Post Concert
Congratulations everyone.....
I hope you are all still basking in the afterglow following Saturday night!
What a fantastic evening we had, well done and thank you for rising to the occasion with some spectacular singing. I had a great time and was very happy with the results of a hard term's work - you did yourself proud. Thank you all for braving the elements to be there. I'm sorry not everyone could make it, and hope that all is well. We had a capacity audience - the church was packed. Clearly a Christmas Concert by ECS is worth the risks!
I have written to thank the wonderful orchestra - Winter was very expressive, and they supported us well. It was a delight to have Cantemos with us too and to hear them sing as an ensemble and taking the solos, adding a new dimension to our concert.
Musically we were on top of everything, and despite odd moments (different for each singer!) we gave a confident and musical performance. Specifically:
There were many more eyes on me in the concert!
Gloria and Magnificat were strong and I was able to connect with you for entries - the ensemble sound was assured
Veni Veni - I was very pleased with this. We acknowledged the challenges from day one and overcame them really well. Despite being accompanied, the choir is still exposed, and you coped with key changes and entries well. Some lovely piano singing at the end
Scots Nativity - Nice expressive singing, the ending was very delicate and moving
Winter's Night - Very stylish. I was particularly pleased that we brought this off as it is outside the 'comfort zone' of large choirs generally being 'country style'. The lyrical, relaxed-sounding soft blended tone in the verses was lovely. The choir's ability to change style to suit the music is improving!
Masters in this hall & Gaudete - Excellent and full of spirit. Forgetting to sing the last verse was always going to happen......!
Ecce Novum - I was pleased with the quality of your humming - it had a good resonance and we gave a good account of the sustained style
Shepherds - Brilliant! Well done tenors in 'Ilkley Moor'
Holly & Ivy - Great fun, we really engaged the audience
Overall, Saturday's performance showed a choir gaining the capacity to rise to more varied challenges, with growing experience of how to sing more confidently and flexibly. I can see more pride in your performing which says to the audience - "Hey, listen to this!" and their warm response gives feedback which supports their appreciation and enjoyment.
After the afterglow has subsided, apart from huge successes, what are we taking away from this term's achievements to take us forward? Balance between parts needs attention in performance - responding to my directions which might be different from rehearsing (eg - who's got the tune? Can we hear it?), some vowel sounds still go 'off-piste', but hugely improved. Watching/engaging was heaps better in performance but needs to be 100% at all times!
Thank you for a wonderful term, which included a successful workshop and a friendly 'Sing for your Supper', plus the weekly raffle for which thanks to Barbara and everyone who bought tickets.
The committee has been magnificent - very organised, managing efficiently and communicating well, looking after everyone - thank you.
I have also written to Matt, thanking him for everything he does for us.
Promotion and publicity - Thanks to everyone who posted flyers and to Juliet for finding sponsorship for the concert programme. All of this contributes to the choir being 'out there' and earning us income. Good quality concerts encourage new members, which improves the choir and increases income too - a virtuous upward spiral!
ALPHINGTON CONCERT RECITAL ON WEDNESDAY....
Last-minute reminders and updates:
5.30 at St Michael's Church (EX2 8XJ)
Dress: Smart casual - as bright as possible (plain no Christmas jumpers)
Wrap up - the church is cold!
PARKING - Please do not park in Lovelace Gardens (leave this for audience)
Best entrance to the church is the west door - walk into Lovelace Gardens and then turn right into Rectory Drive and go through the gate. A torch might be useful
There will be refreshments but bring something to keep you sustained if required
MUSIC - Bring your concert carol booklets and Carols for Choirs book. I have copies of the congregational carols for those without carol books
We will sing Masters in this hall and Gaudete together as in the concert (with drum!) and Veni veni without accompaniment!
I am looking forward to seeing some of you on Wednesday. To everyone else, have a Happy Christmas and a joyous new year, see you all again for Mozart and Hummell on January 7.
Thank you, best wishes and kind regards,
Peter