October 2014 Issue 47 Hemiola

St George’s Singers

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: SPRINGBOARD FOR ST GEORGE’S

Requiem preview 2 SGS began life nearly 60 years present a War’s forgotten 3 ago as a small group of enthusi- programme asts from St George’s Church, of ‘Choral Social evening 4 Poynton. Though we have Gems’ in the Zimbe in photos 5 grown in number and musical beautifully Southwell Music Festival 6–7 stature beyond all recognition refurbished report since then we have always wel- church. The comed the opportunity to par- programme Why Münster? 8 ticipate in the musical life of the was chosen So many memories 9 village. When in September to introduce 2013 we received an invitation SGS to an Coro Intermezzo visit 10– to take part in the first Poynton audience of Poynton 11 Music Festival the Choir decid- ‘Poyntoners’, ed that we would not only put opening with Poynton’s current mayor, Rebecca Horsman, hands over a cheque SGS News 12 for £2,013 to Kathryn Humphreys of the National Eczema on an extra concert for the festi- Zadok the Congratulations to Jeff 13 Society, with organising committee members and sponsors’ val but that we would, by waiv- Priest and representatives Basket cases 14 ing the offer of payment to off- closing with The Windmill girl 15 set our costs, effectively become the ‘Halle- one of the festival sponsors. lujah Chorus’, via Purcell, SGS, represented by Jean Eger- Fauré, Elgar, Will Todd and On 27 September 2014 Poynton ton, were invited to the cere- ST GEORGE’S SINGERS James MacMillan – and judg- Springboard Festival took over mony on 21 October to present PRESIDENT: ing from the enthusiastic audi- the town with 600 musicians at the cheque to The National ence response we certainly Brigit Forsyth 16 venues performing music for Eczema Society. The festival won some new friends. VICE PRESIDENTS: all tastes from rock to classical. organisers expressed their grati- Around half of the choir togeth- The festival was conceived by Marcus Farnsworth tude to SGS and the other Sue Roper er with Neil, and Tim Kennedy Geoff King, the town’s mayor, sponsors without whose contri- Mark Rowlinson as accompanist, generously as his year’s Mayor’s Charity bution the festival could not Stephen Threlfall gave their time and voices to event. As one of the sponsors Stephen Williams have taken place.

MUSICAL DIRECTOR: Neil Taylor SGS LADIES TAKE TO THE STARS ASSISTANT MUSICAL DIRECTOR:

Joseph Judge On Saturday 31 January the ic, like a call from a distant Simon Beesley and conductor ACCOMPANIST: ladies of St George’s Singers planet, bringing the work to a Matthew Wood. magical ending. It was Jeffrey Makinson will be appearing at Stockport Tickets are £10, conc £8, tel: Vaughan Williams’ favourite Town Hall with Stockport Sym- 07947 474574, email: boxof- movement, on whom it had a phony Orchestra in a perfor- [email protected]. Registered Charity no 508686 great influence, and in its time mance of Holst’s The Planets. ukand are available on the (1915) was regarded as highly Member of Making Music, the National They will be joining the orches- door. Federation of Music Societies innovative. tra in the seventh and final PS Don’t forget our carol www.st-georges-singers.org.uk The programme also includes movement of the work, Neptune concert: Saturday 6 Decem- (The Mystic). A quiet, eerie and Vaughan Williams’ English ber, St George’s, Stockport unsettling movement, the word- Folksong Suite, and Strauss’s at 7.00 pm. Festive music less song of the choir is hypnot- Oboe Concerto, with soloist for all the family! Page 2 Hemiola

REQUIEM: OUR TRIBUTE FOR THE FALLEN

Saturday 15 November Our autumn concert this year full of intriguing any other falls at a most significant time moments. anthem – 2014, 7.30 pm for the whole country. Just six We will be singing and the Requiem for the Fallen days after Remembrance Sun- two settings of combination of day, on 15 November we will treble and baritone St George’s Church, ‘Justorum Animae’ (The Souls be presenting a concert in com- of the Righteous), a collect for solos followed by Stockport memoration of those who died All Saints’ Day with words climactic moments in the First World War, in this taken from the apocryphal for full choir gives the 100th anniversary year of Book of Wisdom. The modern it a rather Victori- Tickets: £12, £10 conc, the outbreak of that most terri- setting by Geraint Lewis is a an feel. £2 students ble of global tragedies. composition of great stillness John Rutter’s Requiem Tel: 01663 764012 This will not be a sombre event that leaves time for each line of was written in 1985 in however. Our theme for the the text to evaporate before memory of the ’s fa- Email: tickets@st-georges concert is remembrance and starting the next. By contrast, ther, and what was conceived -singers.org.uk reflection, not sorrow, and in Stanford’s setting probably as a personal memorial has particular the role that music dates from 1892, and is gone on to become one of John Online: www.st-georges- can play in the healing amongst the finest of his choral Rutter’s most often-performed singers.org.uk process. As Andrea compositions. choral works. With its themes Millington, SGS Chair The piece is in of reflection and consolation, says in her programme three short sec- this Requiem is a fitting tribute notes for the concert: tions: the outer from today’s generation to ‘This concert is the Choir’s way two contempla- those who died a century ago in of remembering and it is one tive whilst the our name. we can all enjoy through the central section is a There will also be a couple of sharing of beautiful and uplift- vivid depiction of readings at the concert, includ- ing music. The message of hope malice – ‘Et non ing one from a recent book by and peace you will hear tanget illos tormen- the journalist Kate Adie. Well throughout. ’ tum malitiae’ (there shall no known for her courageous re- torment or malice touch them). Amongst the works we will be porting from many of the performing are well known John Tavener, who recently world’s war-torn regions, Kate pieces, and some that will be sadly died, converted to the has recently written a book new to the audience – as they Russian Orthodox Church in entitled Fighting on the Home were to the Choir. 1977 after which Orthodox Front, and amongst the many theology and liturgical tradi- stories is one about Lena Douglas Guest, who came from tions became a major influence Ashwell, who organ- just outside Sheffield, is best There will be a display on his work. Funeral Ikos was ised music, theatrical known for his composition, For written in 1981 when Tavener and other cultural about Poynton’s history the fallen, a setting of one of the was 37. It is a serene setting of events for the soldiers verses of 's during the First World War words which are on the front line throughout the famous 1914 poem. It was com- in the church during the probably unfamil- First World War. posed in 1971 for the Remem- iar to most of us concert. Many thanks to brance Day service in Westmin- No concert of remem- and which is a brance would be com- Judy and Sandy Broadbent ster Abbey, and is a short but simple statement infinitely touching work. plete without one of the of the reward in Paradise for greatest works, Elgar’s of the Poynton Local Henry Walford Davies became the Righteous Ones. Much of Nimrod, and we’re de- well known between the wars History Society for their it is in unison allowing the lighted that our accompa- for his popular BBC radio help. full impact of the words to nist Jeffrey Makinson will be lectures on music, and he shine through. This sensi- performing it in a special ar- was appointed Master tive musicality, in which rangement by William Harris. of the King’s Music in the sounds are almost just 1934 following the an accompaniment to the In this centenary year of com- death of Elgar. When he words, can only have been memoration, we hope you will composed the Short Requiem in achieved by an extraordinary join us in a few hours peaceful 1915, ‘in sacred memory of all composer of deep religious reflection and remembrance, those who have fallen in the conviction. and some inspiring music. war’, there being no Anglican Composed in 1912, Greater love requiem service as such, Davies hath no man is perhaps John assembled his requiem from Ireland’s best known work for various biblical and liturgical the church – in 1986 it was

tests, including two psalms sung at more cathe- intoned to traditional drals and collegiate Anglican chant. A most churches in the unusual work that prob- British Isles than ably few have heard, but Issue 47 Page 3

WAR’S FORGOTTEN COMPOSERS

The poets of WW1 have ac- it unpublished at his death. have avoided active service, but quired an almost celebrity sta- like Ralph chose to enlist in the Royal tus. Books about the war such Vaughan Williams, was a great Army Medical Corps. His work as All Quiet on the Western Front collector of English folk songs. A Pastoral Symphony was written and A Farewell to Arms have He served as Lieutenant in the as an elegy to fallen comrades. become bestsellers. But the Durham Light Infantry. His And , whose ill work of composers who fought settings of poems from A Shrop- health prevented him from en- in the trenches has largely been shire Lad, A E Housman’s most listing, wrote Ode to Death in forgotten. famous work, reflect on mortal- response to composer friends and George But- ity and life in rural . who had died in the war, partic- terworth belonged to a genera- Butterworth actually wrote the ularly Cecil Coles. tion of composers known as the music to Housman’s poem The Butterworth, Cole and Gurney Cecil Coles (1888–1918) and 'pastoral school' who took their Lads in Their Hundreds in 1911, shared common attributes and [below] his gravestone in France inspiration from rural life in before the outbreak of the war. experiences, all possessing an with the inscription: England. Cecil Coles was assis- The poem contained the mes- intense, lyrical voice, tragically tant conductor at the Stuttgart sage that in a group of young affected or silenced by the First ‘He was a genius before anything Royal Opera House before he men there would be a ‘few that World War. You only have to else, and a hero of the first water’ returned to Britain in 1913. All will carry their looks or their listen to Butterworth’s haunting three signed up as young men truths to the grave’. Butter- setting of A Shropshire Lad, to fight at the front. worth was 31 when he was Cole’s poignant and prophetic orchestral suite Behind the Lines Cecil Coles served as bandmas- killed during the Battle of the ter with the Queen’s Victoria Somme in 1916. He became or Gurney’s Five Elizabethan Rifles. One of the most promis- one of the ‘lads that will die in Songs written whilst still a stu- ing musicians of his generation, their glory and never be old’ dent, to realise what individual, he was 29 when he was killed and was awarded the Military inspired artists they were. near the Somme in 1918. Ivor Cross posthumously. Perhaps as one commentator Gurney served as a signaller The Great War also had enor- has said, whilst poets could and considered himself a com- mous influence on composers express their suffering in words poser first and a poet second. who survived, many finding a that have an immediate appeal, Although he survived the war, catharsis in music. any music composed during the he succumbed to severe mental dedicated his choral symphony war would have been out of problems, and died of tubercu- Morning Heroes to his brother harmony with their surround- losis at the age of 47, leaving who died in combat. Ralph ings. Their melodies from that behind a significant body of Vaughan Williams was 41 time do not linger. both music and poetry, much of when the war began and could

FOR THE FALLEN – LAURENCE B INYON

With proud thanksgiving, a mother for her children, At the going down of the sun and in the morning England mourns for her dead across the sea. We will remember them. Flesh of her flesh they were, spirit of her spirit, Fallen in the cause of the free. They mingle not with their laughing comrades again; Solemn the drums thrill: Death august and royal They sit no more at familiar tables of ; Sings sorrow up into immortal spheres. They have no lot in our labour of the day-time; There is music in the midst of desolation They sleep beyond England's foam. And a glory that shines upon our tears. But where our desires are and our hopes pro- They went with songs to the battle, they were found, young, Felt as a well-spring that is hidden from sight, Straight of limb, true of eye, steady and aglow. To the innermost heart of their own land they They were staunch to the end against odds un- are known counted, As the stars are known to the Night; They fell with their faces to the foe. As the stars that shall be bright when we are dust, They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow Moving in marches upon the heavenly plain, old: As the stars that are starry in the time of our dark- Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. ness, To the end, to the end, they remain. Page 4 Hemiola

BEST OF THE SUMMER WINE

McGonagall spot – this a backing group that clearly year with especial signifi- should have stayed even further cance in view of our re- back, this was yet another tri- cent trip to , umph for our award-winning but sadly no more poeti- playwright. cally beautiful than on After the laughter had died previous occasions. down, Gillian Banks sang a Kate Fuggle and Vicky Sunderland gave a lovely Was this year’s Social Evening duet, and Vicky a vintage year? Well, based on also presented the the quality of the performances, Choir with a not really – but then, the enthu- charming card siasm and commitment shown from the pupils at by performers and audience Bradshaw Hall alike always makes up for any Primary School, shortfall in vocal and musical thanking us for technique! inviting them to As usual, SGS choir members take part in Zimbe! and guests gathered in St On to the sopranos George’s Church hall on the next, and Jennie Tuesday after the final concert Nichol and Sue Sawyer per- of the 2013/14 season. Every- formed the wonderful Duetto lovely Strauss song, followed by one brought their own drinks, buffo di due gatti (‘Two Cats’ a group of ladies who took it and also provided something to duet to the rest of us) by Rossi- upon themselves to re-write eat to go on the buffet table. It ni, complete with ears. Abso- Britten. As they were all wear- never ceases to amaze that out lutely wonderful, ladies! ing red roses attached to bits of of this culinary chaos, we al- their clothing, we figured it was ways manage something about …? to get a bal- In slightly more som- anced selec- ber vein, Ann Young tion of salads, read a very moving cooked foods, poem, before we meat and vege- came to the tradition- tarian options, al end to the social as well as evening and Dave’s scrumptious magnum opus. This desserts. year he had written a And so to the tribute to Howard entertainment. (Goodall) which There were lots of people will- A social evening wouldn’t be brought tears to the eyes of ing to submit themselves to complete without an Eric everyone (especially Neil, who ritual humiliation this year, and Northey Production, and this was sitting closest). first up were the second altos, year he had savaged a Simon & So, another social evening, who gave a spirited perfor- Garfunkel classic to create a another season over. Lots of mance of a specially written senior citizen’s masterpiece: fun, laughter, and brilliant mu- setting of We are the very model of Care Home Bound. With guitar sic-making with friends. Makes Some Friends of St George’s, a second alto section, to a tune accompaniment from Mel, and life worthwhile! clearly not sure whether to which will be obvious to all laugh or cry G&S aficionados. (A plea to Chair Andrea to get them an early spot before they’d drunk too much was fortunately heeded!) Onto more sedate matters, and Michael Calaam’s traditional Issue 47 Page 5

ZIMBE – THE NIGHT WE ROCKED THE MONASTERY

to think about the less happy side of Africa. Gerry Ham- bridge of Poynton came along to the concert and made a plea for contributions to help a school in Uganda that she has been working with for some years. The response from the Gerry Hambridge audience was overwhelming, and Gerry raised over £500 for St James School. A special mention must be made of the children from Bradshaw Hall. Led with en- thusiasm by their teacher, Vicky Sunderland, they responded to

Look carefully at the photo The first half of the concert was above. Then look at the photo the St George’s Singers every- at the bottom right. Notice any- one knows. The beautiful Tip- thing different? What could pett Five Spirituals was followed possibly have turned a thor- by the newly commissioned oughly respectable, smartly work from Will Todd, Foot- dressed and well-tuned choir prints, a repeat performance into this rabble in the space of following its premiere at an hour? Zimbe, of course! RNCM earlier in the year. The serenity gener- The children practising their ated in the first half ‘gestures’ – not to be tried out at was shattered how- home! ever when the Choir came out after the interval. every instruction from Neil Instead of our usual without hesitating, chatter- sober black (albeit ing or complaining. (Basses, with a red splash), take note!) everyone had A rousing end to the season changed into vivid then, and a wonderful op- Africa-inspired red, portunity to try something orange, green and out of our ‘comfort zone’. Our last concert in June at the yellow. The children and the An opportunity we, and the Monastery was a rousing, noisy musicians sported ‘official’ audience, all thoroughly and colourful affair that hit the Zimbe T-shirts, whilst Neil Many thanks to Graham North enjoyed. and Bill Lionheart for giving right note with the packed audi- displayed his usual sartorial permission to use their photos ence. Joined by the Call Me Al flair by wearing his Zimbe shirt jazz quintet, and the wonderful backwards – so the audience pupils of Bradshaw Hall Prima- could get the full impact! ry School, St George’s put aside During the afternoon rehearsal, their scores, let down their hair Alexander L’Estrange, the com- and got into the music of Afri- poser of the piece, and leader of ca. the Call Me Al Quintet, had been giving adults and children various performance tips: what gestures to make (rude or other- wise!), what expressions to adopt, how to move in time to the music (starting of course on the right – or was it the left? – foot). Amidst the joy and fun of Zim- be however, we also had time Page 6 Hemiola

SOUTHWELL MUSIC FESTIVAL BY SUSAN HODGSON AND JULIA MAYALL ‘Once in a while, life throws up an event so special that those who were there will for ever remember it with deep affection; and, in attempting to convey the ele- mental joy of the occasion to those who were not, can only say “you should have been there”.’ Marcus Farnsworth

There are so many music festi- vals in Britain during the sum- mer, it’s sometimes hard to Marcus in a quiet moment in the choose which one to go to. This nave of the Minster before the year, however, the choice for a The Dean’s Residence, venue for the Friends’ Reception inaugural event group of eight SGS members brilliant start on the was easy – it had to be South- Friday with a free well! concert of solo and chamber street, and up the stairs to the 2014 saw the inauguration of a music in the Minster. Then in Old Theatre Deli (where Byron brand new festival in the lovely the evening, the ‘main event’ had once trod the boards in market town of Southwell in was a chamber concert featur- amateur theatricals) for their Nottinghamshire. It was the ing Mendelssohn’s Octet in the second performance. The stage brainchild of SGS vice- beautiful was so tiny president, Marcus Farnsworth, and recently there was no who comes from Southwell, renovated room for and was a chorister in the Min- State Cham- chairs, so with ster before heading to Manches- ber (where the exception You can keep in touch with ter University. He had always Cardinal of the cellists, thought that the very special Wolsey they all stood Southwell Music Festival at acoustic and architectural quali- used to en- up throughout www.southwellmusicfestival. ties of the Minster made it the tertain visi- the perfor- ideal venue for a music festival, tors in his mance – and co.uk and decided, with typical role as were obvious- Farnsworth ‘can-do’ attitude, Archbishop ly having just that he would organize one for of York). as much of a his home town. The limited ball as the So for the last two years, in seating in audience between his rapidly increasing the venue were. It may recital and opera engagements resulted in not have been in the UK, Europe and Austral- disappoint- as elegant and ia, Marcus and the most amaz- ment for sophisticated ing group of dedicated volun- many would as the ‘main teers put together a festival that -be audience event’ but it finally took place over August members, so was delightful- Bank Holiday weekend. Marcus and the Southwell Minster ly informal and team decided to enjoyable – and There were so many highlights, put on an extra concert. What included a brilliant picnic sup- it’s hard to select just one or to put in it? Fortunately Marcus per! two. The festival got off to a Creation rehearsal had gathered together an amaz- But Friday wasn’t over. A late ing group of professional night concert by candlelight in musicians as Festival the Minster was a must for all artists, so quick phone choral aficionados: Whitacre, calls rapidly put together Copland, MacMillan and Jona- a programme: Gabrieli, than Dove’s Seek him that Palestrina, Morley and maketh the seven stars. Yummy! Dowland in the first half, and a repeat of the Men- Hopes for a lie in the next delssohn in the second morning were dashed when we half –meaning that the had to get up for the Master- ensemble had to rush off- class, featuring some of the stage in the State Cham- Nottinghamshire region’s ber, down the high brightest young musical talents, Issue 47 Page 7 tutored by leading professional The fact that the entire audi- musicians. ence at the Minster spontane- ously stood up to applaud said A bit of a breather (though it all. some hardy souls went off to listen to some of the many Onto Sunday, and after a glori- Fringe events, or take a walk ous Sung Eucharist in the Min- round the Southwell Artists ster, the Friends of Southwell Trail), then on to a great Italian Music Festival were invited to a restaurant for dinner, before magnificent reception in the getting ready for the Festival’s Dean’s Residence. Anne and main event: Haydn’s Creation. Dave Francis had been asked Conducted by Marcus himself, by Marcus to be Friends’ Coor- the performance featured three dinators, and ticked us all off as of the UK’s leading young solo- we arrived. Andrew Staples ists: soprano Sophie Bevan, took time off from singing to bass Andrew Forster-Williams take some great photos and an Marcus rehearsing the Williams, Ned Rorem, and a (who sang with SGS in the St army of wonderful volunteer Festival Orchestra wonderful piece of chamber Matthew Passion in 2006) and chefs provided a sumptuous music by Elgar. Andrew Staples (who sang with buffet lunch. There’s nothing quite like sitting in the Dean’s And yet, it still wasn’t over! Early Monday morning, and back to the State Chamber where we all got to do our bit for the Festival: Come and Sing Haydn’s Mass in Time of War. Conductor Marcus applauded and berated us all in equal measure. (You think Neil’s hot on stamping out errant ‘s’s’ at the end of words? You should hear MF!) After just under three hours rehearsal, we were on stage in the Minster. The amateur choir was ‘enhanced’ with some of the professional Anne Francis with SMF Festival Chorus members Director, Ruth Massey (though we like to think we’d have made a good fist of it on Rehearsal in the State Chamber for the Mendelssohn Octet - with Cardinal Wolsey our own). Four fabulous solo- keeping a stern eye on proceedings ists joined in at the appropriate spots, and everyone had a won- Andy Staples is not just a great us in the St John Passion in derful time. garden on a summer’s day, 2011). According to Hugh Can- As a festival, this had every- singer – he’s also a talented sipping champagne …! ning, music critic of The Sunday thing. Good weather (with the photographer, and took all the Times, this was ‘a performance But back to the music. Choral odd, bracing shower!), musical photos for the Festival. See his that would Evensong in horizons stretched by familiar have graced Some of the world’s leading chamber orches- the Minster, and loved works alongside piec- work on www.ajrstaples.com tral players dashing down the High Street in or a walk in any Southwell to their next gig! es never heard before, interest- venue’. And we the country ing Fringe events, making new couldn't agree around friends with people with a more. Every Southwell, shared love of music, discover- second of this along the ing fascinating histories and performance Civil War places, and above all, great was spellbind- Trail (King music. Some of the SMF Friends: Geoff Charles I and Sue Taylor and Julia Mayall at ing. A heady There only remains to echo was captured the Friends’ Reception mix of ultra- Marcus’s in South- stylish interpre- feelings: well), then tation, top class You should the final performances have been concert of from soloists, there. chorus and the Festival orchestra alike in the State So, what made for one of Chamber, a are you the most out- song recital doing next standing perfor- with works August mances of Crea- by Gurney, Bank Holi- tion to date. Vaughan day? Page 8 Hemiola

WHY MÜNSTER? BY PAM CRAIG AND GEOFF TAYLOR The choir tour ster. Our hotel is close to the tour dinner there too. We shall next year, city centre, and we can walk to be in the middle of the spärgel from 22– 25 our Münster concert venues. season. This delicious thick May, will be Venues have been chosen for white asparagus is enormously to Münster in their acoustic qualities, and popular in Germany and fea- North Germa- organs as well as their beauty tures on all menus in the sea- ny, one of the and historic interest. We shall son. most beautiful clearly not be able to use music We end our tour by travelling and historic from our March or June con- to Cologne on the Monday towns in Ger- certs for this tour and Neil is morning. We have been given many. already planning programmes. permission to give an informal Much of the We plan to sing in St Lamberti recital in the famous Dom old centre is in the city centre, hopefully (cathedral). Neil performed pedestrian- with a local brass ensemble. there with his Sheffield Cathe- ised. The The church is noted for the dral choir ten years ago, and 50,000 stu- metal cages dangling from the thoroughly enjoyed the experi- dents, the tower into which Anabaptists ence. The rest of the afternoon many pave- rebels were put to die! We shall will be for sightseeing before we ment cafés make the short and bars, and journey back to more bikes Dusseldorf air- per person port for an even- St Lamberti church in the centre than any other town in Germa- ing return flight. of Münster ny give the city an individual Pam expects and buzzing atmosphere. Sun- flight schedules to ny and warm weather has been be released in ordered, and sitting at a pave- early November ment bar with a Hugo – spar- and we shall then kling wine, elderflower cordial be able to esti- and mint on ice – watching the mate the cost of life of the city go by is recom- the tour and dis- mended. The Astronomical Clock in Münster Cathedral tribute further Many of you will remember details and appli- Christian Fröhlich, a member cation forms. At of St George’s Singers from also sing in the Petrikirche, the that stage we shall need a £50 2005–2007. He suggested Mün- University church. In 1648 the deposit. ster as a suitable tour venue. peace treaty ending the disas- trous 30-year war was signed in This Spring Bank Holiday tour More importantly he offered to (also Whitsun next year) prom- help in the organisation of the the City Rathaus (Town Hall) and we shall have a guided tour ises to be full of interest, great tour. Geoff Taylor and Pam musical experiences, super Baptists beware! of the historic building as well Craig, the tour organisers, have sights, but also happy holiday found it invalua- as singing there. There will be opportunities for local sightsee- making. We hope many of you ble to have a lo- will want to participate. cal colleague for ing – the Cathedral, and several advice on venues, other churches, the busy Satur- hotels and day morning market, and an transport etc. He open-top bus tour are all recom- has also liaised mended. with the venues We hope to Petrikirche which has meant give our that we do not final concert need to use a in Roxel, a specialist agent, town a few so the tour will miles from cost less than it Münster, would otherwise which does have done. not have We shall fly out choral con- on Friday even- certs as of- ing from Man- ten as the chester to Dussel- city centre dorf and then churches. travel on to Mün- We plan to have our Issue 47 Page 9

SO MUCH MUSIC, SO MANY MEMORIES

Choir (and audience) members every performance for years, singing Gorecki’s Totus Tuus in probably don’t take much no- not always just because of my Krakow and seeing members of tice of the list of St George’s own inadequacies but on behalf the congregation fall to their Singers that appears in concert of the choir as a whole whose knees in devotion as we sang, programmes – except when grasp of the music was often, and singing the Cradle Songs by new members check to make shall we say, a little insecure, Veljo Tormis with the compos- sure their and orchestras er present, on a beautiful day in names are and soloists a tiny chapel in a meadow in spelled correct- did not always the countryside of Estonia’ are ly! However, enhance the amongst Connie’s highlights. take a close performance. ‘We can never forget our first look at the list However those performance at the Bridgewater next time and valuable years Hall, our hugely successful you’ll see a under conduc- Elijah with Willard White con- Connie and Jean at the Monastery number of tor Duncan ducted by Stephen, and now to hieroglyphs Eyre gave me Neil Taylor, from whom I have that always time to begin learnt so much through his appear next to to sight read so teaching, training and conduct- a few names. that when the ing. His directing us in the St For those choir began to John Passion has been one of members, grow in stature my all-time highlights, both they’re very Ann at the 2014 social evening under a series musically and spiritually. And special marks, of increasingly Stanford’s Blue Bird is for me as they signal the many years of professional conductors with the most perfect small piece we service they’ve given to the more ambitious music I was have sung – I almost could have choir. just about able to cope and wished to be a soprano!’ gradually to be able to ap- Currently, we have five Singers Elijah is a highlight for many, as proach our concerts with excit- with 30 years service (Susan is Locus Iste, Fanshawe’s African Bayley, Jean Egerton, Phil ed anticipation.’ Sanctus in 1989 and the appear- Newby and Ann Young – a Phil joined St Georges because ance at the Clonter Opera with former Chair of SGS) and one, she wanted to get back to cho- Ray (‘frozen feet from standing Connie Jones, the proud recipi- ral singing, having really en- for what felt like hours on icy ent of a 40-year award. joyed singing in her school cold flagstones and then trying ‘Being a member of this choir choir (who won the Youth to sing while shivering uncon- has been one of the great joys of Choir competition at the Llan- trollably’). For Jean, ‘The first my life’, says Connie. ‘When I gollen International Musical concert I remember experienc- Phil, stalwart of the first altos joined St George’s (no audi- Eisteddfod in 1971!). She re- ing as a thrill rather than a ter- tions then!) Duncan Eyre was members her first rehearsal ror was Bach’s B Minor Mass the conductor, and I have heard well. ‘I joined in September with Stephen at the RNCM in the choir grow and progress 1983. “Hello, I’m Jane Eyre” 1998. I was fascinated to watch from Duncan to Ray Lomax, was the greeting I received on Stephen’s physical interpreta- Stephen Williams and now my first night from the wife of tion of the music through his Neil. There were two other the musical director, Duncan gestures and the expressive conductors, neither of whom Eyre. We had an awful uni- movement of the orchestral stayed long. With one of them form. We were given a front players. It was the first time I Susan, our longest serving was the only time I can remem- and back piece of material heard a countertenor voice and soprano ber a concert being cancelled (bright green sacking) vaguely was blown away by its beauty.’ because we weren’t ready!’ cut in the shape of a sleeveless There are also a few lowlights pinafore dress and we just had Jean also remembers the early of course. Connie recalls that, to sew the shoulders and sides, ‘Handel’s Israel in Egypt is won- years as being less than musi- resulting in a shapeless dress, derfully descriptive music but cally demanding. She moved to underneath which we wore a not when the Egyptians sink to Poynton in 1976, and ‘was de- plain white shirt-blouse. But the the bottom “like a stone”!’ lighted to find St George’s Sing- choir has improved significantly ers on my doorstep and joined over the years because of the The final word is with our long- at the start of the 78–79 season. quality of some enormously est-serving member, Connie: The standard of the choir then gifted and inspirational musical ‘There are so many concerts was very far from what it is directors such as Ray, Stephen and pieces of music I have been now for which on reflection I and now Neil.’ privileged to sing with St am exceedingly grateful as I George’s, and so many friends I Everyone of course has their found it quite challenging have made that I will just say to favourite concert moments. enough as still very much a Neil, Jeff and all the Singers, in ‘Singing Locus Iste in the salt choral novice with little formal the words of ABBA – Thank musical education. I remember chapel at the bottom of the you for the music.’ literally quaking with fear at Wielicka Salt mine in Poland, Page 10 Hemiola

CORO INTERMEZZO BY GEOFF TAYLOR

while. David and Josué chords of O Thou the Central Ramirez, Director and Accom- Orb. Coro Intermezzo then panist of the choir, and Gilbert returned in colourful national Aquino, President and photog- costume (we weren’t sure about rapher, who visited Poynton the men’s hats!) and gave a with El Café Chorale in stunning performance of central 2005,wanted to renew friend- and Latin American folk music. ships in St George’s Singers. The two choirs then joined Anne and Dave Francis and together for a spirited rendition Sue and Geoff Taylor, who of Caña Dulce conducted by visited Costa Rica after the visit David Ramirez. of El Café Chorale, and en- The Costa Rican soccer team joyed Costa Rican scenery and had also made history that hospitality, volunteered to week, reaching the quarter- make the arrangements. finals of the World Cup for the Outdoor performance at Lyme Park We and the other hosts met our first time. Football fever was What makes a good choir guests at airport on rife in Costa Rica and we felt great? It’s not just the quality of Friday evening. The next morn- we had to make arrangements the singing, intonation, balance, ing they recovered from jet lag, for them to watch the match clarity of text and responsive- and were then ness to direction. It’s not just brought to imaginative and innovative Disley where programming and readiness to Sue, assisted leave the comfort zone. It’s not by several just the years of friendship and SGS friends, shared experiences. No – it’s laid on lunch the willingness to embark on for 40 people. new experiences, and the readi- They then ness and generosity to join in walked into new ventures. Lyme Park So it was that St George’s Sing- where they ers were able to arrange a mini gave their first tour in Manchester in early July performance, The hosts for Coro Intermezzo, a young an informal choir from Costa Rica, and recital of folk Singing in the dugout at Old Trafford enjoy their company for four music in the splendid gardens. days. This was only possible Thanks to Sue Sawyer, they against the Netherlands. This thanks to a generous grant that were then given a guided tour unfortunately involved cutting the choir enthusiastically made of Lyme Hall. All the girls the concert short and negotiat- to help with the expenses of this knew about the significance of ing with the church and the TV visit, and to the willing volun- the lake (and fortunately the Licensing Authority! Thanks to teers who welcomed them into huge comic statue of Darcy had Phil and Jean Egerton the their homes and ferried them been removed!) Then off to match was shown on a large around. Poynton to rehearse for our screen. The singers were de- Having made history by becom- joint concert where they per- lighted, but it was not quite the ing the first choir from Costa formed their whole programme social occasion we had Rica to pass the stringent audi- – a first half of beautiful sacred planned, especially as the game tion procedures to compete at music from Tal- Leaving for Llangollen the prestigious Llangollen Inter- lis to the 21st At the Royal Exchange: a tricky folklore movement performed in national century. We formal dress and high heels. Don’t try this at home! Music were especially Eisteddfod bowled over by they want- O Lux Beata ed some Trinitas by pre- Matsushita, and competi- Cantus Gloriosus tion expe- by Swider. St rience, and George’s then wanted to sang some fa- make their vourites, and transatlan- they in turn tic journey were bowled more over by those worth- glorious opening Issue 47 Page 11

After a Chinese tian Fröhlich had lunch they took arranged several well the tram to the attended concerts. I city centre. Sever- followed them, rather al SGS members later, as they were to swelled the rather sing in Münster, ven- sparse audience ue for our tour next for their informal year, and it was a recital of the sa- good opportunity to cred programme investigate concert in Manchester venues and hotels. At Cathedral. The the University of Bo- TV interview at the Eisteddfod folk programme chum, in a vast circular audito- was given in the recital rium with steeply raked seating, largest theatre foyer in the they performed their complete country – the former Cotton programme to an audience of went to extra time, and then Exchange in the Royal Ex- more than 500 (Germans really penalties, beyond the time change Theatre. It was well appreciate choral music) and when we should have left the received by a small audience received a standing ovation. In hall – and they lost! since, oddly, the theatre man- Münster the following day they On Sunday, after a walk from agement decreed that the recital sang in St Lamberti to a church the Roman lakes and a picnic, must end by 6.50 pm, just as packed with an appreciative arranged by Dave and Anne, many of the audience for the audience. They shared the con- they walked to Mellor Parish theatre start arriving! Their cert with a brilliant young brass Centre where Meg and Mike hosts then entertained them for ensemble, Galaxy, who I hope Barley had facilitated a concert. the evening, some in traditional will be sharing some of our A large, knowledgeable and English pubs. Münster concerts. Since they On Tuesday find it difficult to stop singing, morning we the square outside the church waved their soon resounded to familiar coach off to strains and a large crowd col- Llangollen, lected. Once I had explored where half a Münster, and enjoyed several dozen SGS Hugos (see Münster article) I members joined left for home, but Coro Inter- them later in mezzo had not finished. They Josué learns the bagpipes the week. They travelled to Mainhausen, a vil- were competing lage near Frankfurt about the in two classes – size of Disley, which supports Folk Choirs and six choirs, and gave several Mixed Choirs. more concerts before flying back home.. The agony of the World Cup Their folk song selection, full of choreography, For the vast majority of the and much more lively and ex- choir this was their first visit to enthusiastic audience enjoyed citing than the other entrants, Europe, made possible by St the contrasting programme, went down very well with the George’s Singers, a GREAT bought lots of CDs and gave audience. Unfortunately the choir. They will surely remem- generously to the retiring collec- expert adjudicators did not ber it for the rest of their lives, tion. Unfortunately one of the agree! The choir was criticised and hope to see us in Costa basses, Felipe, who was unwell, for ‘excessive movement which Rica some time. took commitment to the text a can detract from the quality of Close second in the Mixed Choirs bit far and collapsed to the floor the singing’ and placed next to category during Whiteacre’s Sleep. He last! There were many long made a full recovery later. mourning faces on the Festival On Monday the singers were field in the afternoon. The next taken to Manchester United for day, fully recovered and well the Field of Dreams Stadium motivated, they sang the best Tour arranged by Dave. They bits of their sacred programme were overawed, especially in beautifully, and came second, the dressing room, and gave a by a fraction of a point, to a spirited performance of Soy Tico superb Argentinian choir who in the dugout. They spent a lot went on to win ‘Choir of the of time, and money, in the World’ – the final Eisteddfod shop, and many members of the competition between the win- choir, and boyfriends, will now ners of each section. be wearing Man United shirts. They then had to leave Llangol- They were also shown Dave len at 4 am to catch an early Francis’ season ticket seat right flight to Germany where Chris- under the Directors’ seats! Page 12 Hemiola

ST GEORGE’S SINGERS’ NEWS

New singers officially, but in the meantime, yesterday’. The bridegroom’s Welcome to three new mem- if you are interested in singing father wrote afterwards to Sue: bers of the Choir: Judith (alto) with Cheshire Consort, please ‘A note of sincere thanks for the and Peter (tenor) Harle, and Jo speak to either Sue or Alison. just marvellous choir contribu- Pater (alto). We hope you enjoy Joe’s big day tion to a fantastic service. Your team were just outstanding and many years of music-making And talking of Cheshire Con- with St George’s. we have received compliment sort, Joe’s first event as MD of after compliment from friends Cheshire Consort the Consort was a fantastic and relatives who like us were Now that Sue Taylor has offi- success. The wedding, on 18 swallowed up in the beauty of cially stepped down as Coordi- October, was in Brindle, Lanca- the music and the perfor- shire, and Joe and the 24-strong nator of Cheshire Consort, mance.’ we’re delighted that Alison choir were joined by organist Elin Rees. The Rector said, ‘the Well done to all for your hard McLay has taken on the job. work and giving up your time. She’ll be working with Sue for choir was exquisite’ and follow- ing this up with the comment: You earned around £600 for the next few months to ‘learn the choir! the ropes’ before taking over ‘Rutter came alive in Brindle

Ursula returned from her holidays bringing greetings from George’s cousin in Toronto, demonstrating that the Canadian side of the family can also do smart outfits.

GRACE AND ALAN’S MACMILLAN COFFEE MORNING BY ALAN SWAIN

Unlike last year’s Coffee Morn- cakes with much conversation ing, which was so hot I had to as well. erect gazebos and umbrellas, Because of the generosity of our this year it was patio heaters for friends, we raised £520 in sup- those brave enough to stay out- port of a worthy organisation side. Then it started to rain. and enjoyed a pleasant morning Despite being squashed into my at the same time. bungalow, most people man- Thanks to all who supported aged to sit somewhere and en- the event. joy coffee and home-made

LIBRARIAN GETS TOUGH

Gwyneth will refer all repeat offenders Choir librarian, Gwyneth Pail- ‘... the late return of music can job is not finished. I still have to to the new assistant librarian, Conan in, has been getting increasingly result in fines from libraries, sort it, check it to ensure mark- annoyed over and causes me considerable ings have been rubbed out, and the last few inconvenience and a lot of extra package it up for the post. seasons as a work in chasing up individuals ‘We will therefore be asking number of by phone, email and in person, choir members who miss the members are and dealing with lending librar- deadline by three or more days not returning ies and external choirs. to make a donation of £5 to music on time. ‘The normal date for giving choir funds to cover fines and In a stern music in is the Tuesday follow- any excess postage involved in warning to ing a concert. Return dates vary late return of music.’ choir members, but can be as short as two You have been warned! she writes: weeks after the concert. Once the music is returned to me, my Issue 47 Page 13

CONGRATULATIONS TO JEFF

Everyone at St George’s is both administration of the music And what about the organ delighted and devastated to department in the Cathedral. (well, we had to ask!) It was hear that our wonderful accom- ‘Lincoln Cathedral has a huge built by the great Victorian or- panist, Jeff Makinson, has a music programme,’ says Jeff. gan-builder, Father (Henry) new job – and sadly will have ‘In addition to the girls and Willis, and is recognised as one to leave us. boys choirs, each of which have of the finest organs in Europe. Jeff, who is currently Assistant around 18 members, there are 6 Well-known organists who Organist at Manchester Cathe- lay clerks, 6 choral scholars and have played there include Mar- dral, has been appointed Assis- 4 full-time members. The Min- tin Neary, James O’Donnell, tant Director of Music at Lin- ster School is massive. So and organists coln Cathedral – the place there’s lots more teaching in- from Notre Dame and Cologne where he in fact began his pro- volved than I do now, and cathedrals. (And we must not fessional career as Assistant there’ll be a lot of administra- forget that the most famous of Jeff in familiar mode – on tour Organist from 1995 to 1999. tion. It’ll be challenging, but them all, William Byrd, began with SGS in Prague I’m ready for it.’ his career at Lincoln as organist This time round, though, his and choirmaster.) job at Lincoln promises to be Whilst he will have to give up much more challenging. In his teaching work at Chethams, Jeff takes up his new job to- addition to playing the organ he will be able to continue and wards the end of January, when the Cathedral Organist even expand his solo recital which means he will be with St Colin Walsh is away, he will be career, as the job will give him George’s for our carol concert, directing the Cathedral Girls’ more flexibility. and Singing Day. Fortunately, he is also going to be able to Choir as well as taking joint Jeff knows his new home fairly responsibility for the other join us for our remaining con- well. ‘Lincoln is a vibrant city, certs (Bach Magnificat and Ger- choirs, plus teaching two days a with a new university, but still ontius), as well as coming on week at the Minster School, retains parts of the Roman and tour with us to Germany. and running the day-to-day medieval towns.’ The timing of the new job The glorious nave of Lincoln Cathedral, which many in the Choir will remember fondly couldn’t be more tricky though. from when we sang Evensong there on the way back from our Suffolk tour – which Just a few weeks after he takes happened to be Jeff’s first tour with us. up post, he gets married to Lu- cy on 27 February at Manches- ter Cathedral! So, that’s a new job, a new home, and marriage, all in a month! Whilst we’ll be sad to see him go, we wish Jeff and Lucy enor- mous good luck for their future – and hope the good folk of Lincoln know what a great musician they’re welcoming back into their city.

WHEN IS A CHOIR NOT A CHOIR?

‘Choir’ is the only word in the ‘quyre’. In the 17th century the rather than a ‘choir’. Publishers English language that is written spelling was changed to ‘choir’ know a ‘quire’ as 25 sheets of ‘oir’ but pronounced to mirror the Latin (‘chorus’) paper, or one twentieth of a ‘ire’ [kwʌɪə]. Why is that? and French (‘choeur’) models – ream – derived from the old The word comes from the Old but no one bothered to change term meaning four sheets of French ‘quer’ and entered the the pronunciation, which still parchment folded to form eight English language c1300. It reflects the original spelling. leaves in a mediaeval manu- meant the part of the church The ‘quire’ variant is now pret- script. where the choir sings, and by ty archaic, but is still retained in So, now that everyone is up to the 14th century had come to a few places. Southwell Minster speed on the origin of the word, mean the singers themselves, for example still boasts a ‘quire’ we’ll sing much better as a and was spelled ‘quire’ or in the east end of the cathedral choir! Page 14 Hemiola

A THOUGHT FOR THE DAY BY SARAH LIONHEART I first met Ram Dass [an be and so judge them or are and I can't be just like you – but American spiritual teach- short with them or even ignore isn't it wonderful how we can er] about 25 years ago them if they do not fit our own meet people so different from and was struck by how views of what people/trees ourselves and begin to gain he related so openly and 'should' be like. some insight into what it is like sincerely with everyone One of the things I like about St to not be all the same? that he met. I later saw George's Singers is that we are We have so many different Ruby Wax interview a very diverse bunch of people skills and talents and yet when him and she was so re- brought together by our love of rehearsing and performing we spectful towards him singing and music but we come work brilliantly as a team, all which was unusual for from very different backgrounds giving our best for a common her at that time! and ages, have a variety of jobs aspiration: to create the best This quote about appre- or are retired, have a variety of concert we can. ciating people just they religious/philosophical views Let's continue to appreciate the way they are has helped and yet we all practise trying to variety of 'trees' that we are, the me a lot in life because get along and enjoy each other saplings, the oaks, the willows, we often, without know- just as we are. Not all of you the aspens, the holly and the ing it, want people to be can be like me ('thank god!' I ivy… now that reminds me of a how WE want them to might hear some of you say) song…

BASKET CASES

You don’t expect to find your- cultural and countryside shows, ping and even as cradles. In- MUSICAL MUSINGS self photographed and inter- and also runs courses in wood- deed, swills were part of a large Music is given to us with the viewed by the press when you land skills from his workshop. coppice wood industry in the go shopping, but Bridget and oak woods of the Furness fells: sole purpose of establishing an Each basket is not just an at- John Ovey found themselves in tractive object, but is part of the woodsmen delivered oak order of things, including, and Lancashire Life on a recent trip Owen’s lifestyle. They are and hazel to the swill-makers particularly, the co-ordination to buy John his birthday pre- made from oak trunks. Owen (or ‘swillers’). Swills were also between man and time. sent in the Lake District. takes a log, splits it again and widely exported for use as coal- Igor Stravinsky Local craftsman Owen Jones again into thin pieces, then carriers aboard steam ships. Their use declined rapidly in {Basses and tenors - take note!] maintains a centuries-old tradi- boils them for several hours to tion, making woven wooden make them flexible. They are the post-war years as mechani- baskets called ‘swills’ using then torn into long thin strips, zation and plastics took over, methods that may date back to which can be woven and then however, and now Owen Jones the Viking era. fixed to a hazelwood frame. is one of the few who knows and practises the ancient craft. For years he was the only per- Oak swill baskets are traditional son in the country making the to the southern Lake District. So, what does John use his rustic containers, and he was Their origins are unclear, but swill for? ‘Well’, he says, ‘mine awarded an MBE in the New they evolved as a cottage indus- is used for collecting weeds, of Years Honours try which then expanded into a which there are plenty in our for his services trade in its own right. It is garden, before consigning them to rural crafts. known they were made widely to the green wheelie. The swill On the day Brid- in the Middle Ages, and it is sits very comfortably on the hip get and John thought they may even be of for carrying purposes. The won- visited his work- Viking origin. During the In- derful gardener at my grandpar- shop, the jour- dustrial Revolution there were ents’ home in the Lake District, nalist from Lan- at least six swill shops making whom I used to trail along be- cashire Life was the baskets in Broughton-in- hind as a child, used them. also there, and Furness alone, and they were They are in the blood as far as chatted to them. used on farms, in mines and I’m concerned.’ Owen sells his textile mills, by Morecambe You can find more information baskets in the Bay cocklers, and in the home about Owen and his baskets at summer at agri- for carrying laundry, logs, shop- www.oakswills.co.uk. Issue 47 Page 15

THE NIGHT I DANCED AT THE MOULIN ROUGE BY SYLVIA JOHNSON We were invited to go and stay marriage. Now is probably the half, and with some friends in Brittany right time to say that the friends the couple this summer, and we decided to with whom we intended to stay allocated accept. We discussed various were the parents of our daugh- to the ways of getting there, how long ter-in-law! seats next to stay with them, and how I chatted to the in-laws and was to us soon much time and where to add to told that we were very welcome introduced the holiday. We decided to to still visit, but as there were themselves drive, so we booked ferries several other couples staying – Ameri- there and back, decided to add too, we decided against it. We cans called Paris to the itinerary so booked then had three days to replan Bob and train tickets from a city local to the holiday, bearing in mind the Mary. their gîte, and a hotel in Paris, things which we couldn't Before the and decided to stay with the change, so that we could pre- meal there was a small group friends for a week before Paris sent a plan when we met for and two singers providing en- and two or three days after, lunch. We chose a route, tertainment. Bob was very in- followed by a slow meander booked hotels and continued to sistent that I had to dance with back to the port. plan our Paris stay. him – I am not and never have been a dancer – and in spite of Four weeks before we were The whole holiday worked leaving, and three days before hearty protests on my part, we incredibly well, in spite of the took to the dance floor. There we were meeting the friends for worries we had and the sudden lunch we were completely dev- were two of us dancing a waltz change of plans. We did meet and 798 people watching! I was astated to be told by our young- the in-laws and their other er son that he and his wife were very relieved when the music friends in Dinan and went back stopped, but seemingly I had parting company after eleven to their gîte for a meal. years together, and five years of impressed another gentleman If anyone is interested in We had some brilliant times, who insisted that I danced with but the memory that will al- him. I again tried to decline but auditioning as a dancer at the ways remain with me is danc- he was having none of it. It Moulin Rouge, the criteria are: ing at the Moulin Rouge! transpired that he was a profes- women must be at least 5’9”, sional dancer, a dance teacher We had booked online for a have a slim graceful figure and meal and a show, and I was and a judge at international really looking forward to it. We competitions! I think my tech- bright personality; men should made sure the tickets were in nique improved slightly with be 6’1”, have a well- order in the afternoon and him, but the show dancers did- proportioned muscled body and n't ask me to join them. I don't joined the queue at 6.30 pm as great stage presence. So, pretty instructed. We were shown to think they had a costume to fit our table right next to the stage, me – but I do think they might representative of SGS then … which have missed an opportunity. Oh, and you have to be able to Sylvia wondered if her costume pleased My dancing days were short- dance. could be adapted for our next my better lived but very memorable. concert

OUR NEW ONLINE CHARITY SHOP

St George’s Singers’ online of charge) and identify the charity page the retailer you fundraising shop has moved cause you wish to support. To buy from will make a donation from Spend and Raise to Easy- do this: to the Choir. You can also ac- fundraising. 1. Log on to our charity page at cess it from the choir website. The two organisations have www.easyfundraising.org.uk A more detailed guide on how merged to provide a bigger and /causes/st-georges-singers. to use the site to maximize our better service, more retailers, 2. Click on ‘support our cause’. fundraising is being produced, better search functions, more and will be available on the offers and discounts and higher 3. Complete your personal Choir website soon. donations from some retailers. registration details (just your name and email address). This is a tremendous way to You will find the new shop at raise money for St George’s Then start shopping! Every www.easyfundraising.org.uk. Singers – and does not cost you time you shop through our You will have to register (free a penny. What’s not to like! St George’s Singers

For more information, please contact:

Andrea Millington (Chair), 01924 694668 [email protected]

Jacqui Smith (Secretary), 01625 533779 [email protected]

Hemiola Editor: Susan Hodgson [email protected]

St George’s Singers was formed in 1956 by Rev Eric Chapman and Geoffrey Ver- ney, organist and choirmaster of St George’s Church, Poynton in Cheshire, where the Choir still rehearses every Tuesday night. Geoffrey’s dream was to build a community choir, capable of performing major choral works to a high standard Find us on the web at: and which would attract singers and audiences from neighbouring towns. Geof- www.st-georges- frey died in 1964, but his legacy was nurtured by his successors Duncan Eyre, Ray singers.org.uk. Lomax and Stephen Williams, and is continued by our present Musical Director, To receive a regular copy of Hemiola, Neil Taylor. St George’s Singers is now recognised as one of the leading and complete the Mailing List registration on the most innovative choirs in the North West of England, performing an astonish- website, or contact the Publicity Officer. ingly varied repertoire, and with around 100 members drawn from an area far beyond the community of Poynton. We present at least four major concerts a year, in venues including The , Monastery, Manchester Cathedral and Royal Northern College of Music, hold annual Singing Days, and tour regularly in the UK and abroad. St George’s Singers continues to explore and expand the boundaries of choral music, and communicating the sheer enjoy- ment of singing together. Entry to the Choir is via audition, and new members are welcome to come along to rehearsals at any time.

SINGING DAY 2015

Our Singing Day next January Cara Cullen was one of the performance at 6.00 pm. ST GEORGE’S CONCERT DIARY offers a double bill of classical wonderful soloists last year in Lunch is available (soup and 2014/15 choral music. On Saturday 17 the Beethoven; Timothy Lang- sandwiches) for £4, whilst tea, January, Neil will be rehears- ston joined us for the 2013 Sing- coffee and cakes are included 15 November 2014, 7.30 pm ing St George’s Singers, along ing Day in Puccini’s Messa di in the price of the day – which Requiem for the Fallen with around 160 visit- Gloria; and at £22 is an absolute bargain ing singers, in Mo- Jonathan for a wonderful day’s vocal zart’s Coronation Mass Ainscough tuition, and a chance to sing 6 December 2014, 7.00 pm and Haydn’s Te Deum. two of the great choral Carols and Brass by Candlelight classics. As usual, there will be a public performance Places on the Singing Day 7 March 2015, 7.30 pm of the two works at go quickly, so if you know Bach Magnificat, Buxtehude the end of the day, anyone who wants to come Membra Jesu nostri and this year all the along, tell them to book soloists are making a soon. For information and very welcome return to book a place, email 21 June 2015, 7.30 pm sang bass in visit to St George’s. We all gillian.m.banks@ gmail. Elgar The Dream of Gerontius the Mozart remember soprano Ella Taylor com, tel: 01925 213949, or Requiem in when she sang with us in the download a booking form 2012. Ticket Hotline: 01663 764012 Fauré Requiem, and performed from our website: www.st- [email protected] the beautiful Poulenc songs, The Singing Day starts with georges-singers.org.uk. Fiançailles pour rire. Contralto registration at 9.30 am, with the