Chorus News

(updated 31/01/12)

Our Christmas CD was successfully recorded on Jan. 28th. These will be available for sale later in the year.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The A.G.M. will be held at Camborne Rugby Club on Friday, March 30th at 7.30pm There is ample parking.

The Clubhouse, Crane Park,Cranberry Road,Camborne TR14 7PW

CDs -'September Song' are now available for sale at £10 each at all rehearsals, or from Chorus members.

Truro Methodist Church - December 3rd 2011 Cornwall Symphony Chorus is to be congratulated on yet another spectacular concert. The Chorus, under their Musical Director, Alastair Taylor, entertained the audience with a programme of Christmas Music from all genres, old and new, from the Coventry Carol to an energetic 'Sleigh Ride', from 'Zadoc the Priest' (their signature tune) to a carol, 'Jesus Child', written by two members of the Chorus.

The three accompanists, Philip Davey (organ), Clive Ellison and Jack Callow (pianos) added even more colour to the performances.

Soloists Laura Nicholas (soprano) and Ben Hoadley (tenor) were superb, again entertaining us with a variety of styles, both solos and duets.

The MC was Bruce Taylor.Marketing & Premises Manager for Countrywide South West Estate Agents

Alastair Taylor sang 'Always', in memory of his Gran who was a staunch supporter of the Chorus, both in concert and rehearsal.

The final item, a medley of Christmas songs called,'Holiday Cheer', saw our accompanists in reindeer antlers and flashing noses, and Alastair sporting a turkey hat.

Well, it is Christmas after all!

A retiring collection raised £436 for Cornwall Leukaemia Trust. PLYMOUTH GUILDHALL CONCERT

The retiring collection for Shelter Box raised £287-43

Thanks to Jane for the photo.

Plymouth Guildhall Concert

Saturday August 20th.

Philip Buttall, Classical reporter for the Plymouth Herald, reviewed saying, " Those present were treated to a superb evening's music-making from the 120 strong Chorus. The choir's powerful entry in 'Zadok the Priest' was as impressive as anything heard before.

"However, where this ensemble really scored was its ability to sound equally at home in Handel, Johann Strauss, a particularly stirring rendition of the Battle Hymn of the Republic, or modern ballads, subtly adjusting its style each time".

Alastair Taylor, Musical Director,was given credit for his sensitive direction, the effectiveness of his arrangements, and his superb piano accompaniments. Laura Nicholas (guest soloist) was praised for her natural delivery and pleasing personality, wowing the audience with her varied programme".

The choir received "assured support from Clive Ellison (piano) and Luke Bond (organ)", along with "impromptu piano contributions from Jack Callow, and witty links from Duncan Warren".

"This was a thoroughly enjoyable variety show".

We are delighted to announce that Gareth Churcher is going to be our Chorus Master . He will work in collaboration with Alastair and they will liaise about music content etc. when Alastair is in London.

The AGM

25th March at The Lowenac Hotel, Camborne.

The accounts that were formally adopted at the AGM can be viewed here

The Constitution was presented to between 65 to 70 members and was accepted by a unanimous vote following various questions from the floor. The committee are very grateful to Helen Payne for her expert advice on constitutional matters.

As in the constitution, three officers needed to be elected, namely that of chairman, treasurer and secretary. They were Charles Moon (Chairman), Alice Allsworth (Treasurer) and Jilly Johnson (Secretary). Election for these posts will take place annually. The meeting agreed that Alastair would be musical director without election until he retires. Alice presented a full financial report which was discussed and accepted by all members. A copy of this report will be available to any member at the next rehearsal on 10th April. Alice thanked Rex Bray for his help and expert advice with the accounts. Jilly updated the meeting with regards to member numbers. It was encouraging to hear that the numbers of men is on the increase.

Alastair was very encouraging about the progress of the Chorus. He reiterated that he will be colaberating with our new chorus master and be coming back to Cornwall before each concert which is great news.

As chairman, I was pleased to confirm that Sally Wollacott has agreed to become our minutes secretary for the committee which is a great help for Jilly. Also Paula Crook our music librarian, is also happy to be a section rep to the altos. I mentioned transport for the two concerts. It will be essential to know the accurate numbers for booking the coaches so could members let their section reps know at the next couple of rehearsals. Finally copies of the constitution will be available on 10th April.

A copy of the CSC Constitution can be found here - view constitution.

Ray Shaddick has been confirmed as the compere for the concert on the 16th July 2011 at the Sterts Theatre Nr Liskeard.

WE HAVE A DATE. Yes we have finally booked the Guildhall at Plymouth for 20th August 2011. This is going to be one prestigious concert with about 950 seats to sell, and a lot of work has to be done before then. We will be asking you soon for approximate numbers who would like to travel to Plymouth and/or STERTS by bus. I have worked out that it will be approximately £10 each (so no parking charges or bridge tolls etc), which sounds quite reasonable.

A DATE HAS BEEN FIXED for the concert at STERTS. We have booked 16th July 2011. Our guest artist for this concert has been confirmed as Claire-Louise Auguste.

IT HAS BEEN DECIDED that we should have a band of willing helpers who would assist Sally in her front of house duties at our concerts. If you know of any friend or relation who would be willing to help in selling programmes, ushering people to their seats, ticket checking etc at our concerts, would you please contact Sally on 01209 212534/01209 212534 or by email at enquiries@cornwallsymphonychorus.co.uk. A list will be compiled and contact made in plenty of time.

THE FOLLOWING 'HINT & TIPS' CONTRIBUTION has been received from John in the bass section.

For many years I have used a micro cassette recorder for my homework, primarily because I have found that it is virtually impossible to retain new music without doing homework between rehearsals. These are easy to use and can be held in one hand while singing. You will also record your colleagues and the piano accompaniment.

THE PHOTOGRAPH BELOW was taken by a member of the audience on Saturday 4th and our thanks go to him for this. If anyone would like a copy, please e-mail the webmaster and I will send it on a jpeg.

These photos were taken by Jane Smith (Soprano). Thanks also to her.

FACEBOOK Thanks to Jane Smith we now have a Cornwall Symphony Chorus Facebook page. Why not visit and recommend it to your Facebook friends, as it has a direct link to this site.

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