1 WATFORD PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY Registered Charity No. 272393 Promoting the Art of Music www.watfordphilharmonic.co.uk
President Antony Hopkins CBE Committee Vice President Richard Baker CBE Judy Newton-Davies Frances Pyatt Conductor Emeritus Graham Garton Heather Russell Conductor Terry Edwards Tim Venner Leader Jeanne Mann Rehearsal Accompanist Rosemary Venner
Chairman Marian Heath Ticket Sales Vice Chairman David Pollak WPS Ticket Secretary Treasurer Geoffrey Williams 36 Shakespeare St Watford WD24 5HF Secretary Kate Wilkins Tel: 07546 112 321 20 Longman Close Watford or from WD18 8WP Watford Colosseum Concert Manager Diana Jefkins Tel: 0845 075 3993
Watford Philharmonic Society (WPS) was founded in 1935 under the baton of the great Sir Henry Wood. It comprises an amateur choir and orchestra and is one of the few joint amateur musical societies in the country. Total membership is around 170.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Watford Philharmonic Society acknowledges with thanks the contribution made by our guest orchestral players. Photograph of Terry Edwards on page two courtesy of Clive Barda.
Programme edited by Judith Bruni and Alan Bannister and published by Watford Philharmonic Society.
2 Watford Philharmonic Society Choir and Orchestra Conductor-Terry Edwards; Leader Jeanne Mann Wendy Nieper - Soprano Njabulo Madlala - Baritone James Sherlock -Piano An Evening with George Gershwin
Girl Crazy Overture By George Gershwin, published by Gershwin Music Watford Philharmonic Orchestra
Feel the Spirit By John Rutter, published by Collegium Music Publications Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho, Steal Away, I Got a Robe, Sometimes I feel like a Motherless Child, Deep River, When the Saints Go Marching In Watford Philharmonic Choir and Orchestra, Soprano & Baritone soloists
Rhapsody in Blue By George Gershwin, orchestration by Ferdie Grofe, published by Chappell and Co Ltd Watford Philharmonic Orchestra & Piano soloist
INTERVAL
Porgy and Bess Music by George Gershwin, Lyrics by Dubose and Dorothy Hayward & Ira Gershwin, Arranged by Robert Russell Bennett by arrangement with Warner / Chappell Music Ltd, administered by Boosey and Hawkes Watford Philharmonic Choir & Orchestra, Soprano & Baritone soloists
Summertime - Soprano Bess, You Is My Woman Now- Soprano, A Woman is a Sometime Thing - Baritone Baritone and Chorus Oh I Can’t Sit Down - Chorus Gone, Gone, Gone - Chorus I Ain’t Got No Shame - Chorus Overflow - Chorus It Ain’t Necessarily So- Baritone & Chorus My Man’s Gone Now - Soprano There’s a Boat Dat’s Leavin’- Baritone The Promised Land - Soprano & Chorus Lawd I’m On My Way- Baritone, Soprano I Got Plenty o’ Nuttin’- Baritone and Chorus
1 TERRY EDWARDS – Conductor
modern house was unveiled to the delight of the staff and the public. In the early 1980's he formed the professional Choir – London Voices. As director of that choir ever since he has provided choral singing of the very highest class in all manner of styles not only in the United Kingdom but throughout Europe, Scandinavia and even the United States of America. London Voices have appeared on over two hundred records, including recital discs with solo artists Luciano Pavarotti, Ute Lemper, Bryn Terfel, Angela Gheorghiu and Renée Fleming. Terry Edwards is proud of his association as requested chorus master for composers including John Adams, the late Gyorgy Ligeti and Luciano Berio, and world famous conductors including Christoph von Dohnanyi, Bernard Haitink and Sir Simon Rattle. ondon born, Terry Edwards studied at London Voices can be heard on the Trinity College of Music. His first post soundtracks of over thirty films including L was as Music Teacher at three of the Star Wars,Series, four of Harry Rickmansworth Grammar School. He left Potter, all three of The Lord of the Rings, A the teaching profession in 1964, the year Christmas Carol and War Horse. he represented Great Britain at basketball The trilogy of The Lord of the Rings is in the Olympic Games. Since that time in a now performed throughout the world with distinguished career he has earned a the score played and sung live with reputation as one of Europe's most London Voices having been involved in experienced Chorus Masters and Choral three performances at the Royal Albert Hall Conductors. and having provided soloists for He was the Chorus Director at the Royal performances in Spain, Australia and Chile. Opera House, Covent Garden for twelve Terry became conductor of the Watford years until 2004. During those twelve years Philharmonic Society in 2006 since when he he provided the chorus for a large number has conducted performances of several of of operas while under the overall the major oratorios including the Brahms, directorship of first Bernard Haitink and Fauré, Mozart and Verdi Requiems, subsequently Antonio Pappano. The Opera Carmina Burana by Carl Orff and the House closed for renovation for over a year opera Carmen by Bizet. around 2000 and Terry Edwards was privileged to be present when the new
2 Soprano – WENDY NIEPER
endy has been interviewed on BBC Radio 4’s Women’s Hour & WRadio 3's In-Tune, as she rather unusually released two solo albums of music from two different genres in one year; classical and jazz. The launch of her jazz album First Flight was signed to First Hand Records and received a sold out performance in London’s famous Pizza Express Jazz Club. As a classical singer Wendy has appeared with many leading orchestras, including the Berlin Philharmonic, Tonhalle Orchestra, the Tokyo and American Symphony Orchestras, the London Sinfonietta and the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra, a performance recorded for Deutsche Gramophone and described by the Telegraph as an "Exceptionally fine release." In Opera she’s performing Stockhausen’s Mittwoch aus Licht for the Olympic celebrations in Mendelssohn Elijah, Poulenc Gloria, B’ham 2012, and previously in the Royal Haydn Nelson Mass, Handel Messiah, National Theatre's three month Vivaldi Gloria, Rutter Magnificat, production of Women Beware Women. Beethoven Mass in C, Bach St Matthew's As a jazz singer Wendy has sung Passion, Magnificat in D & the Christmas with many of the country's leading jazz Oratorio & Faure’s Requiem. musicians including performances in Previously she spent five years London with Digby Fairweather and touring with a cappella group The Denys Baptiste, at the Southend Swingle Singers, with whom she recorded International Jazz festival with Dame five albums and sang at La Scala, Milan Cleo Laine, for the British Jazz Foundation and Chatelet, Paris. in Harlow, the Jazz Cafe in London, and the Stables in Wavendon. Wendy works She was vocal coach to Michael regularly with singer-songwriter-guitarist Caine on his film Is Anybody There? and Valentin Gerlier, touring in Italy, Austria & has featured vocals on the last 3 Total the UK, including a performance at Greek Yoghurt adverts playing a singing Florence's beautiful Theatre Del Sale. cow! Her studio work includes recording for Bryn Terfel, Paul McCartney and She is a regular concert soloist Robin Gibbs, film sound tracks including around the UK and as well as recitals has Star Wars III, Lord of the Rings, and Harry performed most of the oratorio Potter. repertoire: Mozart Mass in C minor, Exsultate Jubilate & Requiem,
3 NJABULO MADLALA – Baritone
Drama and the Cardiff International Academy of Voice. He is also a Samling Scholar.
Recent highlights have included the Opera Highlights tour for Scottish Opera, Scarpia Tosca for Grange Park Opera ‘Rising Stars’, Master of the Thames Boat Heart of Darkness for ROH2, Beethoven Choral Symphony with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Messiah with the Philharmonia Orchestra, Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen for the LPO’s Foyles First series conducted by Vladimir Jurowski and recitals at the Cheltenham and Lugo Festivals.
inner of the 2010 Kathleen Ferrier Competition, the W Singer Sections Final at the Engagements in 2012 / 2013 2012 Royal Overseas League include the title role in Don Giovanni Competition, the 2012 Lorna Viol for Mid Wales Opera, The Memorial Prize and Royal Overseas Kammersinger Intermezzo at the League Trophy for the Most Buxton Festival, Mozart Requiem Outstanding Musician From with London Mozart Players, Overseas, the Sir John Manduell Gathering Wave at the 2012 Three Award for an Outstanding South Choirs Festival, Belshazzar’s Feast at African Musician and a 2012 the 2013 Three Choirs Festival and Worshipful Company of Musicians recitals at the Buxton, Gower and Award, Njabulo Madlala was born Mananan Festivals. in South Africa. He studied at the Guildhall School of Music and
4 Piano Soloist –JAMES SHERLOCK
erforming widely as a song accompanist, chamber P musician, soloist and conductor, James Sherlock regularly appears at festivals throughout the UK and abroad. In recent years these have included the City of London, Edinburgh Fringe, Leeds International, Harrogate, Ryedale, Chelsea Schubert, La Folle Journée, Music Festivals at Sea, the Barbican, Queen Elizabeth and Wigmore Halls, alongside visits to the USA, Japan, South Africa and Brazil.
James studied at Trinity College, Cambridge and at the Guildhall School of Music. As a song accompanist he has studied with Helmut Deutsch, Graham Johnson, for their Young Artist Programmes. Julius Drake, Roger Vignoles, He is winner of the Royal Overseas Angelika Kirchschlager, Elly Ameling, League Piano Competition, BBC Robert Holl, Anne Sofie von Otter Fame Academy (now BBC and Ian Bostridge. Working with Performing Arts Trust), and Gold many of today's leading young Medallist at the Marcello Galanti singers and instrumentalists, he has International Organ Competition. performed and recorded with vocal Conducting highlights include The groups Tenebrae, Voces 8 and Marriage of Figaro, Monteverdi's Blake, and with the London 1610 Vespers with I Fagiolini, and Symphony Orchestra. workshops with choirs of up to 200 voices. He is a Samling Scholar, and Director of Music at Hampstead In 2012 he was selected by Parish Church. Making Music and Park Lane Group
5 JEANNE MANN – Leader
n her work as a freelance orchestral Following studies at The Royal violinist and sometime violist Jeanne Academy of Music, with the great violin I Mann enjoys the great variety of professors Sidney Griller and his protégé musical styles performed and Howard Davis, Jeanne started hopes to encourage amateur a successful string teaching players to participate in and practice. Working with both gain enjoyment from orchestral children and adults, her playing. teaching incorporates a Performing with The mixture of the classical Pemberley Players, a group of repertoire and traditional five musicians specialising in music from around the world social dance music from the reflecting her wide musical 17th and 18th centuries, Jeanne taste. plays music for dancing at large Jeanne has also played a events such as A Regency Ball held at major part in organising with conductor the Bath Assembly Room. These large Terry Edwards the highly successful WPS scale dance events usually take place in Mozart in Herts workshops in which Don stately homes which links in with Jeanne's Giovanni and Marriage of Figaro among interest in the social history of the period. other operas are being performed.
6 7 GEORGE GERSHWIN MUSIC NOTES
songs are Lady Be Good, Someone To Watch Over Me, Strike Up The Band, Let's Call The Whole Thing Off. The classical world quickly recognised Gershwin's talent. There is an account of him visiting Ravel in Paris with a view to taking composition lessons – Gershwin was very serious about composing and had studied the music of Debussy, Ravel and Berg, among others. Ravel asked him how much money he was making from his music. On hearing the reply, Ravel said that he thought he should be taking lessons from Gershwin. Gershwin was the greatest musical talent to have emerged in America in the first half of the 20th century. Arguably, the second half elcome to our 2013 Summer belongs to Leonard Bernstein. concert in the Watford Tragically, he died at the age of WColosseum and to a 39 from a brain tumour, leaving a legacy celebration (mainly) of the music of of orchestral, instrumental, and operatic George Gershwin. If you were asked to music; and of course a wealth of great nominate a composer whose music best songs. represented, or embodied the twentieth Overture: Girl Crazy century, Gershwin's name would be high The musical, 'Girl Crazy' opened on the list. His music expressed the Jazz on Broadway in October, 1930. It was an Age – the twenties. The World War had immediate success and made stars of ended and this was when American both Ginger Rogers and Ethel Merman. power, wealth and industry boomed. Songs such as Embraceable You and I The music of the time expressed all this Got Rhythm, (heard in the overture, and the great development was the among others), propelled these blending of art music with traditional jazz performers to enduring fame. Also, on and the blues. the opening night the orchestra pit had George Gershwin (1898 – 1937) its own star performers such as Benny was born in Brooklyn, New York, the Goodman, Gene Krupa, Glenn Miller second son of Russian Jewish and Tommy Dorsey. The show has been immigrants. His older brother was Ira who adapted for film several times, notably in wrote the lyrics for many of his greatest 1943 with Mickey Rooney and Judy successes. At age 15 he dropped out of Garland. school and started playing the piano in Feel The Spirit: bars and clubs. His prodigious talent was A collection of Spirituals arranged by soon in evidence with the songs he John Rutter. wrote for a sequence of successful John Rutter (b. 1945) is a prolific Broadway productions. Among these composer of mainly choral music. Born
8 MUSIC NOTES cont’d and educated in London, he studied Porgy and Bess music at Cambridge and has had As happens so often, it is in music outstanding success as a composer, and the arts that society's arranger and conductor. His reputation unacknowledged problems first surface is world-wide, especially in the US. and confront us. Here the lives of This collection of spirituals shows African-Americans, the descendants of how well the jazz and blues idiom has slaves, are portrayed a generation made its way into Europe. Among them before the protest movements of the are some perennial favourites: Steal sixties, or Martin Luther King. Originally Away, and especially Deep River, conceived by Gershwin as a 'folk-opera', express something of the collective grief the action is set in the Deep South, in the of generations of slavery and the longing fictitious Catfish Row in Charleston, South for a better life: “My home is over Carolina. Not only does it portray Jordan...... I want to cross over into camp poverty and deprivation and has a ground...... that promised land where all tragic ending, but the plot is predicated is peace”. Less well known but on sexual possessiveness, murder and conveying the same mood is Sometimes drugs: a challenging brew for American I Feel Like A Motherless Child. In contrast, urban society of the 1930s. First Joshua Fit De Battle of Jericho and I Got produced in 1935, this was a daring and A Robe are lively and optimistic. The risky subject for an opera, or musical: the group finishes with the best known of all, dramatic situations are realistic and the When The Saints Go Marching In. But characters are believable, with no hint even here, the yearning for a better of stereotyping; no Uncle Tom, or even future is evident: “When the revelation Uncle Remus. Possibly for these reasons, comes.....when the new world is the work was not accepted in the USA revealed, I want to be in that number”. as a legitimate opera until a landmark Rhapsody in Blue production in 1976. Musical theatre in In the recent TV series, The Story of the US didn't see anything similar until Music, the presenter, Howard Goodall West Side Story in the 1950s. (he of The Vicar of Dibley music), picked Whatever controversies the opera out Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue as one may have attracted, the music had, and of the most influential compositions of still has, an immediate and very powerful the early 20th century. It was first impact. Some of the songs have performed in February 1924 with become separated from the opera and Gershwin at the piano. The combination have entered the mainstream of of a classical format – a piano concerto popularity: numbers such as – with jazz rhythms and blues harmonies Summertime, I Got Plenty o' Nuttin', and made an enormous impact. The rising It Ain't Necessarily So are loved the world clarinet glissando at the start takes us over. It is a tribute to the music that these straight into the modern age which songs seem to belong equally to the cannot be other than 20th century popular and classical worlds. America. Gershwin wrote the piece in a The hero, Porgy, is a black beggar hurry, in part while he was on a train living in the slums of Charleston, South journey and the clackety-clack sounds Carolina. He is crippled and can only of a train are evident in the score. move around on his little goat cart. INTERVAL 20 minutes Much of the plot deals with his attempts 9 MUSIC NOTES CONTD attempts to rescue Bess from the board the boat for the neighbourhood clutches of Crown, her violent and picnic on a nearby island (Oh, I Can't Sit possessive lover and from Sportin' Life, Down). the local drug dealer. On the island, the people sing I The opening number is about the ain't Got no Shame and Sportin' Life best known: Clara sings a lullaby - takes a satirical poke at organised Summertime - to her baby. Her husband religion – It Ain't Necessarily So. As they Jake also tries to calm the child – A get ready to leave for the mainland, Woman is a Sometime Thing. Later, after Crown suddenly appears and seizes a crap game that ends in a fight and Bess. He has been hiding out on the the death of Robbins (one of the island since he killed Robbins. Bess players) at the hands of Bess' lover eventually escapes back to Porgy. There Crown, the local inhabitants collect is a hurricane in which Clara and Jake money to give Robbins a proper funeral lose their lives, but Crown survives. (Gone, Gone Gone) as his widow Crown returns, confronts Porgy, who, Serena mourns his passing - My Man's against all the odds, kills him. Porgy is Gone Now. At the funeral, Bess, who has arrested; Sportin'Life convinces Bess that taken refuge with Porgy, sings Leavin' for Porgy won't be coming back; he gives the Promised Land. her “happy dust” (cocaine) and they A month later Porgy. who is a prepare to leave for New York (There's a changed man since Bess came to live Boat That's Leavin' Soon). Porgy returns with him, love can happen, sings of his and is distraught at not finding Bess. life – I Got Plenty o’ Nuttin’. Recognising Ignoring the suggestion that he forget the couple's happiness, the community her, Porgy also prepares to leave for decides to buy a divorce from Crown. New York (without knowing where it is), Porgy sings Bess You is my Woman Now in order to find Bess. I'm on My Way ends and Bess and the rest of Catfish Row the drama. Graham Wheeler
Come and Perform with Watford Philharmonic Visit www.watfordphilharmonic.co.uk for more details
Membership of the choir is open to all. There are no formal auditions; however musical ability is assessed informally during rehearsals. The Society holds four main concerts a year when it is joined by some professional soloists and some professional orchestral players. A number of smaller musical and social events are also held around these concerts, Visit www.watfordphilharmonic.co.uk for details
CHOIR ORCHESTRA We have vacancies in all parts, but We have vacancies for string and brass especially for tenors and basses. players, who need to be For details, contact our of at least Grade 8 standard. Secretary for New Members on For details, contact our 01923 805 242. Orchestra Membership Secretary, on 01923 284 320
10 AN EVENING WITH GEORGE GERSHWIN FEATURING RHAPSODY IN BLUE AND PORGY AND BESS WITH JOIHN RUTTER’S FEEL THE SPIRIT
GIRL CRAZY OVERTURE Hallelujah, Jericho, Joshua fit the battle of Jericho By George Gershwin, and And the walls come tumbling’ down, published by Gershwin Music down, down, The walls come tumblin’ down.
Watford Philharmonic Orchestra Steal Away Soloist and Chorus: FEEL THE SPIRIT Steal away, steal away, steal away to Jesus; By John Rutter, published by Steal away, steal away home, I ain’t got long to stay here Collegium Music Publications Steal away, steal away, steal away to Jesus, Watford Philharmonic Choir and Steal away. Steal away home I ain’t got long to stay here. Orchestra, Soprano and Baritone soloists My Lord he calls me, He calls me by the thunder; Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho The trumpet sounds within my soul; Chorus: I ain’t got long to stay here. Joshua fit the battle of Jericho, Steal away, etc. Oh Green trees are bending, Jericho, Jericho, Poor sinner stands a-trembling; Joshua fit the battle of Jericho and the walls The trumpet sounds within my soul; come tumblin’ down. I ain’t got long to stay here. You may talk about your king of Gideon, Hallelujah Lord, I ain’t got long to stay here. You may talk about your man of Saul; There’s Steal away etc. none like good old Joshua At the battle of Jericho. I Gotta Robe Well, up to the walls of Jericho Soloist and Chorus: He marched with spear in hand: I got a robe, you got a robe, All of God’s children got a robe ‘Go blow those ram horns’ Joshua cried, ’Cos When I get to heaven gonna put on my robe, the battle is in my hand.’ Gonna shout all over God’s heaven, Joshua fought that battle, so the Bible say; heaven, heaven, And the walls come tumblin’ down: Everybody talkin’ ‘bout heaven ain’t going Great day! there, heaven, heaven, Gonna shout all over God’s heaven. Oh Joshua fit the battle of Jericho, etc. I gotta shoes, you gotta shoes, Then the lam ram sheep horns ‘gin to blow, All God’s children gotta sshoe; Trumpets begin to soun’, When I get to heaven gonna put on my shoes, Joshua commanded the children to shout Gonna walk all over God’s heaven, And the walls come tumblin’ down heaven, heaven, Everybody talkin’ ‘bout heaven ain’tgoin’there Oh Joshua fit the battle of Jericho etc.
11 FEEL THE SPIRIT
Gonna walk all over God’s heaven. When the Saints go I gotta harp, you gotta harp, Marching In All of God’s children gotta harp. Chorus: When I get to heaven gonna play on my harp, Glory, glory hallelujah! The saints go Gonna play all over God’s heaven, Heaven, heaven, marching in. Everybody’s talkin’ ‘bout heaven ain’t Oh when the saints go marching in: going there, Oh when the saints go marching in: Gonna play all over God’s heaven Oh Lord I want to be in that number, Oh I got a crown, you gotta crown, When the saints go marching in. all of God’s children gotta crown, When I get to Heaven gonna put on And when the revelation comes, my crown, And when the revelation comes: Gonna shine all over God’s heaven, Oh Lord I want to be in that number, heaven, heaven , When the revelation comes. Everybody’s talkin’ ‘bout heaven ain’t going Oh when the new world is revealed, there, gonna shine all over God’s heaven. Oh when the new world is revealed: Sometimes I Feel like a O Lord I want to be in that number, Motherless Child When the new world is revealed. Soloist and Chorus: Oh when they gather round the throne, Sometimes I feel like a motherless child, Oh when they gather round the throne, Sometimes I feel like a motherless child, Oh Lord I want to be in that number Sometimes I feel like a motherless child When they gather round the throne. A long ways from home, Hallelujah, brothers, Hallelujah sisters! Sometimes I feel like a motherless child etc Hear the music going round and a round, True believer, true believer, a long ways from While the saints go marching up into glory, home, a long ways from home. Oh hear those angel trumpets sound! Sometimes I feel like I’m almost gone And when they crown him King of Kings, Sometimes I feel like I’m almost gone And when they crown him King of Kings, Sometimes I feel like I’m almost gone, Oh Lord I want to be in that number A long ways from home, When they crown him King of Kings. a long ways from home, And when the sun no more will shine, True believer, true believer, a long ways from And when the sun no more will shine, home, a long ways from home. Oh Lord I want to be in that number When the sun no more will shine. Deep River And when the moon has turned to blood, And when the moon has turned to blood, Soloist and Chorus: Oh Lord I want to be in that number when the Deep river, my home is over Jordan; moon has turned to blood. Deep River, Lord: I want to cross over into And on that hallelujah day, camp ground. And on that hallelujah day Deep river, etc. Oh Lord I want to be in that number on that Oh don’t you want to go to that Gospel feast, hallelujah day. That promised land where all is peace. Hallelujah bothers, hallelujah sisters! Deep river, etc Hear the music going round and around,
12 RHAPSODY IN BLUE
While the saints go marching up into glory, Rhapsody in Blue Oh hear those angel trumpets sound!. By George Gershwin, orchestration by Oh when the saints go marching in, Lord oh when the saints go marching right in, Ferdie Grofe Oh Lord I want to be in that number, Published by Chappell & Co. Ltd Oh when the saints , oh when they go, oh Watford Philharmonic Orchestra and when they march, they’re singin’ a- ‘glory, Piano Soloist glory hallelujah’ .Yeah! INTERVAL—20 minutes
PORGY AND BESS
PORGY AND BESS Summertime, (Bennett Concert Version) And the livin' is easy Music by George Gershwin, lyrics by Fish are jumpin' Dubose and Dorothy Hayward, and Ira And the cotton is high Gershwin. Arranged by Robert Russell Bennett by Your daddy's rich arrangement with Warner / Chappell And your mamma's good lookin' So hush little baby Introduction Don't you cry
Summertime A Woman is a sometime thing Soloist: Summertime, Soloist and Chorus: And the livin' is easy Listen to yo' daddy warn you Fish are jumpin' 'Fore you start a-traveling And the cotton is high Woman may born you, love you and mourn you
But a woman is a sometime thing Your daddy's rich Yes a woman is a sometime thing And your mamma's good lookin' So hush little baby Yo' mammy is the first to name you Don't you cry An’ she'll tie you to her apron string Then she'll shame you and she'll blame you Till yo' woman comes to claim you One of these mornings 'Cause a woman is a sometime thing You're going to rise up singing Yes a woman is a sometime thing Then you'll spread your wings And you'll take to the sky Don't you never let a woman grieve you Jus' 'cause she got yo' weddin' ring She'll love you an’ deceive you But till that morning Then she'll take yo' clothes and leave you There's a'nothing can harm you ‘Cause a woman is a sometime thing With daddy and mamma Standing by. Yes a woman is a sometime thing.
13 PORGY AND BESS
Gone Gone Gone Send down yo’ angels Lawd oh Lawd Soloist and Chorus: Lawd oh Lawd, send down yo’ blessing Where is brother Robbins? Everybody helpin now He’s a-gone, gone, gone, gone, gone, Sendin’ our brudder to heaven. gone, gone. Robbins is risin’ oh Robbins is risin’, I seen him in de mornin’ wid his night clo’es on, But he’s gone, gone, gone, gone, gone, oh Robbins is risin’ to Heaven. gone, gone. Lawd, take Robbins to yo’ heaven An’ I seen him in de noon-time straight an’ tall. Till it overflow, Lawd will fill de saucer But death a-come a-walkin’ in the evenin’ fall Lawd fill de saucer till it overflow, overflow! An’ he’s gone, gone, gone, gone, gone, gone, gone. My Man's Gone Now An’ death touched Robbins wid a silver knife. Soloist: My man's gone now An’ he’s gone, gone. gone. gone. gone. My man's gone now gone, gone. Ain't no use a listenin' An’ he’s sittin’ in de garden by de tree of life For his tired footsteps An’ he’s gone, gone, gone, gone, gone, Climbin' up the stairs. gone, gone, Old man sorrow's Oh he’s gone. Robbins is gone. Come to keep me company Oooh, gone, gone, gone, gone. Whisperin' beside me
When I say my prayers Overflow When I say my prayers Soloist and Chorus: He come around Come on sister, come on brother, He come up, he come around. Fill up de saucer till it overflow, overflow, Ain't that I mind workin' overflow Workin' means travellers Fill up de saucer, overflow. Journeyin' together Yes, my Jesus, overflow. To the promised land. Solo: ‘Cause de Lawd will meet you, But old man sorrow`s Yes de Lawd will meet you at de Mountin' all the way with me court-house do’, Tell' me that I'm old now Chorus: Courthouse do’, courthouse do’, Since I lose my man De Lawd will meet you at de courthouse do’, Since I lose my man Yes my Jesus, courthouse do’. Since I lose my man. Old man sorrow’s Overflow, overflow, Sitting by the fireside, Oh fill up de saucer till it overflow. Lying all night long by me in the bed Everybody helpin’now Telling me the same thing morning, noon and Sendin’ our brudder to Heaven, evening, That I’m all alone now since my man is dead. Send down yo’ angels Lawd oh Lawd! Ah, since my man is dead. Robbins is risin’ oh Robbins is risin’ Oh Robbins is rising to Heaven. Promised Land Oh Lawd, send down yo’ blessing! Soloist and Chorus: Overflow, overflow, oh fill up de saucer Oh the train is at the station till it overflow. An’ you better get on board ‘cause it’s Everybody helpin’ now, sendin’ our brudder to leavin’ today, Leavin’ today, leavin’ today, Heaven. Oh the train is at the station an’ you Oh Lawd, oh Lawd, better get on board
14 .
PORGY AND BESS
‘Cause we’re leavin’ today an’ we’re Oh, I got plenty o' nuttin' headin’ for the Promise’ Lan’ And nuttin's plenty for me Oh we’re leavin’ for the Promis’ Lan’ I got a gal, got my song Keep dat drivin’ wheel a-rollin’ rollin’ rollin’ Got Hebben the whole day long rollin’ rollin’ rollin’ let it roll No use complaining Until we meet our brudder in the Promis’ Lan’ Got my gal, got my Lawd In the Promis’ Lan’. Got my song. Oh, I got my ticket ready an’ de time is getting’ short, Oh, I got plenty o' nuttin' Cause we’re leavin’ today, leavin’ today, And nuttin's plenty for me, leavin’ today an’ we’re I got the sun, got the moon headin’ for the Promise’ Lan’. Got the deep blue sea. Leavin’for the Promise’ Lan’. De foks wid plenty o' plenty Leavin’ for the Promise’ Lan’ Got to pray all de day Keep dat drivin’ wheel a-rollin’ rollin’ rollin’ Seems wid plenty you sure got to worry rollin’ rollin’let it roll How to keep the debbel away Until we meet our brudder in the Promise’ Lan’. Away
Bess You Is My Woman Now I Got Plenty o’ Nuttin’ Porgy: Bess, you is my woman now, Soloist: Oh, I got plenty o' nuttin' you is, you is! And nuttin's plenty for me An' you mus' laugh an' sing an' dance I got no car, got no mule for two instead of one. I got no misery. Want no wrinkle on yo' brow, De folks wid plenty o' plenty Nohow, Got a lock on de door Because de sorrow of de past is all done 'Fraid somebody's a-goin' to rob 'em done While dey's out a-makin' more, Oh, Bess, my Bess! What for? I got no lock on de door Bess: Porgy, I's yo' woman now, Dat's no way to be I is, I is! Dey kin steal de rug from de floor An' I ain't never goin' nowhere 'less you Dat's okeh wid me shares de fun. 'Cause de things dat I prize Dere's no wrinkle on my brow, Like de stars in de skies Nohow, All are free But I ain't goin'! You hear me sayin', I ain't frettin 'bout hell If you ain' goin', wid you I'm stayin'! 'Till de time arrive Porgy, I's yo' woman now! Never worry long as I'm well I's yours forever - Never one to strive Mornin' time an' evenin' time an' To be good, to be bad summer time an' winter time. What the hell I is glad I's alive Porgy: Mornin' time an' evenin' time an' Oh, I got plenty o' nuttin' summer time an' winter time. And nuttin's plenty for me Bess, you got yo' man. I got a gal, got my song Bess, you is my woman now and forever. Got Hebben the whole day long Dis life is jes' begun, No use complaining Bess, we two is one Got my gal, got my Lawd Now an' forever. Got my song. Oh Bess don’ min’ dose women.
15 PORGY AND BESS
Oh, I Can't Sit Down To read in de Bible, Chorus: It ain't necessarily so. I can't sit down Li'l David was small, but oh my ! Oh I can't sit down Li'l David was small, but oh my ! Got to keep a goin' like the flowin' of a song. He fought Big Goliath Oh I can't sit down Who lay down an' dieth ! Guess I'll take my honey an' her sunny smile Li'l David was small, but oh my ! along. Wadoo, zim bam boddle-oo, Today I’s gay an' I's free Hoodle ah da wa da, Je’s a bubblin,' nothin' troubblin' me Scatty wah ! Oh I’s gwine to town. Yeah !... I can't sit down. Oh Jonah, he lived in de whale, Happy feelin' in my bones a’stealin', Oh Jonah, he lived in de whale, no concealin' Fo' he made his home in Dat it’s picnic day! Dat fish's abdomen. Sho’ is dandy, got de licker handy Oh Jonah, he lived in de whale. Me an' Mandy, we is on de way ‘cause dis is pic-nic day. Li'l Moses was found in a stream. Li'l Moses was found in a stream. Oh I can't sit down He floated on water Gotta keep a jumpin' to de thumpin' Till Ol' Pharaoh's daughter, of de drum! She fished him, she says, from dat stream. Oh I can't sit down! Full of locomotion like an ocean full of rum! Wadoo etc.
Today I’s gay an' I's free It ain't necessarily so Jes’ a bubblin' nothin' troubblin' me It ain't necessarily so. Oh I's gwine' to town. Dey tells all you chillun I can't , jes can’t sit down! De debble's a villun, I can't sit down! But it ain't necessarily so !
I Ain’t Got No Shame To get into Hebben Don' snap for a sebben ! Chorus: Live clean ! Don' have no fault ! I ain’t got no shame Oh, I takes dat gospel Doin’ what I like to do, Whenever it's pos'ble, I ain’t got no shame But wid a grain of salt. Doin’ what I like to do. Sun ain’t got no shame, Methus'lah lived nine hundred years, moon ain’t got no shame, Methus'lah lived nine hundred years, So I ain’t got no shame doin’ what I like to do. But who calls dat livin' When no gal will give in To no man what's nine hundred years ? It Ain’t Necessarily So I'm preachin' dis sermon to show, Soloist and Chorus: It ain't nessa-ain't nessa It ain't necessarily so, Ain't nessa-ain't nessa It ain't necessarily so, Ain't necessarily ... so ! The t'ings dat yo' li'ble
16 PORGY AND BESS
There’s a Boat That’s Leavin’ Soon Come along wid me, Hey dat's de place, Soloists: Don't be a fool, come along, come along. There's a boat dat's There's a boat dat's leavin' soon for New York leavin' soon for New York. Come wid me, dat's where we belong, sister, Come wid me, dat's where Dat's where we belong! Come on, Bess! we belong, sister. You low, crawlin' hound! You an' me kin live dat high life in New York. Get away from my door, I tells you, Come wid me, dere you can't go wrong, sister. leave it, you rattlesnake. I'll buy you de swellest mansion Dat's what you is,a rattlesnake! Up on upper Fi'th Avenue An' through Harlem we'll go struttin', Lawd I’m on My Way We'll go a-struttin', Soloists and Chorus: An' dere'll be nuttin' Lawd I’m on my way Too good for you. I'm on my way to a Heav'nly Lan', I'll dress you in silks and satins I'll ride dat long, long road. In de latest Paris styles. If You are there to guide my han'. And de blues you'll be forgettin', Oh Lawd, I'm on my way. You'll be forgettin', I'm on my way to a Heav'nly Lan'- Oh Lawd. It's a long, long way, but you’ll be There'll be no frettin' there to take my han,. Jes nothin' but smiles.
If you have enjoyed this concert and would like up to date information on all our activities, visit our website: www.watfordphilharmonic.co.uk
or contact Ms Kate Wilkins, 20 Longman Close, Watford, Herts. WD18 8WP [email protected]
Learn to Play Bridge
Improve your social life, train the brain, have fun! English Bridge Union qualified teachers Just £20 for the first three lessons
Join Watford & Bushey Bridge Club’s Beginners’ class, Thursdays, 2:00 - 4:30pm, 26th Sept. - 12th Dec.
For details, visit www.bridgewebs.com/watford or contact Donald Reid on 01923 227 969 or at [email protected]
17 Future WPS concerts – 2013-14
Saturday 16 November 2013 7.30pm
DONA NOBIS PACEM – Vaughan
Williams MAGNIFICAT – Rutter Prudence Sanders - Soprano Simon Preece – Baritone
TINTAGEL-Bax
Wednesday 18 December 2013 7.00pm CHRISTMAS CONCERT Watford Philharmonic return with
their traditional Christmas concert.
A great start to your celebrations – book early and look forward to a festive night out!
Tickets: June, November, Christmas £14, £16, £17. 18yrs and under £1 (conditions apply)
Saturday 22 March 2014,
7.30pm
WAR REQUIEM – Britten
Britten’s epic work, performed by the Society in acknowledgement of the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War.
Tickets: March 2014 £15, £17, £18 Buy tickets for four consecutive concerts and save 25% 0845 075 3993
18 Watford PHILHARMONIC – the members
atford Philharmonic Society has service, carol singing for Oxfam in the Intu over 170 members in its choir and Centre and ‘Come and Sing’ days. We are W orchestra and performs four con- also often invited to send members to sing certs each year in the Watford Colosseum. or play with other choirs and orchestras In addition to its own concerts and and, from time to time, to sing at weddings workshops, the Society takes part in a num- or funerals. ber of charitable and community events, For further information about joining us, such as the Peace Hospice ‘Lights of Love’ please see page 10.
Soprano Soprano cont. Alto cont. Alto cont. Bass cont. Eleanor Anderson Daphne Page Janet Fanshawe Denise Wellham Michael Hussey Sarah Barney Penny Pomroy Maureen Fitzpatrick Joanna Wheatley Lyn Leyshon Alison Bishop Susan Purbrick Mary Ford Catherine Whitten John Malin Sylvia Bodle Rosemary Reed Diane Galloway Christine Wilson Malcolm Purbrick Debbie Bown Vanessa Robinson Anne Hall Celia Young Chris Rogers Glennis Burnell Angela Roy Elaine Hamperl Linda Young Malcolm Two Hilary Chapman Lindsey Scudder Beryl Harmon Tim Venner Mary Coleman Vanessa Sparrowhawk Beryl Hendry Tenor David Wellings Mary Dickinson Susan Vanner Nikki Hind David Bennett Graham Wheeler Nina Duncan Sue Veale Jean Hinks David Dutton Brenda Fletcher Danuta Wall Susie Huxham Martin Fletcher Yvonne Frankland Margaret Wellings Celia Jackson Tom Hudson Sarah Gardner Christine Wheeler Morwena Jones John Jefkins Audrey Grey Sheila Wheeler Anne King David Lawrence Delphine Groves Kate Wilkins Kay Leyshon John Mackenzie-Corby Janet Hammond Gillian Williams Diane Livesey Philip Meager Pauline Harman Lyn Williams Val Lloyd David Muir Deborah Hattam Morfudd Wise Barbara Long Cecil Naughton Marian Heath Joy Wright Rosemary Mackenzie-Corby Jonathan Ng Penny Hitchcock Sue McCall David Pollak Rebekah Holmes Alto Patricia Mitchell Roger Prangnell Elizabeth Howard Vicky Ashby Ishbel Morren Michaela von Britzke Orchestra Sue Howes Florence Au-Yeong Judy Newton-Davies Jack Watson Roger Bowen Fiona Hughes Wai Meng Au-Yeong Jane Potts Geoffrey Williams Alan Byers Molly Jackson Pamela Barker Frances Pyatt Keith Champion Simonie Jeffree Ruth Blewitt Margaret Reap Bass Tony Coles Diana Jefkins Mary Bowen Paulina Rinta-Aho Edgar Anderson Jenny Cowen Catherine Jex Jane Bradley-Kidd Christine Robinson Kenneth Appel Dave Degen Annie Kent Judith Bruni Pauline Rogers Alan Bannister Denise Faiers Stephanie Luxford Margaret Burke Christine Russ James Bowen Gill Goulder Sheila Malin Dorothy Champion Heather Russell Paul Bruni Roger Harrison Liane Mallett Jessie Clack Rosemary Ruston Ian Carpenter Janet Langham Judith Mansell Margaret Coles Gaynor Slaney Andrew Cheale Sophie Newman Sue Mascall Jill Collins Ann Smith Michael Collins Anula Nikapota Sheila Mitra Ann Davis Amanda South Peter Davis Vijita Nikapota Maureen Nash Sue Deane Claire Tomkinson Peter Dell Louisa Osmond Libby Newman Liz Defries Jean Walford Brian Frankland Jenny Quinn Anne O'Hara Sarah Exall Helen Walker David Hancox Lindsey St John Smith Lesley Packman Elaine Fairey Patricia Watson Richard Hill Margaret Tighe 19 THE FRIENDS OF WATFORD PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY
The Society is supported by ‘Friends’ Mr P A Allan Cllr Malcolm Meerabux who make a donation (minimum £25) Miss J Barron Miss G A Muggeridge towards its running. Gift Aid donations Mrs J Bentley Mr C W Peacock give the Society the additional benefit of Cllrs Mr I & Mrs J Brown Penman Johnson (Solicitors) Mr H Davies Tony & Sylvia Poole tax refunds. Mrs P Hancox Mr P F Prior The names of all the Friends, whether Rev A & Mrs C Hartropp Mr A Pyne individuals or business organisations, are Mrs Joyce Kent Mr Donald Reid printed in each concert programme. Peter King Mr R A Rogers If you would like to become a Friend, Stewart & Barbara Lewis Mrs B Smith please contact the Friends’ Secretary: Mrs Margaret Maguire Mrs E Swain Nigel Markwick, Nigel Markwick Mr & Mrs R W Tompkins 57 Silk Mill Road, Miss Bridget Marrow Mr & Mrs R H Towell Watford WD19 4TW. Cllr Mr Rabi Martins Mr & Mrs N H Tyrwhitt Tel: 01923 230 363 Mr Swaby, Managing Director, Whippendell Electrical Ltd.
Clarendon Muse, Rickmansworth Rd Watford WD18 7JA
Octagon Music Society will be opening its 34th season on Sunday 22nd September 2013 at 4pm with a Celebrity concert by the acclaimed guitarist Craig Ogden and flautist Judith Hall at the Clarendon Muse, Watford Grammar School for Boys, Rickmansworth Road. Craig’s debut album went straight to number 1 in the Classic FM charts and he remains one of the country’s most popular classical musicians. Craig and Judith formed their duo more than ten years ago and are now in demand world wide.
Their programme will include popular works by Rodrigo, Piazzolla, Villa-Lobos and Ravi Shankar as well as less familiar works from across the popular and classical world. Tickets are £14 and available from Peter Ward on 020 8428 1428. All children and young persons under 26 are admitted FREE thanks to the generosity of Cavatina Chamber Music Trust. Full details of the Society’s season and season tickets at reduced prices are available on www.communigate.co.uk/herts/octagonmusic/
Tickets for single concerts £14 – season tickets for all six concerts £70 purchased in advance – are available from Pauline Harborne 01923 224 092. Children and young persons aged under 26 are admitted FREE thanks to the Cavatina Chamber Music Full details of the programme are on www.communigate.co.uk/herts/octagonmusic/
20 Some comments from concert- goers and choir members:
21 22