3 December 2024
Dear Singers,
Thank you for Tuesday - we got through all of the 'non Baroque pieces' and left them in a good place for Saturday - just requiring some performance polish, which we will bring by the tin, with a fluffy duster. The Vivaldi and Durante will spring to life with the strings, but as we didn't have time to sing it through this week, please check it over before then.
STOP PRESS - IMPORTANT!!
Ecce Novum has been moved in the programme (I will tell the audience). It will now come between Gaudete & While Shepherds watched. 2 reasons: To save the strings moving more than necessary and to make it easier to position the music in your folders. Please put it just before Shepherds It's fine to punch holes in the score if req.
Last-minute organisation things.....
Saturday - You must be seated by 1.30 please to start rehearsing - please arrive soon after 1.00 so we can make any changes to seating if necessary
I will give you 'Sits & stands' on Saturday - bring pencil!
The weather is looking awful for Saturday so stay dry and wrap up warm, the church can be chilly in the pm, warmed by wine and audience in the evening!
Rehearsal order will not be concert order, please be patient!
1.30
Masters
Gaudete
Veni veni
Winter's Night
Holly and Ivy
Scots Nativity + Oboe
2.45 With strings
Shepherds
Ecce Novum
3.00 Gloria + Oboe & trumpet
4.00 Magnificat
4.30 CHOIR LEAVE
WHO ARE CANTEMOS?
I have neglected to introduce you to CANTEMOS, our guests on Saturday - apologies. They are a vocal sextet of friends who live in the south Devon area and sing together for pleasure whenever they can get together. I first encountered them when attending a workshop in Bovey Tracy led by Andrea Brown (MD of Exeter Festival Chorus), which they put on, then sang with them as an 'extra' for evensong in Dartington recently. I am delighted that they are able to join us to sing the solos and perform as a group as part of our programme.
Finally - I am looking forward to seeing the 'Alphington 36' next Wednesday. Here are the details again, slightly amended:
Music to bring: Concert booklets and Green Carols for Choirs bk 1 if you have one. I will bring music for those who haven't.
Venue: St Michael's and All Saints Church, Dawlish Rd, Alphington EX2 8XJ
Dress: Smart casual (the church is warm and comfortable)
Timetable:
Arrive - 5.30
Rehearsal - 6.00 - 7.00
Performance - 7.30 - ?8.30/8.45
Refreshment served between rehearsal and concert now
...until Saturday, with thanks and congratulations for a great term so far.
Peter