen of isthe cont Williams.typesinued of by customers our present orMusical members Director, StNeil George’s Taylor. Singers is now recognised as one of the leading and most innovative To receive a regular copy of Hemiola, served. complete the Mailing List registration on the choirsSt George’s in the Singers North Westis now of recognised England, pe asrforming one of the an leading astonishingly and most varied innovative reper- website, or contact the Publicity Officer. Ittoire,choirs would and in the withalso North aroundbe usefulWest 120 of tomembers England, include drawn pe arforming contact from an name astonishinglyarea farfor beyond readers varied the who commu- reper- want toire,nity of and Poynton. with around We present 120 members at least drawnfour major from concerts an area afar year, beyond in venues the commu- includ- nityingmore The of informationPoynton. Bridgewater We Hall aboutpresent and the at Royal least organization. Northernfour major College concerts of aMusic, year, in hold venues annual includ- Sing- ing TheDays, Bridgewater and tour regularly Hall and in Royal the UK Northern and abroad. College Now of Music,under Musicalhold annual Director Sing- ingNeil Days, Taylor, and St tour George’s regularly Singers in the conti UKnues and toabroad. explore St and George’s expand Singers the boundaries continues toof choralexplore music. and expand the boundaries of choral music. Entry to the Choir is via audition, and new members are welcome to come along to rehearsals at any time.

MANCHESTER SINGS!

ance. St George’s Singers ST GEORGE’S CONCERT DIARY Sunday 20th June, 4pm Friday 9th/Saturday 10th leads the singing on 2010-2011 Star of the Sea—music in- July and 20th October Wednesday 20th October. spired by Mary, Queen of An exciting community The events has been Tuesday 28 September 2010 Heaven, Stella Maris. Man- event takes place in Poynton —Open Rehearsal awarded £10,000 of lottery chester Chamber Choir con- next autumn—a perform- funding, but more money is Saturday 13 November 2010 ducted by Justin Doyle. ance of Britten’s Noye’s needed. Two fund-raising - Visions of Albion Programme includes Victo- Fludde with local children, concerts take place on 9- ria’s Missa Ave Maris Stella, young people and adults. Saturday 4 December 2010 10th July, in which St Holst’s Ave Maria, Will The performance will be Carols & Brass by Candlelight George’s will be performing Todd’s Christus est Stella, conducted by Paul Hind- Saturday 15 January 2011 on Friday 9th. Young peo- Gorecki’s Totus Tuus and marsh, with Mark - Singing Day: Haydn’s Nelson Mass ple are invited to audition Poulenc’s Mass in G. Rawlinson as Noah and for the parts of Noah’s sons, Caption describingTuesday picture 19 April or 2011 Joyce Tindsley as Mrs Christ Church, Darley Ave, their wives and the ‘gossips’. graphic. - Bach St John Passion Noah, and takes place in St Didsbury, Manchester, For more information, tel George’s Church, Poynton, Saturday 25 June 2011 M21. £10 / £8 concessions. 01625 269721, email - Eastern Voices on four consecutive eve- Tickets: 07538 138231 or on [email protected]. nings, with a different local the door. For information: Ticket Hotline: 01663 764012 choir leading the commu- www.manchesterchamberch [email protected] nity singing at each perform- Online: www.st-georges-singers.org.uk oir.co.uk.