EMBER CHORAL SOCIETY ---MUSICAL DIRECTOR’S
REPORT FOR AGM 02.09.09
As a continuation of our “VW year” celebrations we
began in September with rehearsals for his wonderful “Hodie”. I think it true
to say, that even those not wholly convinced at the start, were certainly won
over by the time the concert came. It’s a difficult work, but, as always we
rose to the occasion and there were some superb moments from choir, soloists
and orchestra on the night. The selection of Rutter carols was enormously
enjoyed by all, and again produced some fine singing from the choir. What a
joy, too, to have Paul Badley sing Finzi’s “Dies Natalis” as an extra item in
the programme. A truly memorable evening of English music at its best!
The venue---for which choice I must take most of the
blame----was disappointing. I had thought that after the “deadness” of Hinchley
Wood School Hall, the sports hall would be more resonant and helpful. It was
certainly the former, but far too much so with the large orchestra, and made
life difficult---maybe had there been a larger audience to absorb the
sound………how many tickets did YOU sell?!!
The end of the autumn term included the usual carols
at Garson’s Farm in aid of PAH and, for the first time, a similar event at
Chessington World of Adventures.
Just as 08 was VW’s year, so 09 is Haydn’s (amongst
others!). To this end we rehearsed and presented a “Come and Sing Creation
Highlights” concert in February, once again in HW Sports Hall, which had been
booked before the December concert! This time however a different story. Having
the two keyboards (brilliantly played by Pam and Linda, of course!) as
accompaniment, proved much more satisfactory acoustically, and some excellent
singing was much appreciated by everyone.
So to Rossini. A grateful first opportunity for me to
do it in its original form with piano and “harmonium” (this time brilliantly
played by Linda and Maggie) rather than the large orchestra for which he scored
it later. A masterpiece either way, but so much easier to hear what the choir
(and soloists) can do in the smaller arrangement. If the singing in “Hodie” was
superb, here it was simply stunning! I couldn’t believe the attention and
response I was getting from you in the opening “Kyrie”---it flashed through my
mind that it could only get worse---but it didn’t---it got better and
better!!!! Thank you!
This time the venue (the choosing of which I had
nothing to do with!) was perfect. I know that some felt isolated vocally and
found it difficult to guage the overall sound, but I can assure that from where
I was -- and from comments from some members of the audience---it was
“outstandingly good” and “extremely moving”. (I must say I also enjoyed having
a conductor’s room with my own shower, towels and loo!!!!!)
I write this report a week to the day after the
performance, and still those marvellous tunes go round and round in my
head----and Jen’s beautiful flowers have survived the 900 mile journey and now
adorn our patio table in the south of France!
Finally regarding the Rossini concert : we were all
deeply saddened by the tragic, early death of our dear friend Jo. To the end
she was, as ever, concerned about, and interested in everyone other than
herself, and incredibly brave. It was a priviledge to be able to dedicate our
concert to her memory----and a pleasure to have Iain with us again in the
tenors for the performance. I think we did them both proud.
As always, so many thanks.
to
And of
course---
Thank you.
By the time
you read this I hope that you will have had a great summer, and maybe to have
seen many of you in Perpignan. Whether or not,--- see you all at the first
rehearsal. Bring on
the “Armed Man” !!
Love
John
13.06.09