A Sea of Blue…
Well wasn’t that a blast!
After our penultimate rehearsal, which made us all pull our socks up, what a phenomenal and joyous evening we had. In a sea of blue we rose to the challenge of Laurisden’s complex and luminous harmonies and Will Todd’s intricate and intense rhythms. We navigated our blue and nocturnal sea with Andy expertly at the helm, keeping us on course and on an even keel.
Photo credit: Stephen Delany
We are privileged as a choir to perform with such extraordinary musicians - and on this occasion it was something that none of us is likely to have experienced before, or to experience ever again. We have collaborated with David Owen Norris on several projects in the past and many of us are familiar with his zany communication style and infectious enthusiasm, as well as his virtuosic playing. Andy had said that we would hear the nocturnes performed as never before - who knew that the Field and Chopin nocturnes could be accompanied by snare drum and double bass? DON then played with such panache and gusto in his own arrangement of Horowitz’ Jazz concerto , with George somehow appearing effortlessly to cover the whole of a string orchestra part on the second piano!
And for the Mass in Blue, what a find in local jazz singer Hannah Williams - and how fabulous for us to experience her astonishing vocal versatility not only on concert day but also in the final Thursday rehearsal .
George and the band demonstrated amazing flexibility with new arrangements and on the spot changes of balance and line up. The band had never performed together before, yet came across with such relaxed professionalism and communication in everything they played.
Turner Sims concert hall was a joy to sing in; we had a decent audience who were so appreciative – even a standing ovation from some quarters! One audience member messaged afterwards: ‘Well. I don’t know what to say. Last night was a triumph. Never have I been to concert where literally everyone left with the broadest grin on their face. I don’t know who chose the programme but well done to them’. It was such a joy too, to see Andy looking so visibly delighted afterwards!
Photo credit: Leona Mani Lumsden
As ever, we are indebted to our team of Andy, George and Andy Hayman who have coaxed, cajoled and encouraged us through our Thursday rehearsals, including some brilliant and breathtaking accompanying too.
Concerts like this don’t come about without a huge amount of collaboration and contribution from so many people in the Waynflete team - starting with the programme committee and concert fixers, booking the musicians, the design of the marketing concept and materials, the posting on social media, the liaison with and organisation with the concert venue, the creation of the concert notes and programme, creating a seating plan - and of course Kate and the part reps who keep us informed and provide such valuable feedback. Not to mention the treasurer dealing with the finances and paying the professionals and hall!
Finally, us the choir, turning up to sing with such commitment and enthusiasm, doing our best to sell tickets and make the concert a success.
Thus a spectacular choir year comes to a close – a wonderful Messiah last Christmas, a brilliant Dream of Gerontius, and Summer Evening in Blue with new repertoire for many of us and a step out of our comfort zone.
Well done all, have a wonderful Summer, and we will see you back in September, first rehearsal September 16th.
If you have something for a future Wayns Augmented blogpost then please don’t hesitate to join in the fun by sending your piece, or any ideas to Jacki Donnellan jacki@donnellan.org.uk or Sarah Jones sj@luminaconsulting.com