The Bridgewater

March 2011 Issue 36 Hemiola St George’s Singers

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: BACK TO THE BRIDGEWATER

St John Passion—preview 2 Nicholas Kraemer interview 3 The home of St George‘s Sing- work to such a large audience, marketing team, a seriously ers is the parish church of that and with such an amazing line passionate and dedicated cho- Triple concert reviews 4 name in Poynton, a lovely, up of soloists. However, hiring rus, and a commitment to cho- Music for your wedding 5 welcoming space in which to world-class venues, soloists and ral and performance excellence. Monteverdi in Pisa 6-7 sing, but which has room for orchestras does not come According to Manus Carey, Yoga for singers 8-9 only about 200 audience mem- cheap, and we do not take on Head of Artistic Planning at the bers. So for many years, we events like this without careful Camerata, ―We have a relation- St George’s Singers News 10-11 have been ‗peripatetic‘, per- consideration, budgeting and ship with St George‘s Singers forming in different venues planning, or without many going back many years, and it‘s Summer tour 12 around the Manchester area. sleepless nights! very exciting that we have the Elgar—footie fan! 12 In many ways this is an ad- opportunity to collaborate once Our 19th April St John Passion is vantage: we can choose the again at the Bridgewater Hall Charity swimathon 13 different. For the first time, we venue to for this suit the great, Making Music—Chinese 14-15 music we central style are perform- work in ing. Thus, the reper- ST GEORGE’S SINGERS Gorton toire.‖ Monastery PRESIDENT: Perhaps in was abso- the current Brigit Forsyth lutely the economic VICE PRESIDENTS: right place climate, Sue Roper to present with budg- Mark Rowlinson Rachmani- SPECIAL POINTS OF INTEREST:Stephen Threlfall et cuts Stephen Williams nov‘s Ves-  Briefly highlight your point of interest here. dominat- pers; the MUSICAL Briefly highlight DIRECTOR: your point of interest here. ing the  Briefly highlight your point of interest here. Cathedral headlines, Neil Taylor  Briefly highlight your point of interest here. lent itself superbly to the sacred have embarked on a joint pro- working in partnership with ASSISTANT MUSICAL DIRECTOR: music of Gabrieli and Schütz; duction with Manchester Cam- others will become an im- and St George‘s Church in Calum Fraser erata, sharing the costs, risks portant strategy in allowing Stockport provides the family ACCOMPANIST: and rewards with the orchestra. music groups of all kinds to ambience for our traditional The Choir benefits from the continue to put on rewarding Jeffrey Makinson carol concert. orchestra‘s contacts with solo- and stimulating programmes in

This year we return to the ists and musicians and their full venues worthy of staging them. Registered Charity no 508686 -time resources, and of course Bridgewater Hall, perhaps the I hope you enjoy the result of Member of Making Music, the National has the opportunity to be con- most exciting of all our venues, this very special partnership on Federation of Music Societies ducted by Nicholas Kraemer. for Bach‘s St John Passion. No- 19th April. www.st-georges-singers.org.uk where else in Manchester ena- The Camerata gets a ready- bles us to present this seminal made 100+ strong sales and - Anne Francis Page 2 Hemiola

Tuesday 19th April, 7.30 pm ST JOHN PASSION— Bridgewater Hall T HE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO JOHANN SEBASTIAN with Martin Luther believed that tion would therefore have been es for a way to release Christ St George’s Singers profound contemplation of the used to hearing music in mod- while the high priests (the cho- Manchester Camerata sufferings of Christ in his trial ern styles alongside traditional rus) scream for his death. conductor Nicholas Kraemer and death was the only way to hymns and recitations. What Throughout the work Bach Soloists: experience God, and the only they would not have been ac- pairs off choral movements that Julia Doyle, Clare Wilkinson, route to faith. The passion customed to would have been share similar texts or senti- (suffering) of Christ thus be- the supremely inventive, ex- Andrew Staples, Mark Stone, ments. The soldiers mockingly came a central theme in the pressive harmonisations of the Matthew Hargreaves hail the King of the Jews to the devotional art of the German hymn tunes, the virtuosity de- same music as the priests de- Baroque, in passion plays such manded of singers and orches- manding that Pilate does not Tickets: £9 to £34, discounts as that from Oberammergau, tras, and the highly dramatic write ‗King of the Jews‘. More for concessions and groups and the rich musical tradition of musical setting of the gospel ironically, the same chorale Tel: 0161 907 9000 passion settings for the Good text, as interpreted by Bach. tune contemplates Peter‘s deni- Friday liturgy. This tradition www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk Although the gospel accounts al of his master (‗Petrus der reached its zenith in the music of the crucifixion are unchang- nicht denkt‘), and then Jesus of Bach. ing, interpretations of their providing for his mother (‗er In 1723 Bach moved to Leipzig, meanings are far more diverse. nahm alles‘). to take up the post of Cantor of Bach does not change the text There is no record of the reac- the Thomasschule, the school of John‘s gospel, but does add tion of the first audience in attached to St Thomas‘ church. two dramatic episodes from 1724, but they must have real- As well as teaching music and Matthew—Peter weeping after ized how extraordinary the Latin to the 50 or 60 boys at the he hears the cock crow thrice, composition is. Whether heard school, Bach was responsible and the veil of the temple being as a dramatic story of human for the music at four Leipzig torn in two after Jesus‘ death. emotion, a theological exposi- churches: St Thomas, St Nicho- He also inserts extra texts in the tion, a challenge to improve las, St Peter and St Matthew. form of chorales and arias, one‘s life, or a masterpiece of His musical forces included the providing points of reflection musical invention, it still grips schoolboys (divided into his and challenging the congrega- the audience 300 years later. principal choir and three less tion to respond personally. talented), a few professional One of the most intri- musicians, and some university Bach’s manuscript of the St John Passion guing aspects of the students. work is the ingenious, Bach spent most of Lent in palindromic structure. St Nicholas Church, Leipzig— venue of the first performance 1724 preparing for the biggest The work is flanked by musical occasion of the year, two massive choruses, the passion service at Good the first a complex and Friday Vespers. Sung passion compelling invocation, When eminent biologist settings are an ancient tradition the last a sweet graveside in Christian liturgy. There are parting. Within this and author Lewis Thomas accounts of visitors attending framework Bach arranges was asked what music he them in Jerusalem in the 4th musically similar chorus- would send from Earth century AD, but they were only es symmetrically around into outer space on the introduced to Leipzig by a central chorale, ‗Durch Kuhnau, Bach‘s immediate dein Gefängnis‘— Voyager spacecraft, he predecessor in 1721. The cen- ‘through thy prison‘. replied, “ I would send tral element of the passion was Nine choral movements, the complete works of a musical setting of one of the the last four mirroring Johann Sebastian Bach.” gospel accounts, plus chorales the first four, revolve (Lutheran hymns). Arias and around the pivotal point After a pause he added, choruses employing non- of the drama, the height “But that would be biblical texts would also be of the psychological con- boasting”. incorporated. The congrega- flict, when Pilate search- Issue 36 Page 3

INTERVIEW WITH NICHOLAS KRAEMER What does the St John Passion either on what has happened or mean to you as a musician? what is to come. Even though It‘s a piece that has grown on they seem to stop the drama, in me over the years. It used to be fact they actually thrust the a tougher prospect than the St drama forward, albeit in a very Matthew Passion because that is straightforward musical way. a much richer work, full of fa- In Bach‘s day, of course, every- mous and beautiful obligato one would have known the arias which you come away chorales and joined in with singing. In the St John the arias them. Even if modern audienc- are few and far between, and it es don‘t join in, there is still a has a much more austere feel. feeling of audience participa- You don‘t have as many mo- tion. Many of the tunes are hymns that anyone who has ments of repose and contempla- Nicholas Kraemer - equally at tion. But what you do have is a ever been to church will know. I‟ve read that Bach kept tinkering home in front of modern and much more tangible dramatic with the St John? period orchestras. He began his Have you worked with St George‟s momentum, with a real sense Yes, he made big changes. He career as a harpsichordist, and Singers before? that the crowd (ie the chorus) borrowed the original opening now enjoys a busy schedule con- are ever present. You cannot No, never and I‘m looking for- chorus of the St John to close ducting throughout Europe, North ward immensely to our rehears- Part One of the St Matthew. But America and Japan. As well as escape being drawn into the being Permanent Guest Conductor drama, and you do really feel al in a couple of weeks‘ time. then he probably thought the St The choir shapes the perfor- of Manchester Camerata he is also you are going through it with John deserved a new start - and Principal Guest Conductor of them. In the St Matthew the mance hugely. Almost imme- what a start! The opening cho- Music of the Baroque, Chicago. action is being interrupted diately they are out for Jesus‘ rus is just stunning, with so much more often. It is more blood. You think there are all much depth that in fact I think leisurely. There is always a these nice people singing in the it rivals the opening of the St moment in the second half chorus, but they can‘t be nice Matthew. It‘s stirring as well as where people just go to sleep! people at all for most of the disturbing with the oboes clash- There is nothing you can do time. They have to put on a ing harmonically against each persona which is pretty vile. about it – everything just slows other, and some extraordinary down. Nothing slows down in How would you pitch this concert turbulent string writing under- “You cannot escape being the St John. There is an abso- to the potential audience? neath. lute sense of urgency about I would tell them it‘s an abso- How would it have been regarded drawn into the drama … what can be done to change the lute must. For one thing, you situation, that maybe this time at the time? you do really feel you are have a wonderful line-up of Well, Bach was no pop star. something different happens. soloists—really seasoned sing- The pop star was Telemann, going through it with ers full of integrity. Then, we Have you performed or conducted the famous, well-travelled com- them.” the St John often? are not going to be singing this poser, who turned down the You don‘t get to do Passions like an oratorio, with the solo- Leipzig job. Then someone else that often. Half a dozen to ten ists just standing and singing to turned it down, so the Town times I suppose. I came to it the front. There will be a cer- Council offered the job to old late in life and I‘m quite glad, tain amount of moving about. Bach at Cöthen as ‗second as it really needs learning. I can‘t say it‘s semi-staged, but best‘. Sitting in on the first per- Conducting the St John is a very the soloists will be as much ‗off formance, there would probably rich experience because I‘m the book‘ as possible, and there have been a bit of a buzz discovering things all the time. will be an element of relation- amongst the congregation (and I‘m forever looking at the cho- ship between the characters. I do call it that) but I don‘t rales and seeing how much The whole trial scene of Pilate think people would have made relevance they have to what is and Jesus has to be done facing the journey from Cöthen to You can hear Nicholas Kraemer going on around them. The each other, a court room scene Leipzig to see old Bach present talk about this performance of challenge for the conductor is to with one in the dock and the his new work at Easter. After the St John Passion on a special keep the drama moving. The other in judgement. Peter all, it was a devotional work, podcast on St George’s Singers’ Sellars, the great American chorales are considered mo- and so people would not have website. Go to www.st-georges- director, has fully staged the St ments of reflection and people ―enjoyed‖ it as such. They singers.org.uk and follow the link John in a concert hall with the tend to think ‗well, here‘s a would have been going through on the home page chorale - we can relax.‘ But in Berlin Philharmonic. We it with Christ – this is after all fact they are an integral part of won‘t be doing that, but the the purpose of the work. The what‘s going on, reflecting singers will want it to be as fact that there is some unforget- dramatic and vivid as possible. table music in it was a bonus! Page 4 Hemiola

TRIPLE CONCERT REVIEW

It was a busy couple of months challenging works can be found was our first concert with our for the Choir, with our autumn, from within its members. And new President, Brigit Forsyth, Christmas and Singing Day we musn‘t forget Darius Batti- giving the readings, we were concerts falling within a matter walla who gave a virtuoso dis- delighted to show her the of weeks. play with two enjoyable organ strength of the loyal support we solos. command—even in the face of First up was ‗Visions of Albion‘ blizzards. —English choral works from the first half of the 20th centu- Our new President, Brigit Forsyth, ry. With last gave some marvelously entertain- minute changes ing Christmas readings, including of seating plan one she had written herself to resolve sight line issues, major problems getting all the staging into the “People ask why we travel small space to Poynton for a choral available in St day; yesterday was the George‘s in answer. It was well organised, the food was Poynton (a big excellent, and the singing thank-you to unforgettable. On behalf Alan Swain for his usual OK people—just keep singing until the audience turns up …... Finally, the of the Hathersage people I miracle working), the horror Singing Day in would like to thank you of the stage management team Then onto Christmas, and our January was another great suc- and your Music Director on the arrival of a behemoth of traditional Carols and Brass by cess, with a choir of around 180 for a wonderful day and an organ that somehow had to Candlelight at St George‘s in giving a tremendous account of long may they continue.” be accommodated in the chan- Stockport. The organisation of Haydn‘s Nelson Mass. With the - a Singing Day participant cel, and colds and coughs strik- this concert normally runs like sale of home-made soup, sand- ing most of the soloists in the a well-oiled machine. This wiches and cakes, the event run-up to concert day, this was time though we were nearly raised over £600 for the never going to be an easy ride! undone by the one thing we Choir—a big help towards the can‘t control—the weather. costs of the St John Passion in On the night, though, every- With snow and ice making April. thing fell into place, and we roads and pavements treacher- gave a great recital of our Eng- ous, we weren‘t sure if we lish choral heritage, from Parry would actually to Finzi via Vaughan Williams have an audi- Neil taking the soloists through their paces in rehearsal before the and Holst. We had all worked evening performance of Haydn’s Nelson Mass at the Singing Day ence big hard to master a very difficult enough to programme, and Neil was par- consume all ticularly pleased with our per- the mulled formance of Parry‘s Songs of wine and Farewell. Congratulations espe- mince pies. cially to our soloists: Jo Bluck, But St Sylvia Glover, Jennie Small- George‘s Sing- wood, David Crossfield, Jona- ers‘ audiences than Gort, Jacqui Smith, Mike are an intrepid Mason, John Pears, and Paul bunch and Singing Day Coordinator, Gillian Mummery. It says something turned out in Banks, registering attendees at the about the strength of the choir 2011 Singing Day force. As this that so many soloists for such Issue 36 Page 5

C ONDUCTORS: YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

What‘s the definition of a con- What‘s the definition of an office to talk to the conductor. ductor? A musician who is assistant conductor? A mouse ―I‘m sorry, he‘s dead‖, comes adept at following many people trying to become a rat. the reply. The musician calls at the same time. back every day for a week, al- What do you have when a ways getting the same reply. At What‘s black and brown and group of conductors are up to last the receptionist asks him looks good on a conductor? A their necks in concrete? Not why he keeps calling. ―I just Doberman. enough concrete. like to hear you say it‖. What do all great conductors What‘s the difference between a have in common? They‘re all choral director and a chimpan- dead. zee? It‘s scientifically proven The Editor would like to make it that chimps can communicate clear that no reference to any real What‘s the difference between with humans. persons, living or dead, is intend- God and a conductor? God ed, and apologises unreservedly After some pretty dodgy top As from knows He‘s not a conductor. A musician calls the symphony for any offence caused. Really. the sopranos, Neil decided to bring in an augmenter for the St John

MUSIC FOR THAT VERY SPECIAL DAY The Cheshire Consort is available B Y S UE TAYLOR to sing at civil and church ceremonies throughout Give up even more time for St memorably ―the Sanctus from The Cheshire Consort’s ‘Guide to Cheshire, Greater Manchester Georges!!? No, sorry ….. Oh Bach‘s B Minor‖ because the Choosing your Wedding Music’ is and North Wales. Contact Sue it‘s for a wedding is it? Well, father of the bride was bowled now available to download from OK. over when he heard us sing it in our website: www.st-georges- Taylor on 01663 766991, email the Bridgewater Hall! [email protected]. Even recalcitrant tenors and singers.org.uk/wedding choir world-weary basses give in if Our MD—previously Matthew You can find out more about The it‘s for such a happy event. The Hamilton, now Calum Fraser— Cheshire Consort on our website Cheshire Consort—St George‘s and our organists Tim Kennedy at www.st-georges- ad hoc group of mixed voices— and Graham Eccles cope with singers.org.uk/weddingchoir has now sung at over a dozen whatever gets thrown at them weddings. The ceremonies have with great good humour. On been extremely varied. We one occasion the bride asked for have sung at full-scale Nuptial Lloyd Webber‘s Pie Jesu and Masses, elegant and trendy city was so moved she couldn‘t start centre do‘s, emotional services up the aisle and we had to sing in country churches and a civil it again!! partnership at an airport hotel where we entertained the guests Until the final arrangements are to Christmas carols! agreed nothing is fixed, and it‘s surprising how many weddings It all began when I was asked to are cancelled or changed. One fix a choir for a church wedding bride told me her fiancé had where there was no resident lost his job and she had to choir or organist at the church. chose between the choir and the The response of the bride‘s cake. Guess which one she family and friends was so posi- picked!! tive—including a donation to SGS—that I agreed to give it a At the start of this venture I try. didn‘t realise how complicated it could be but thanks to the Liaising with the bride (or her good will of the Singers it‘s mother) can be very interesting, always great to share in such a especially when I‘m asked for very special day in peoples‘ ―anything from Les Misera- lives. And it‘s made money for bles….‖, ―something from St George‘s too! Katherine Jenkins‘ CD‖ or Page 6 Hemiola

MONTEVERDI IN PISA BY JO GARBUTT

Last September we were ‗off the beaten track‘ in the north west of Tuscany, away from the hubbub of Italy‘s tourist attractions. Stopping in a small walled town, we wan- dered into a church where a poster caught my eye:

AnimaMundi – musica sacra Cattedrale Di Pisa

I looked at the details and my eyes widened:

Monteverdi - Vespri della Beata Vergine 1610 Direzione Artistica— Sir John Eliot Gardiner Sir John Eliot Gardiner, choir, ensemble—and pulpit Monteverdi Choir English Baroque Soloists His Majesty‟s Sagbutts and We arrived in Pisa the follow- have had had the right effect… Cornets ing afternoon and made for the after a moment‘s consultation Piazza dei Miracoli – the large with her colleague she drew out I grabbed my husband‘s sleeve square which is the location of a small box from under the ―They‘re doing the the Campanile [the leaning desk, and smilingly presented Monteverdi – in Pisa – tower], the Baptistery and the us with what seemed to be the look who‘s conducting Cathedral, and a major tourist last two tickets. We thanked her – what‘s the date to- attraction. profusely, took out some monday?‖ ey and enquired about the Hurrying past the rows of sou- price. A quick check of his venir stalls we arrived at the watch showed us that entrance to the Cathedral just ―Quanto costa?‖ we hadn‘t missed the as the last group of tourists was ―No, no Signora - gratuito‖. concert – it was the leaving. Our first breathless Two tickets – nothing to pay. next day – there was enquiry confirmed our worst still time for a change fear - there were no tickets left. The concert was scheduled for of plan…. .. but having got this far we 9 pm but evidently this was a were not giving up easily! significant social occasion, as Sometimes in life you the enthusiastic mingling of the just have to make There was a festival office, we well dressed cultural elite of the quick decisions – were informed, a few hundred area was still in full flow when knowing that the tick- yards away, but it was closing players and choir began to walk ets would most proba- in five minutes. We kept run- on at 9.40 pm. bly have all gone, that ning, burst in through the door, we were still a long and became extremely Italian The warm September night, way north of Pisa and in our impassioned requests and the beauty of the immense that we had no idea that the girl at the desk find us a Cathedral created a unique where we would stay, ticket [or two…] ambience; as the introductory we decided to pack up, Versicle ended and the Re- pay up and see what Gallery above the West Door—a very Somehow our elementary at- sponse ‗Domine ad adiuvandum‟ long walk from the stage we could do. rang through the vast space, we tempts at the language must Issue 36 Page 7

knew we were present at a High Altar, their calls and re- memorable event. Personally, I sponses carrying through the felt happy to be revisiting an old huge space. And one of them, friend – having performed this Peter Davoren, had been a solo- only months before at Gorton ist with us in Gorton. Monastery with St George‘s. After the poignant „Sancta Ma- How to describe a virtuoso ria, ora pro nobis,‟ one of the performance of such a remarka- sopranos made her way into the ble composition? pulpit, a tenor moved into the nave below the front of the The Monteverdi choir may be stage and a mezzo soprano few in number but their vocal stood towards the back. Mean- skills are inspiring – immacu- while the two choirs left the lateCaption diction, describing a tremendous picture or staging and walked silently Pisa Cathedral and a famous landmark to the right rangegraphic. of dynamics and an ener- back into the transept. gy that added fire to the more Thus the hymn „Ave Maris Stella‟ dramatic parts of the Psalms. ences - the baritone‘s procla- seemed to emerge ethereally The ‗Nisi Dominus‟ with the mation of the „Gloria‟ from the from around the building. The repeated ‗surgite, surgite final Magnificat was almost effect was enhanced by the se- postquam sederitis‟ stayed with physical – a joyous outpouring renity of the instrumental ritor- me throughout the rest of the of praise that brought the work nelli – the audience remaining holiday! to a triumphant end. completely still as the notes died away. Pisa Cathedral is vast – even Discussing it the pulpit later, we agreed [which took that this event the sculptor was more than Nicolo Pisano just a memora- 10 years to ble concert. It create] has was in another AnimaMundi is a festival room for sev- league. eral singers of sacred music, held and instru- every year in September- mentalists and Not simply be- the performers cause the October in Pisa. strange circum- made full use Caption describing picture or Sir John Eliot Gardiner of the dra- graphic. stances that had has been Artistic matic possibili- made it possible ties. to attend had Director for the last five sharpened our

anticipation, or years. It is organized by The sensuous even because the Opera della rendition of our dogged de- Primaziale Pisana. ‗Nigra Sum‟ termination to came from a be there had Website: www.opapisa.it gallery above paid off. the aisles; the vocal duet ‗Pulchra Es‟ No, it was be- beautifully cause we were sung by sopra- witnesses to a no and mezzo performance of came from the artists who were pulpit. not just highly skilled and thor-

oughly profes- The two tenor Interior of Pisa Cathedral sional, but were soloists in the ‗Audi Coelum‟ willing to take risks in order to were stationed far apart: one in achieve the nearest thing to a gallery above the West door, There was one final surprise in perfection that we may ever the other on a dais below the this richest of musical experi- hear. Page 8 Hemiola

RELAXATION, BREATHING AND SINGING: HOW YOGA MAKES SINGING EASIER

RICHARD STRIVENS IN CONVERSATION WITH CAROLYN FERGUSON AND SUSAN HODGSON

The last time St George‘s Sing- being; underpinned by scientific and recreates a balance: a firm ers performed Bach‘s St John precision, it incorporates physi- outer structure with inner soft- Passion, in 2002, I was delighted cal, intellectual, spiritual and ness. This is also a good de- emotional qualities. Every pose Richard Strivens is an experienced to be one of the soloists. The scription of the physical and singer, workshop leader and singing Holy Name church shimmered (‗asana‘) is explained clearly mental act of singing. Moreo- teacher. A bass baritone, he studied in the dim lighting, the solemni- with progressive degrees of ver, singing is a whole-body singing at the National Opera Studio, ty of the orchestral introduction detail and meticulousness as activity, every part of the body the Royal Northern College of Music, led the choir to stand soundless- you learn. Iyengar teachers are engaged in the efficient produc- and EurOperaStudio, Milan. He is ly – and as one, they breathed trained in anatomy, so they tion of sound. Yoga makes you currently appearing at the Royal in. It was mesmerising. have the confidence and the aware of every muscle and their Opera House in The Tell-Tale Heart. knowledge to adjust postures interconnection. For example, Breathing effectively is of safely and effectively. It‘s quite moving the shoul- course the very foundation of disconcerting The Iyengar Yoga Institute in ders back and down singing, and one of the many how Carolyn can encourages the ster- links between yoga and singing. articulate precise- Pune, India, was opened in num (breast bone) I‘ve been dabbling in yoga on ly what specific 1975. It is now run by Mr to lift, opening the and off since university, includ- muscles are feel- Iyengar’s son and daughter, solar plexus, also ing classes at the Buddhist Cen- ing, and by en- giving width to the who continue his teaching tre in Manchester. Unfortunate- couraging me to ribs – all first princi- ly, a freelance life makes build- stretch or realign and research. Today it has ples of efficient ing a weekly routine of yoga in some particu- over 2,000 fully trained singing. Practising classes difficult. lar way, a pose is yoga regularly will teachers operating out of About ten years ago, I discov- made easier and result in ‗muscle‘ or more effective. 180 institutes in more than One of Iyengar yoga’s most ered fitness didn‘t just happen: I ‗cellular‘ memory 40 countries. of the improved famous students was would have to start working at Increasingly I it. I remembered the movement posture. Yehudi Menuhin, who met was coming to teacher at the National Opera realise great parallels even on a The second particular aspect it Mr Iyengar in 1952. Studio had said we need philosophical level between helps is breathing, which in Menuhin became an strength, balance, stamina, agil- yoga and singing. So, practical- yoga is called ‗pranayama‘: ity, co-ordination and flexibility enthusiastic follower of Mr ly, how does yoga support my ‗prana‘ meaning life force, and as performers. I run, which singing? Iyengar’s technique and ‗yama‘ controlled or regulating. gives stamina, some strength It‘s the similarity of focus on The first theme for me in yoga arranged for him to meet and agility, but does little for breath and the flow of air, ra- is posture. The aim is towards and teach people all over the other qualities. I was aware ther than the specific actions symmetry, alignment and bal- that yoga could offer more and that is so crucial in this link the world, thereby ance, with no one side or mus- it was through Carolyn Fergu- between singing and yoga. becoming one of the first to son that I discovered Iyengar cle group dominant. You introduce yoga to the West. yoga. I had known Carolyn for might say that a set of domi- An example from my own ex- some years as the mother of nant muscles is ‗aggressive‘. perience: some months ago I one of my singing pupils. A Yoga attends to this aggression developed a sore back after qualified Iyengar some rather foolish teacher, she persuad- furniture moving. ed me to go along to Trying to avoid the the taster summer resultant pain, I un- sessions at MMU last knowingly changed year, which turned my posture. That sent out to be a revelation. a unwelcome bolt of tension through my The Iyengar approach body, tightened my clearly suited me from throat and larynx the start. Named after restricting my vocal its originator, Mr B K range. I had lost the S Iyengar, it is a holis- ease of production of tic approach to well- my lower range. Car- Issue 36 Page 9

regularly to study, bringing back the latest ideas to pass on to the students. Anyone taking up Iyengar yoga with a qualified teacher immediately be- comes part of this global family.

Yoga is a rigorous and demand- ing activity, but it can be practised safely by men and women, old and young, regardless of levels of fitness - it is distinctly not competitive. For many it is simply a way of keeping physi- B K S Iyengar is one of the world’s cally healthy; others are keen to leading practitioners and teachers delve further into the intellectu- of yoga. Born in 1918, his child- al, philosophical and spiritual hood was marked by serious ill- aspects. nesses, including malaria, TB, typhoid and malnutrition. Through olyn suggested some lower back physical benefits yoga brings. Whatever you as a singer want diligent practice of yoga, he over- exercises, which I tried and the But let‘s not forget the mental to get out of Iyengar yoga, I can came his disabilities, then went on usual timbre and range returned and emotional side. Yoga vouch for its efficacy as a won- to research and develop a system quite uncannily and very no- grounds you, physically and derful tool to support and en- of yoga, based on the 1,700 year ticeably to Carolyn within mentally, increases awareness, hance your vocal technique. old philosophy and postures of the minutes. and enhances concentration. sage Pantanjali, focusing on preci-

Keeping in the moment, aware sion and alignment, and which can Another great boon of yoga is of what your body is doing, is be practiced by everyone safely. the way it can improve relaxa- vital to regular successful per- Richard Strivens and Carolyn tion in the area around the formances. For me this is per- Ferguson will be running a throat. This is vital to vocal haps even more important than Yoga-Singing Workshop for production, everything being the physical side: having a way St George’s Singers in Septem- interconnected. Singers can to get yourself, as a matter of ber. More information availa- have a tendency to squeeze and routine, into ‗the zone‘ or ‗flow ble later in the year. tighten the throat to reach the state‘ - important for mental high notes. Yoga is practised health as a performer. with a soft throat; the jaw is loose, as if water fills where the Many performers both amateur tongue rests in the mouth - sim- and professional crave the ple and effective imagery. adrenalin of the stage; to rely solely on this is a dangerous Every yoga session starts with a course both for your perfor- quietening and “Yoga is like music. The rhythm mance and for focusing exercise. the low you feel It gives the group of the body, the melody of the afterwards. a chance to arrive mind, and the harmony of the Balancing the fully and some- soul, create the symphony of life” adrenalin rush times involves with yogic con- - B K S Iyengar chanting the word centration is a ‗Om‘. The idea is much more the four sounds in the word (a, sustainable and reliable way of o, mmm, er) can resonate in Carolyn Ferguson has going on. been a qualified Iyengar different nerve centres (‗chakras‘) in the body, generat- yoga teacher since 2003, The Iyengar Institute was and runs classes in ing and circulating energy. formed by Mr Iyengar in 1975 Didsbury in Manchester. Amongst other things, the vi- and is now a worldwide organi- www.yogaindidsbury.co.uk bration cleanses the sinuses, sation. However, it operates relaxes the larynx, and energis- like one big, global family. es the lips and facial muscles. Poses are constantly under re- Choral singers will immediately view, research is being done be able to relate this to pre- into enhancing the effectiveness Manchester & District Institute of Iyengar Yoga— rehearsal warm-ups! of the postures, or how postures can help with specific ailments. www.mdiiy.org.uk Posture, breathing and muscle Senior teachers travel to India relaxation are just some of the Iyengar Yoga Association of the UK—www.iyengaryoga.org.uk Page 10 Hemiola

ST GEORGE‘S SINGERS‘ NEWS

Big thank-you to Eric Another Hemiola—another to sing in the St John (the re- Twitter batch of ‗get well‘ messages! hearsal police are monitoring Northey for bringing our A reminder that St George‘s This time it‘s Mike Mason attendance particularly careful- attention to an artistically Twitter feed is now operating. who‘s now recovering nicely at ly!) but we hope he‘ll enjoy Log on to http://twitter.com/ and musically satisfying home after his hip-op. Hope joining in the odd chorale on stgeorgessinger (note the version of the Hallelujah you enjoyed the TWO cards we Tuesday evening. spelling!) to find out what we‘re chorus. See it on YouTube sent Mike—only one of which A hearty welcome to a couple tweeting about. If you have a was deemed suitable for mixed http://www.youtube.com/ of new members: Jennifer twitter feed yourself, why not voices! watch?v=ZCFCeJTEzNU Limond (alto) and Barbara become one of our followers. And we were delighted to see Gajda (soprano). That way you won‘t miss out Elfed Hughes back at rehearsal. on the news!

Unfortunately he won‘t be able

NOW THAT‘S SOMETHING TO SING ABOUT!

sary year of the competition. Screaming Maldini during the Ella sang two items: ‗I cannot last year. tell why he whom angels wor- Neil, who coached Ella himself ship‘, and ‗How beautiful are in the Cathedral Choir, said, the feet of them‘ from Handel‘s ―We are delighted about this Messiah. At the end of the com- fantastic news. All of us at the petition, she and the Young Cathedral and at St George‘s Boy Chorister winner, Liam are over the moon about the Jones from Durham, sang result.‖ Geoffrey Burgon‘s lovely Nunc Dimittis. Ella admitted to Aled Jones in her interview with him on the Ella began singing with the radio that she might pursue a Sheffield Cathedral Choir career as an opera singer. In (where her father was of course this she may well follow in the Director of Music!) at the age steps of another of Neil‘s pu- of ten. She has toured with the pils, Elizabeth Watts, who won Cathedral Choir to Germany, the Song Prize at the Cardiff A very proud Neil Taylor with Ella Neil Taylor, St George‘s Sing- France and Hungary and has Singer of the World competi- at St Paul’s Cathedral ers‘ Musical Director, has lots also broadcast regularly with tion in 2007, and who trained to sing about at the moment. them on BBC Radio 3. She has with Neil at Norwich Cathedral His 16 year old daughter, Ella, previously won the Intermedi- as a youngster. recently was named BBC Radio ate Recital prize and the Sacred 2 Young Girl Chorister of The Song Prize from the David Previous winners of the compe- Year. Clover Competition for young tition have gone on to have singers. highly successful classical, re- The Grand Final of the compe- Ella’s first TV appearance cording or West End musical tition took place on Friday 29 Ella left the Cathedral choir in careers. Ella‘s first official role as Chorister of the Year October at St Paul's Cathedral July 2010 to take up a music as a competition winner was was on BBC’s Songs of in London. The show was scholarship at Lancing College the BBC Daily Service from hosted by Aled Jones, presenter in Sussex, where she is current- Praise on 5th February. Emmanuel Church—but a busy of Radio 2's Good Morning ly studying for her A levels year of appearances and perfor- Sunday, and was broadcast on whilst pursuing her choral stud- mances beckons. Sunday 7 November at 8.30- ies. Following a recent Eton 10pm on Radio 2. Choral Course she has been Many congratulations to Ella invited to join the prestigious and Neil—and we‘ve already Neil was in the audience at St Rodolfus Choir. Ella‘s interests pencilled in Ella as a future Paul‘s to hear Ella and seven extend beyond classical music soloist with us! other young choristers in the and she has sung in the backing special Silver Jubilee anniver- group for a Sheffield band Issue 36 Page 11

BERYL PEARN: A TRIBUTE

We were saddened to hear of the the tours when we death of Beryl Pearn, who had had the chance to been with St George‘s Singers for sing Evensong in many years. great cathedrals. Although she retired from the ―She had many inter- Choir a couple of years ago, St ests and we had George‘s remained close to her some great walking heart, and we were moved to see holidays in Austria that recipients of the donations before she needed from her memorial service in- two new knees! She cluded St George‘s Singers, as was a very caring well as Heaton Moor United person, soon made Church and the National Chil- friends, and many dren‘s Home. people will have happy memories of Doreen Allis, a good friend of knowing her.‖ Beryl, played the organ at her memorial service, and wrote the In memory of Beryl, following tribute to her. her son Richard has donated part of the ―Beryl became my close friend funds raised at her An informal shot of the Choir outside Blythburgh Church in 2006, during our tour of after I persuaded her to come memorial service to Suffolk. Beryl is centre front, with Doreen standing to her right. The photo was with me to SGS for an audition the Choir, for which displayed at Beryl’s memorial service—a happy memento for all in 1998. Luckily we were accept- we thank him and ed and soon enjoyed the friendly the rest of Beryl‘s atmosphere at the choir. She family and friends. loved the opportunity to learn and sing the larger unknown works and particularly enjoyed

HANG ON—I‘VE ALMOST GOT THE NOTE …. Definition of an interval: how long it takes to find the right note. There are We’ve all (well, most of us) been there—you see the notes on the page, you know what the interval is, all you have to do is transmit the signals from brain to singing apparatus and off you go. But sometimes, you need a bit of help …… three kinds of interval: Major interval—a long time Minor second C—C# Shark theme from Jaws Minor interval—a few bars Major second C—D First two notes of Eastenders Inverted interval—go back a bar and try again. Minor third C—Eb First two notes of Greensleeves

Major third C—E First two notes of While Shepherds watched Perfect fourth C—F First two notes of Amazing Grace Augmented fourth/ C—F# ‗Maria‘ from West Side Story diminished fifth

Perfect fifth C—G Bugle call from The Last Post “Can’t you listen to chords Minor sixth C—Ab Reversed theme from Love Story without knowing their names? Major sixth C—A (I did it) My Way - Claude Debussy Minor seventh C—Bb ‗There‘s a place for us‘ from West Side Story Major 7th C—B None (but it‘s so strange you‘ll always recognize it) Octave C—C Chorus of ‗Somewhere over the Rainbow‘ Page 12 Hemiola

TOUR CONCERT SCHEDULE Saturday 28 May, 7.30 pm— TOUR TO ELGAR COUNTRY Pershore Abbey This year‘s choir tour is to the tains a glorious quire, clerestory on Elgar‘s choral music, and

Sunday 29th May, 4.00 pm— beautiful country that Edward and tower. following part of the Elgar Elgar loved and called his Route—a 40 mile tour of St Michael’s, Ledbury The next day we sing in St home—the Malverns. Worcestershire stopping at Michael‘s and All Angels Monday 30th May, 6.00 pm— places associated with Elgar Over the May Bank Holiday Church in Ledbury, which was Malvern Priory and his music. weekend (28th to 30th May described by Pevsner as ‗the 2011) St George‘s Singers will premier parish church in Here- A note of caution for anyone Pershore Abbey be giving concerts in three of fordshire‘. Then on Bank Holi- thinking of coming to hear us in the most famous day Monday we move on to concert: we won‘t be singing a churches in the Mid- Malvern where our final con- lot of Elgar! The music-loving lands. The tour begins cert is in the famous Priory, a inhabitants of Elgar Country with a concert in the cathedral-sized wonder of Eng- hear more than enough of their thousand year old lish mediaeval architecture. most famous export, and were Pershore Abbey, delighted to hear we‘d be sing- A tour to the Malverns would whose monastic ori- ing English music—by anyone not be complete without an gins date back to the except Elgar. (Though that immersion in Elgar though. So 7th century. Badly won‘t stop us giving an im- the choir will be visiting the damaged during the promptu performance of some Elgar Museum, attending a talk dissolution, it still re- of our favourite bits!)

EDDIE ELGAR—FOOTBALL FAN BY CONNIE JONES I grew up in Wolverhampton gar was very keen to see the ‗An Evening with Elgar‘ was and, like all my family, I was Wolves play a match as the held to celebrate the composer‘s (and still am) a supporter of Rectory was very close to the connections with Wolverhamp- Wolverhampton Wanderers. Wolves ground, Molineux, and ton. The concert was in aide of Sir Edward Elgar was also a in 1869 Elgar and Dora saw the Church‘s Organ Restoration Wolves fan. their first match together. Appeal, and the highlight was the performance of Elgar‘s foot- Elgar used to visit Wolver- In 1898 Elgar composed what is ball chant by the church choir hampton to see his friends at thought to be the first football and Wolverhampton Sympho- the Rectory of St Peter‘s Colle- chant. ‗He banged the leather ny Orchestra. The seven-note giate Church, the Rev Alfred for goal‘ was inspired by a Penny and his daughter Dora, headline in the local newspa- who was immortalized as per, the Express and Star, when ‗Dorabella‘ in the tenth of El- a great goal was scored by gar‘s Enigma Variations. Dora Wolves hero Billy Malpass also visited the Elgars in Mal- during a match against Stoke. vern. The Rector‘s second wife Malpass played in the 1893 was Minnie Baker of Hasfield Cup Final when Wolves beat Carice—tell your mother we’ve drawn Court near Redmarley in Everton at Fallowfield, and was United in the Cup, so if there’s extra Worcestershire. Minnie was a Captain three years later when time I’ll be late home close friend of Elgar‘s wife Al- they lost to Sheffield Wednes- chant had been orchestrated by ice. So there were connections day in the Cup Final at the Peter Morris, the Director of between Malvern and Wolver- Crystal Palace. Christopher Music at the church. There is a hampton. Elgar, on occasion, Morley, writing in the Elgar A recent film about Elgar, The plaque in reception at would cycle the 40 miles to Society News, November 2010, Man behind the Mask, was Molineux, commemorating Wolverhampton on his Sun- suggests that Elgar, who loved reviewed on the Classical Elgar‘s support for Wolves. It beam Bicycle he called Mr puns, was taken by the Source website: is inscribed: England‟s greatest Phoebus, although this story ‗inappropriate pun‘ in his hero‘s http://www.classicalsource. composer Sir Edward Elgar 1857- may be apocryphal! Interest- name! On 25th September com/db_control/db_feature 1934 “A devoted Wolverhampton ingly, Sunbeam bicycles were 2010, at St Peter‘s Collegiate s.php?id=8671 Wanderers Supporter”. made in Wolverhampton. El- Church in Wolverhampton, Issue 36 Page 13

SWIMMING FOR YOUR LIFE BY KATE FUGGLE

A few weeks Bridget Ovey ap- met up in the foyer at Maccles- proached me during a rehearsal field Leisure centre to have a and asked if I was still interest- strategy meeting and tips from ed in swimming in the annual our captain before getting ready Macclesfield Swimathon. to take the plunge. John had a quick word with the compère Full of enthusiasm brought on and we bravely entered the by singing the St John Passion, I water. happily agreed to swim. Alt- hough I had seen the adverts for We were to swim as a relay the big swim I had never actual- team with the aim of complet- ly participated in the event and ing as many lengths as possible was slightly apprehensive and in 45 minutes. There were six dived into training. teams in the pool at the same time as us, two from Prestbury The event took place on Sun- Football Club. (I wonder if they th day 6 March and there were included Wayne Rooney?) The five members of our team, our number of lengths swum was captain John Ovey representing displayed at the end of each the bass section, Jean Egerton lane and the competition was Sea Dragons John Ovey, Jo Bluck, and myself, the alto section and as we were all singers we must Jean Egerton, Corrie Verduyn and fierce. have good breath control, Jo Bluck and Corrie Verduyn, Kate Fuggle preparing for a perfor- representing the sopranos Every fifteen minutes the fig- which is deemed an asset in mance of Whitacre’s Cloudburst (jointly known as the Sea Drag- ures were announced and large swimming. I felt fitter for doing ons). John says we need a fast cheers went up for the leaders. this swim, enjoyed raising the tenor next year! Prestbury edged forward but we money for worthy causes and were never far behind. When would recommend the event to We each had sponsor forms, the last five minutes were an- anyone who can swim. and members of the choir freely nounced we made a final push When the final monies have signed up. The money raised to make it over the 100 mark was to go towards research into been received, it looks as and swam all out, all five of us though we will have raised in Parkinson‘s Disease, shelter at once creating large waves. boxes for Haiti and eradication the region of £550. Thanks to Our final score reached 120 all our sponsors, whose support of polio from the world. lengths putting us in second has made the event so much I awoke early on Sunday morn- place, an amazing achievement! more worthwhile. ing to prepare for the event. Ate We lined up to have our photo a hearty breakfast whilst listen- taken feeling tired but exhilarat- ing to ‗The Archers‘, made sure ed. It was a great event, fun as I could still remember the well as tiring, and I think it words from chorus 2b of the St must be at least 40 years since I John, did the weekly food shop, have swum with such enthusi- and tidied the garden. We all asm. I did hear a comment that

PEARLS FROM THE PODIUM

―Altos—you have so many with a kr, kr, kr. It means uses!‖ ‗crucify‘. You‘re not announcing Meet Ben—the latest resident the next train to Croyden.‖ of the organ loft at Sheffield ―Basses—morendo means dy- (aah…!). So far training in ing away not expiring through ―Altos. Hold that minim on the walking to heel, fetching, and lack of breath.‖ word ‗ster-ben‘. Some of your responding to name is going well, but his Master (of the ‗buns‘ are coming out too soon.‖ ―Have some fun on those semi- Music) reports rhythm prob- quavers—shake them!‖ lems and offbeat barking in the 1, 121, 12...21 pre-rehearsal ―People, the word is ‗kreuzige‘ warm-ups. Tuition continues. Page 14 Hemiola

MAKING MUSIC—CHINESE STYLE BY SUE MASON

It never occurred hand and cleaned the outside wire‘ so to speak and to be seen to me that I would windows, all the way to ground publically performing would be a musical path- level. To be fair he was wearing bring the wrath of the Govern- finder, when I a hard hat which seemed a bit ment down on us. joined the Interna- pointless but probably kept his Any public performance in tional Festival head warm in winter. China requires a phenomenal Chorus (IFC) The Belles heard about audi- trawl through bureaucratic per- Shanghai. Having tions that were to take place for missions by the performer, and given up teaching a new choir which would be a scrutiny of words, themes and to follow my hus- conducted by an English man, content. Anything mentioning band to his work Nick Smith, resident in Beijing, God is seen to be particularly in Shanghai, I who had already established a difficult, as if the audience threw myself into The Imperial Garden at the choir there. Many of his sing- would rise up as one converted Forbidden City my new found freedom and ex- ers were in the diplomatic corps body and turn against com- pat life, with abandon. Soon and when some were trans- munism, nationalism and the though, the novelty of endless ferred to Shanghai he offered to Chinese way of life. coffee mornings, mah-jong come and conduct if a group But even if the performance sessions and shopping expedi- could be formed. gains permission, the terms of tions began to pale and I set out And so we started. There were the contract always state that a St George’s Singers may to find something musical to about 20 be travelling to China in occupy my time. of us 2012 to sing Verdi’s At this time, there were no initially, Requiem with the ‗western‘ choirs in Shanghai so male and I joined an American Hand Bell female International Festival ringing group, ‗the Belles‘: so and a few Chorus in the Forbidden named as we were all ‗trailing local City. More news follows spouses‘ with day time to spare. Chinese shortly! Sharon Schmidt, the owner of as well. I the sets of bells, was a semi- was to professional ringer from Chica- learn that go, whose American gigs meant for local she was often out of China, so Chinese she let us have the key to her to socialize with foreigners Hall of Supreme Harmony, the Forbidden City apartment and access to her was a very unusual situation. bells. It was not the only thing I goodly percentage of the tickets What the Chinese management learned about music in China. must be given to the Com- of the apartment block made of The IFC model was to audition munist party. Not that they use us trooping in every Tuesday singers, but to ensure that every them of course and they turn up morning clanging like the clap- member could manage to learn being touted on the street. pers then leaving, with the lady their notes independently as Many things in China depend of the house nowhere to be mandatory rehearsals would on ‗Guanxi‘ which is like a seen, I can only guess at, but happen only in the week before networking system of doing the Chinese are far too polite to any performance. favours with people you know. question what even I thought of To begin with, we sang in ex- My good Shanghainese friend, as bizarre behaviour. pat locations: schools, bars, whose English name is Bright, But the Chinese indulged in hotels. I couldn‘t understand suggested we look at the Lyce- their own bizarre activities, and this and was always pointing um Theatre, and that‘s where I on one heart- stopping occasion out suitable venues for concerts: met Mr Chu. The Lyceum in that 30th floor apartment, we churches, schools, concert halls, Theatre has its place in the his- experienced the window clean- and would often warble away tory of 1920s Shanghai and was The Palace of Heavenly Purity er at work. Abseiling down in empty echoing churches built by the British especially from the roof he swung gently testing their good acoustics. But for the British Amateur Dra- from side to side with a cloth in we were operating ‗under the matics Society. Although it had Issue 36 Page 15

Communist party had rumbled our performance, I reported their arrival to the conductor. I need not have worried. Mr Chu hadn‘t grassed us up: these were the ‗chair men‘ who would show the audience to their seats. Phew! And so we sang and I even danced on the same stage as Margot Fonteyn, when we raised funds for the choir by An Imperial watchtower in the doing a couple of Gilbert and Forbidden City Sullivan Operettas including a performance of Pirates of Pen- zance. This had been the show that the Brits were to have put TheThe InternationalInternational FestivalFestival ChorusChorus in on and which had to be halted Shanghai in Shangai to stay out of jail, we had clan- when the Japanese invaded destine touts, otherwise known China in 1939. been in disrepair for many as friends and family, loitering Being part of the Shanghai approach us in the street as years, it had recently been re- in the shadows handing out pre- choir enabled us to join with complete strangers in order to stored to its former glory. Mar- ordered tickets. our Beijing friends in their per- practise their language skills. I got Fonteyn started her dancing Our first concert at the Lyceum formances in the Forbidden thought therefore that any career on that stage. was Fauré‘s Requiem. This was City Concert Hall. Nick had a oriental face was fair game, Mr Chu was prepared to take a an amazing performance for similar arrangement of Guanxi and would do the same when I risk and allow us to perform in me, not just because we had with the management there. was in the UK. On one occa- his theatre. Of course, as for- fooled the system. The treble My most thrilling musical mo- sion, I tried a friendly ‗ni hao‘ eigners we could not use the soloist had been found in a ment was probably the stunning to a couple of women in Mac- box office, and could not adver- series of auditions in the Inter- performance of Bach‘s St Mat- clesfield Sainsbury‘s. They tise outside the theatre, but he national Schools. In this city of thew Passion which we gave in were astonished, probably at was a true friend and under- 20 million people, the boy in 2004 and which was the first the appalling pronunciation, stood that we were no threat to question turned out to be an ex- ever full performance of this and when I had exhausted my the stability of the country if we pupil from Wilmslow High work in China. I was vaguely repertoire, we continued in stood on his stage warbling in School: the school where I had aware of Chairman Mao slowly English. To my amazement, I strange tongues, and although been teaching prior to leaving spinning in his mausoleum not found out that the woman had he didn‘t understand what we for Shanghai. half a mile away. lived in Macclesfield with her were singing and maybe didn‘t My heart was also in my mouth I had left China before Dame husband and family for over even like what we were singing, Emma Kirkby performed with ten years, and was married to he helped us get started. the choir, and also wished I had Shao En, the famous Chinese My kitchen table became been able to sing in the perfor- orchestral conductor, who was the box office, and we mance of African Sanctus with performing the next day with advertised in all the ex-pat David Fanshawe in attendance: the Shanghai Philharmonic magazines. Anyone who one of his last public occasions. Orchestra. I was able to send wanted to come to the But I did have the pleasure of my Shanghai musical friends concert had to turn up singing Messiah in Beijing, to the concert, and there they and collect a ticket from when Martin Ennis of Cam- met Shao En and had the bi- me as they wouldn‘t be bridge University, conducted us zarre experience of swapping allowed to enter the thea- from the harpsichord. He also tales about their friend in Mac- tre without a ticket. A gilded lion in front of the Palace of Tranquil Longevity mixed us up, so on that occa- clesfield with him. Any concert organizer sion I was sandwiched between The Chinese love music, and knows the headache of ticket when Mr Chu walked through a Swedish tenor and a Peruvian can be heard singing in parks sales, and there were always the backstage area with a group bass. and gardens, individually or in potential paying customers who of men in dinner jackets. His During my time in China, I groups. Of course I would sidle wanted to collect their tickets at English was minimal, but I attempted to speak Mandarin. up and join in. And why not. the theatre door. Not wanting understood that these were The Chinese, who are very Music is a truly international to reject them, and yet wanting ‗chairmen‘. Thinking that the keen to learn English, would language. St George’s Singers

For more information, please contact:

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

Phone:Jacqui Smith 555-555 (Secretary),-5555 01625 533779 Fax:enquiries@st 555-555-georges-5555 -singers.org.uk

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

ThisSt George‘s would Singers be a good was formed place into 1956 insert by aRev short Eric paragraph Chapman and about Geoffrey your Ver-organization.ney, organist andIt might choirmaster include of Stthe George‘s purpose Church, of the Poynton organization, in Cheshire, its mis- where the Choir still rehearses every Tuesday night. Geoffrey‘s dream was to build a true communitysion, founding choir, date, capable and of aperforming brief history. major You choral could works also to a includehigh standard a brief andlist ofwhich the wouldtypes attractof products, singers andservices, audiences or programs from neighbouring your organization towns. Geof- Find us on the web at: offers,freyGeoffrey died the indied 1964,geographic in 1964, but his but legacyarea his legacy covered was nurturedwas (fornurtured byexample, his by successors his westernsuccessors Duncan U.S. Duncan Eyre, or Euro- Eyre, Ray www.st-georges-singers.org.uk. peanLomaxRay Lomax, markets), and more Stephen andrecently, Williams a profile Stephen and of Williams.isthe continued types of by customers our present or Musical members Director, Neil Taylor. St George‘s Singers is now recognised as one of the leading and most innovative choirsStserved. George‘s in the Singers North Westis now of recognised England, performing as one of the an leading astonishingly and most varied innovative reper-

toire,choirs and in the with North around West 120 of members England, drawn performing from an astonishinglyarea far beyond varied the communi- reper- To receive a regular copy of Hemiola, It would also be useful to include a contact name for readers who want tytoire, of Poynton. and with aroundWe present 120 membersat least four drawn major from concerts an area a year,far beyond in venues the communi-including complete the Mailing List registration on the Thetymore of Bridgewater Poynton. information We Hall present about and Royal at the least organization.Northern four major College concerts of Music, a year, hold in venues annual including Singing website, or contact the Publicity Officer. Days,The Bridgewater and tour regularly Hall and in Royal the UK Northern and abroad. College Now of Music,under Musicalhold annual Director Singing Neil Taylor,Days, and St George‘stour regularly Singers in thecontinues UK and to abroad. explore Stand George‘s expand Singersthe boundaries continues of to 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!

Two dates for the diary to catch exciting programme of Ameri- That Day we Sang ST GEORGE’S CONCERT DIARY up with Marcus Farnsworth in can music conducted by Grego- Victoria Wood has created a new

the region. On Thursday 31 ry Batsleer, including John theatre piece for Manchester Tuesday 19 April 2011, 7.30 pm March he appears at Manches- Adams‘ Harmonium. Also fea- International Festival. That Day Bach St John Passion ter University in a lunchtime turing The Cosmo Singers, a We Sang is the story of the chil- recital of ‗Songs Old and New‘, newly-formed choir with mem- Bridgewater Hall dren who sang on the famous performing songs by Purcell, bers drawn from The University Grange, Barber and Britten of Manchester Chorus perform- recording of 'Nymphs and Shep- Saturday 25 June 2011, 7.30 pm folksong arrangements. Cosmo ing Aaron Copland‘s Motets. herds' by the Manchester Chil- Tickets: £12/£9/£3. dren's Choir in 1929 in the Free Eastern Voices Rodewald Concert Hall, 1.10 pm, admission free. Trade Hall, and the subsequent Works by Kodály, Janáček, Gόrecki Clic Sargent television documentary 45 years and Dvořák In July Marcus will be appear- Well done to Penny Anson, later, triggering memories of the Gorton Monastery ing at the Buxton Festival in organizer of the Clic Sargent day itself and the years in be- Anthony Turnage‘s opera Greek rehearsal on 13 February 2011, tween. Opera House, Manches- - a modern take on the Oedipus prior to the main event in Sep- ter, 6 –16th July 2011. Ticket Hotline: 01663 764012 legend. Buxton Opera House, tember. The performance of www.mif.co.uk/ for further in- [email protected] July 14th and 25th. Tickets Elgar‘s Dream of Gerontius, con- £10—£47. 0845 12 72 190. ducted by Andrew Dean, and formation. with a specially arranged youth Manchester University Chorus orchestra, will be in aid of the 2nd April 2011, Saturday 2nd charity which cares for children April 2011 – Whitworth Hall, with cancer. Last year a similar Manchester University. An concert raised over £4,000.