Dunedin Stadium is now not all that far away, just 2010 is between us the place being used. Music should use this place, which will be covered, so no need to cancel because of poor weather.
Dunedin's own performance of Aida. Anna Leese, Claire Barton, Simon O'Neill, Jonathan Lemalu. With the performance underwritten by the DCC and City of Dunedin Choir to provide the chorus, with assistance from other cities if they meet our performance standards. City Councillors to be invited to provide the Pantomime Elephant for the Triumphal March scene.
We should look forward to Celeste Aida being sung in Dunedin before too long.
Then I woke up, and it was back to reality.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Saturday, October 24, 2009
The art of choral conducting
Choral conducting and choral music are sometimes recognized as something that belongs to the past or something that is part of a church service. Today, however, there is a wide variety of choral styles and interpretations to be heard all over the world – ranging from classical to quite contemporary.
See http://www.s12.si/kultura-umetnost/izven-okvirja/707-the-art-of-choral-conducting.html for a video that was filmed at the 5th International Competition of Young Choral Conductors in Ljubljana, Slovenia in 2009.
Some of the interviewees featured:
Mrs. Anneliese Zeh, Union of European Choral Federations (AGEC)
Mr. Gábor Mózcar, Europa Cantat
Mrs. Sonja Greiner, Europa Cantat
A word of warning: The video is 40 minutes long and may be slow to download.
See http://www.s12.si/kultura-umetnost/izven-okvirja/707-the-art-of-choral-conducting.html for a video that was filmed at the 5th International Competition of Young Choral Conductors in Ljubljana, Slovenia in 2009.
Some of the interviewees featured:
Mrs. Anneliese Zeh, Union of European Choral Federations (AGEC)
Mr. Gábor Mózcar, Europa Cantat
Mrs. Sonja Greiner, Europa Cantat
A word of warning: The video is 40 minutes long and may be slow to download.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Nelson Mass in Nelson during Jan 2010
I have found out about www.nzcco.co.nz which does choir festivals in Nelson. In summer it will be the Haydn Nelson Mass, which I know rather well. To be conducted by Sir David Willcocks. Sir David will be turning 90 just before this festival. His son Jonathan will also be conducting a work of his own composition.
The festival is open to singers of all ages. If you know any young singers, the festival is keen to hear from them and scholarships may be available (if they are not taken by now). Read the website if you interested. They have other festivals during the year.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Sullivan Choral works
http://www.hyperion-records.co.uk/al.asp?al=CDA67423&f=sullivan
Sir Arthur Sullivan composed more than just the operas, and I have enclosed a link to one called the Prodigal Son, which I think sounds like a very nice work - just as nice as the operas. At the site you can click to hear excerpts from each track. Do you think you would enjoy singing this work?
It has a big orchestra, like Dream of Gerontius. Sullivan without Gilbert may not be such a well known composer, but he does have a following among the G and S crowd. A work like this could be packaged with well known works.
Sir Arthur Sullivan composed more than just the operas, and I have enclosed a link to one called the Prodigal Son, which I think sounds like a very nice work - just as nice as the operas. At the site you can click to hear excerpts from each track. Do you think you would enjoy singing this work?
It has a big orchestra, like Dream of Gerontius. Sullivan without Gilbert may not be such a well known composer, but he does have a following among the G and S crowd. A work like this could be packaged with well known works.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Fine performance of Yeomen of the Guard, but no ice cream at interval
One of the highlights of the last couple of years G and S has been the ice cream. As we got to the interval last night, the decision would be - berry, cappuccino, or cookies and cream. This decision was alas taken out of our hands when the Mayfair decided not to serve them, but boring biscuits and coffee in the Green Room. (Some people connected with the production may have been a bit taken aback that my abiding memory of the production was lack of ice cream. This is standard for me. You will note that the article about Rossini soon becomes a discussion about sauce for steak, and the Mahler 8 became memories of coffee shops in Lygon St.) After walking up and down all those wretched badly lit stairs at the Mayfair, it was lucky everything else was totally enjoyable. If you have not yet booked, it is a great night out. Maybe not such well known tunes as some G and S. I thought the best music was the finale to Act 1 - the Execution scene, which was not really a comic scene - it was drama.
You should not single out singers, because G and S is a team effort, but all the principals were great. Great acting, as well. Emma was fantastic - only a few weeks till she is in City Choir Messiah.
Whinge about lighting of public space - my favourite topic about buildings around Dunedin. Mayfair is a grand old building. For the public, they could still make sure that people can see where they are going when they use the stairs. Also, just as you enter the building, there are a couple of little steps from Hell. Last year, I saw an older lady trip and fall to the ground as she left the theatre. What a way to end a nice evening. That may not have been an eyesight thing - one of those little steps that you do not notice. It would be nice if some of things could be fixed before rather than after a serious accident.
You should not single out singers, because G and S is a team effort, but all the principals were great. Great acting, as well. Emma was fantastic - only a few weeks till she is in City Choir Messiah.
Whinge about lighting of public space - my favourite topic about buildings around Dunedin. Mayfair is a grand old building. For the public, they could still make sure that people can see where they are going when they use the stairs. Also, just as you enter the building, there are a couple of little steps from Hell. Last year, I saw an older lady trip and fall to the ground as she left the theatre. What a way to end a nice evening. That may not have been an eyesight thing - one of those little steps that you do not notice. It would be nice if some of things could be fixed before rather than after a serious accident.
Friday, October 9, 2009
St John Passion in English
I have been listening again to the performance conducted by Benjamin Britten. This is a very famous performance- still available on CD, though I first got it on LPs in the 70s.
It start controversially at the very first word - Sire!, rather than LORD, because Britten and Imogen Holst thought the word Lord did not have enough impact. For me, now that I know the German quite well, I think I am missing a bit of the impact of the German words. It is a point, because of course we want the people hearing the work to know what is going on. In Canberra the most recent performance I was in was a curious hybrid, where the arias and choruses were in German, but the recit was in English. I suppose it worked. I think I sang St John four times in Canberra. It is still an emotionally draining work
At the moment I am listening to the Evangelist sung by Peter Pears. This is a very special performance.
It start controversially at the very first word - Sire!, rather than LORD, because Britten and Imogen Holst thought the word Lord did not have enough impact. For me, now that I know the German quite well, I think I am missing a bit of the impact of the German words. It is a point, because of course we want the people hearing the work to know what is going on. In Canberra the most recent performance I was in was a curious hybrid, where the arias and choruses were in German, but the recit was in English. I suppose it worked. I think I sang St John four times in Canberra. It is still an emotionally draining work
At the moment I am listening to the Evangelist sung by Peter Pears. This is a very special performance.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
membership of Blind Federation
Today I heard that I meet the requirements for membership of the Blind Federation. My qualification is based on Peripheral Vision - Field tests. I have good central vision, and reading at short distances is no problem. Benefits seem to be some group activities.
My problems can be adjusting to light transitions between very bright and very dull light. This is why is can be difficult walking from the choir room to the stage on concert nights. It does not help that these two little stairs do not yet have a bannister on the right side as people walk down. I hope this will be a priority when the refurbishment is carried out. One little light bulb above the stairs in the fitting which is already there would be very helpful. I have seen other people stumble on these stairs, and many people complain about the stairs. Some day, some thing will happen before an accident happens.
My problems can be adjusting to light transitions between very bright and very dull light. This is why is can be difficult walking from the choir room to the stage on concert nights. It does not help that these two little stairs do not yet have a bannister on the right side as people walk down. I hope this will be a priority when the refurbishment is carried out. One little light bulb above the stairs in the fitting which is already there would be very helpful. I have seen other people stumble on these stairs, and many people complain about the stairs. Some day, some thing will happen before an accident happens.
Invitation to Dunedin secondary schools
Dear Music Teacher,
The City of Dunedin Choir wishes to extend an invitation to choral singers of your school to join the Choir for this year's performance of Messiah on 8 December in the Dunedin Town Hall. The Choir performs Messiah every second year, in December, and so it is a regular feature in the cultural life of our city. It is our policy to encourage young singers and this oratorio is the ideal work for us to extend such an invitation. It may well be the first opportunity in which your pupils can experience performing in a large mixed choir with a professional orchestra and soloists.
Handel's Messiah is appreciated, admired and enjoyed worldwide and is the best known and best loved work in the classical choral repertoire. This performance will provide a fantastic opportunity for the students to experience the work and participating in a world-class delivery of this dramatic and passionate work.
The soloists for this performance are soprano Emma Fraser, alto Wendy Dawn Thompson, tenor David Hamilton and baritone Robert Tucker, the conductor is David Burchell, with orchestral support from the Southern Sinfonia.
Applicants:
Music scores: Music scores will be supplied by the City of Dunedin Choir at the first rehearsal.
Rehearsals:
Rehearsals are held in the Crypt of St Paul's Cathedral on Tuesday evenings, starting promptly at 7:30 pm and ending at 9:30 pm. The doors are unlocked shortly after 7:00 pm and singers should be seated and ready to start singing by 7:30 pm.
Rehearsal schedule:
13, 20 and 27 October, 3, 10, 17 and 24 November, 1 December
Final rehearsal in the Town Hall: Monday 7 December, 7:00 to 10:00 pm approximately
Performance: Tuesday 8 December, 7:30 pm in the Town Hall.
Please submit the following information about the students who wish to participate, in writing to me at the Choir's official address on the Choir's website, or send the details by email to: info@cityofdunedinchoir.org.nz:
Name of student:
Age:
Name of school:
Voice (S, A, T or B):
Student's contact telephone number (evenings):
Student's email address (or that of parent if student has none):
All interested singers who qualify are most welcome to participate in this exciting concert. The number of singers will not be limited. We hope that some of your choral singers will be able to join the City of Dunedin Choir to perform this beautiful music!
With thanks and best wishes,
Leta Labuschagne
Secretary
The City of Dunedin Choir wishes to extend an invitation to choral singers of your school to join the Choir for this year's performance of Messiah on 8 December in the Dunedin Town Hall. The Choir performs Messiah every second year, in December, and so it is a regular feature in the cultural life of our city. It is our policy to encourage young singers and this oratorio is the ideal work for us to extend such an invitation. It may well be the first opportunity in which your pupils can experience performing in a large mixed choir with a professional orchestra and soloists.
Handel's Messiah is appreciated, admired and enjoyed worldwide and is the best known and best loved work in the classical choral repertoire. This performance will provide a fantastic opportunity for the students to experience the work and participating in a world-class delivery of this dramatic and passionate work.
The soloists for this performance are soprano Emma Fraser, alto Wendy Dawn Thompson, tenor David Hamilton and baritone Robert Tucker, the conductor is David Burchell, with orchestral support from the Southern Sinfonia.
Applicants:
- Must be confident singers and members of an auditioned school choir.
- Will not have to audition with the City of Dunedin Choir, but should come with the recommendation from the Music Teacher or the Choir Director.
- Will have reasonable sight-singing skills, or be able to pick the music up quickly.
- Be committed to practising the music between weekly Choir rehearsals.
- Must attend at least 6 of the 8 regular scheduled rehearsals.
- Must attend the final rehearsal with the orchestra the evening before the performance (this is compulsory).
Music scores: Music scores will be supplied by the City of Dunedin Choir at the first rehearsal.
Rehearsals:
Rehearsals are held in the Crypt of St Paul's Cathedral on Tuesday evenings, starting promptly at 7:30 pm and ending at 9:30 pm. The doors are unlocked shortly after 7:00 pm and singers should be seated and ready to start singing by 7:30 pm.
Rehearsal schedule:
13, 20 and 27 October, 3, 10, 17 and 24 November, 1 December
Final rehearsal in the Town Hall: Monday 7 December, 7:00 to 10:00 pm approximately
Performance: Tuesday 8 December, 7:30 pm in the Town Hall.
Please submit the following information about the students who wish to participate, in writing to me at the Choir's official address on the Choir's website, or send the details by email to: info@cityofdunedinchoir.org.nz:
Name of student:
Age:
Name of school:
Voice (S, A, T or B):
Student's contact telephone number (evenings):
Student's email address (or that of parent if student has none):
All interested singers who qualify are most welcome to participate in this exciting concert. The number of singers will not be limited. We hope that some of your choral singers will be able to join the City of Dunedin Choir to perform this beautiful music!
With thanks and best wishes,
Leta Labuschagne
Secretary
Monday, October 5, 2009
Friday, October 2, 2009
NZSO 2010 season
NZSO 2010 season has been sent on line - if anyone would please email Alan, and I will forward it to you. Dunedin will have three concerts (that I have spotted), first will be in April, which will include Sibelius Violin Concerto and Tchaikovsky Pathetique. September will include Britten, McMillan, Ravel and R Strauss. There will be a smaller concert in October using strings, when Town Hall is not available.
If you are going to be in Wellington in Feb, the big concert will be Mahler 8, conducted by Ashkenazy. Vocal soloists in this huge work include Dunedin's Simon O'Neill and Martin Snell.
I myself have been in four performances of this work (brag) including one at the Sydney Olympics Arts Festival in 2000. This was one event where I was actually paid expenses, and given four nights accommodation. We sang at the Indoor Sports Arena in Homebush, capacity 13 000. The performance used the Organ from the Sydney Town Hall, some 12 miles away. Telemetry supplied by Telstra. We were good. I was in the Canberra Choral Society, the little choir - others were the Sydney Phil, the Melbourne Chorale, the City of Birmingham Choir, with Sydney Symphony conducted by Edo de Waart. Biggest concert I have ever been in? Once in life time event? No, because anything Sydney does, Melbourne has to do, so next year we went to Melbourne, where we performed in a smaller venue, but twice. We were flown down, but Melbourne was not so generous with the expenses. If anything, I think we enjoyed the Melbourne performance a bit more. One advantage of the Melbourne performance on Sunday afternoon was that the Exhibition Centre is close to Lygon St, which is the eating capital of the world. The cafe owners stand in the street and beg you to choose their place. Go back there anytime.
If you are going to be in Wellington in Feb, the big concert will be Mahler 8, conducted by Ashkenazy. Vocal soloists in this huge work include Dunedin's Simon O'Neill and Martin Snell.
I myself have been in four performances of this work (brag) including one at the Sydney Olympics Arts Festival in 2000. This was one event where I was actually paid expenses, and given four nights accommodation. We sang at the Indoor Sports Arena in Homebush, capacity 13 000. The performance used the Organ from the Sydney Town Hall, some 12 miles away. Telemetry supplied by Telstra. We were good. I was in the Canberra Choral Society, the little choir - others were the Sydney Phil, the Melbourne Chorale, the City of Birmingham Choir, with Sydney Symphony conducted by Edo de Waart. Biggest concert I have ever been in? Once in life time event? No, because anything Sydney does, Melbourne has to do, so next year we went to Melbourne, where we performed in a smaller venue, but twice. We were flown down, but Melbourne was not so generous with the expenses. If anything, I think we enjoyed the Melbourne performance a bit more. One advantage of the Melbourne performance on Sunday afternoon was that the Exhibition Centre is close to Lygon St, which is the eating capital of the world. The cafe owners stand in the street and beg you to choose their place. Go back there anytime.
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