5 May 2026

Dear everyone,

Thank you again for a very productive rehearsal last night. I feel everything is poised for the addition of a concert venue, stunning professionals, and an excited audience. The adrenaline and our response to that will take us to new heights! Look after yourselves between now and then.....

It was lovely to say 'hi' to Matt and wish him well for the summer, and to thank Peter for his support this term.

HERE ARE THE STANDS/SITS. PLEASE PUT THEM IN YOUR SCORE BEFORE SATURDAY. WE WILL START THE REHEARSAL AT 1.30PM PROMPT SO PLEASE ARRIVE AT 1PM TO GIVE US ALL TIME TO FIND OUR SEATS. THANK YOU.

STAND as soloists enter
SIT  page 37  bar 271
STAND  p40  b314
SIT  p51  b381
STAND  p60  b566
SIT  p75 End
.....Interval..........
STAND  p91 End
[End of page103 turn quietly]
SIT  p108 End
Sing 'Libera' p117 seated (no scores)
STAND  p120  b40
After bar 421 - sit, exhausted, happy with a job well done!

Programme for next term:
I announced that we will be singing the Brahms Requiem (in German) from September, with a vocal workshop on November 7th.
ECS (or Whipton Choral Soc) has performed this piece three times: The first occasion was conducted by Lionel Dakers in 1968, then under Victor Whitburn (1970), and Laurence Blyth (2012). Another outing is long overdue!

The Requiem was originally scored for a large orchestra, and Brahms himself arranged that for piano duet. Our performance will feature a new chamber version for piano, 3 woodwind and 3 string players. Just like the Verdi arrangement we are singing on Saturday, it will capture the spirit of the original, with more modest means.

Regarding scores: Please do not buy a score yet - We need to check which edition is available from the library first so we match as much as possible. We'll do this asap after the concert.

I am looking forward to Saturday. Thank you in advance for everyone who has worked behind the scenes to get this show together, and on the night (Refreshments, FOH etc).

Good luck, enjoy!
Peter