Music News - November 2024
Due to the (very few) hot days at the end of the summer break, choir rehearsals were initially held in church, rather than the Parish Rooms. These were enhanced by the bats flitting overhead as we sang. Sadly their donations to the choir stalls, which always seem to foil the best efforts of volunteer cleaners, were somewhat less appreciated! The term started with the Patronal Festival and SMMA Festal Evensong on 8 September, with a rousing rendition of Haydn’s “The Heavens are Telling the Glory of God” concluding the evening.
The following week, friends and family were treated to the annual Choral Scholars concert. The first part featured solos and duets, with songs and instrumental pieces played on the piano, violin and cello. The music ranged eclectically from Handel and Debussy to Edith Piaf. Part two started with seven Scholar members of the SWCH Chamber Choir singing “The Field” by David Malloy, a tender, haunting piece. The mood then changed dramatically with a tribute to Queen, opening with a stunning (in every sense) rendition of “We Will Rock You” by all 10 current Scholars, plus 4 alumni. The annual performance of “Love Call Me Home” by Peggy Seeger, which always brings a lump to the throat, was followed in fine style by the very appropriate “We Are The Champions”, as indeed they are. Very many thanks are due not only to the Scholars, especially as we say au revoir to Eden who is off to university and Hayden who is graduating to the adult choir, but also to those who supported the event, notably Kate and Ellie Beare, Jeremy Allen, Patrick Li and of course Oli.
The SMMA’s event on the following day on the theme of Love and Loss was performed by Edward Gildea reading poetry by Marvell, Arnold, Eliot and Duffy, with Iestyn Edwards (bass baritone) and Sioned Williams (harpist) playing music by Handel, Schubert and Wagner. This somewhat unusual event raised over £300 for SMMA funds. The summer lunchtime concert series raised over £1500, so there is enough in the kitty for new music, robes etc etc.
By the time you read this, the autumn coffee morning concerts will have started and finished, with performances by pupils from SWCHS, soprano Karin Fischer-Buder, and organ concerts by Thomas Hawkes and former organ scholar Elliot Randall. The first of these concerts, given by students from SWCHS, was a great success; both performers and audience were delighted. The second concert was a beautiful programme of Early Music and not only featured our very own Karin, but also there were accompaniments and solo performances by Stephen Penton on piano and harpsichord, and a guest flute performance from Jo Byers, who has sung with our choir.
On Friday 4 October, the SMMA welcomed just shy of 200 children from four local primary schools to attend an organ outreach concert. The audience were treated to organ music ranging from Bach to Mons Leidvin Takle, were given a video tour of the organ (thanks to Peter De Vile), and enjoyed a performance of Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf, arranged for organ. It seemed to be a great success, and special thanks to Poppy for the comedy duck-calls from a hidden spot up in the pulpit! We also welcomed Alison Knights back to lead all the children in a very lively and heartwarming rendition of God’s People Aren’t Superheroes, and the event ended with our three organists: Oli, Jeremy and Philip Sunderland playing Widor’s Toccata. The choir also led a service of Choral Evensong in Norwich Cathedral, with a preview of the music for Norwich at St Mary’s.
In November we are looking forward to supporting the All Souls service at 3pm on Sunday 3 rd, and the British Legion service on Sunday 10th. December starts with the Advent Carol service at 18.30 on Sunday 1st. And of course the Juniors and the Choral Scholars, as well as the adult choir, will be running stalls for the Christmas Fair. Reports on all of this, if space allows, next time.
Ottilie Lefever