Roderick Williams Baritone
BRITTEN ‘WAR REQUIEM’
Newcastle Choral Society (NCS) was delighted to be the guest choir of Cleveland Philharmonic Choir (CPC), along with Northern Spirit Singers for this magnificent performance held in Sage One on Saturday 10th November 2018.
We joined the Choristers of Durham Cathedral and St Peter’s Church Stockton, Cleveland Philharmonic Junior Choir, and the Mowbray Orchestra. The acclaimed soloists were the magnificent baritone Roderick Williams, his voice deemed by an audience member to be ‘like melted chocolate’ wonderfully expressive tenor Mark Padmore and thrilling soprano Rachel Nicholls who sat amongst the choir. The Conductors were led by the commanding John Forsyth MBE, Gary Matthewman, and Daniel Cook, Master of the Choristers, Durham Cathedral. The details of the concert can be viewed here
A wonderful evening and a thrill to perform alongside CPC!
We sang to a hugely appreciative audience totalling 1111 and received rapturous applause as well as many post concert plaudits!
…“fantastic, marvellous performance, most impressive, never boring. Well done!
...Astonishing’ ‘Astounding’’ A triumph’ ‘Magnificent’…
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Adam Bushnell Author and Educator
Mark Anyan Musical Director NCS
NCS at Trinity Church Gosforth
A Tenor and a Bass enjoying the summer sun
Singers awaiting….
Two Tenors in the summer sun
Our summer concert featured compilations of familiar and traditional tunes and texts of the British Isles, some with a new twist, all interwoven with readings from Adam Bushnell, local author and storyteller, and all sung by the full chorus accompanied by Venera Bojkova.
Adam Bushnell is a qualified teacher, experienced storyteller and published author. He aims to inspire a love of creative writing and reading amongst adults and children alike. He is also voice over artist for museums, audio guides and audio books CDs.
He certainly enthralled our audience and made us laugh too!
Venera Bojkova is a recitalist, teacher and workshop leader, a skilled harpist and also conducts Bishop Auckland Choral Society.
We were delighted to introduce the newly formed 18 strong NCS Chamber Choir who performed madrigals to an appreciative audience. They will continue to enhance our concerts in the future.
Newcastle Choral Society
Mark Anyan Musical Director
‘Summerthyme and Tales
The Sprig of Thyme: John Rutter
Selection of traditional songs of the British Isles
Songs and Sonnets: George Shearing
Shakespeare inspired Jazz settings
Venera Bojkova Piano
Adam Bushnell Author and Storyteller
Saturday June 30th 2018 at 7.30pm
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recruiting NOW
Step forward if you have:
What can you expect as a member of NCS?
Look what’s coming up:
‘Summer Thyme’ Sat June 30th Trinity Church Gosforth
And the BIG one! NCS as Guest Choir alongside Northern Spirit Singers
Britten’s War Requiem at Sage One Gateshead on Sat Nov 10th 2018 at 7.30pm
Conducted by John Forsyth MBE
JOIN NOW to be able to take part!! View pdf here Easter Recruitment
Contact: Tel: 0191 286 6338 or 01207 560555 email: enquiries@newcastlechoralsociety.org.uk
Start ? Monday 16th April 2018 19.30 -21.30
Where? Church of St John the Evangelist
Kingston Park Avenue
Newcastle upon Tyne NE3
NB Sat 21st April at Church of St John the Evangelist – a multimedia War Requiem presentation 10 -1pm by John Forsyth
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Newcastle Choral Society
Musical Director Mark Anyan
Elgar ‘Dream of Gerontius’
Saturday 24 March 2018, 7.30pm
Banqueting Suite Newcastle Civic Centre
Stephanie Lewis Mezzo Soprano
Adam Tunnicliffe Tenor
Philip Shakesby Bass
Elgar considered The Dream of Gerontius to be his finest work. Indeed it might be regarded as the greatest piece of music ever written by a British composer. Based on a poem by Cardinal John Henry Newman, the piece relates the journey of a man’s soul from his death bed, where he is attended by friends and a priest who pray for him in his last moments of life.
After death a Guardian Angel conducts his soul past demons and angels to the presence of God for judgement, and thence to the tranquillity of Purgatory to await a glorious re-awakening. The concert was well received by an appreciative audience. The work called for three soloists who represented respectively Gerontius, Priest and Angel. Adam Tunnicliffe was deemed to be ‘sensational’ as Gerontius and the rich voice of Stephanie Lewis gave depth and emotion to the role of the Angel. Philip Shakesby’s resonant bass voice gave power to the role of the Priest. There was a double chorus which incorporated a semi-chorus, portraying friends, demons and angels at various stages of the drama. Orchestra North East were superb and provided a wonderfully varied palette of sounds throughout the work, enhancing each phase of the journey.View pdf here
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OPEN REHEARSAL AWAITS YOU
Elgar: Dream of Gerontius
MONDAY 15TH JANUARY 2018
DREAM OF SINGING with a large mixed choir, professional soloists and one of the finest orchestras in the North East? Make your dreams come true! ALL WELCOME
ELGAR’S ‘DREAM OF GERONTIUS’
Open Rehearsal with Newcastle Choral Society and Musical Director Mark Anyan. Leading to a performance in the Banqueting Suite, Newcastle Civic Centre on March 24th 2018.
Considered to be one of the greatest pieces of music ever written by a British composer. The considerable numbers involved in this dramatic masterpiece make performances something of a rarity. Make sure you do not miss this opportunity to be a part of it!
Join us for the Free open rehearsal and if you would like to take part in the concert then sign up for the Spring term for £50.
To be a full member you would need to sign up for a short audition to remain with us.
When? Monday 15th January 2018 from 7.30pm – 9.30pm
Where? St John’s Church, Kingston Park Centre, Kingston Park Ave, NE3 2HB
Cost? FREE with coffee and cake
Contact? 07707 621312 / 07980 484598 / enquiries@newcastlechoralsociety.org.uk
Read the full flier here
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Newcastle Choral Society
Musical Director Mark Anyan
HALLELUJAH it’s Christmas!
Saturday 9 December 2017, 7.30pm
Trinity Church Gosforth
Handel – Messiah Part 1
Bob Chilcott – The Twelve Days of Christmas
Kris Thomsett organ
and special guests Quintessential Voices
Our Christmas programme was very well received by a near capacity audience! It began with music from Part I of Handel’s ever-popular Messiah. This section of the oratorio dealt with the prophecy of Christ’s coming, the circumstances of His birth, and rejoiced over the significance of the event, all as described in various books of the Bible. We sneakily added the famous Hallelujah! Chorus from Part 2, always a popular chorus.
After this impressive introduction to the festive season we lightened the mood with an imaginative version of The Twelve Days of Christmas by the prolific choral composer Bob Chilcott. Not to be missed, it incorporated some witty references to other well-known pieces of music and got the whole choir uplifted.
Our friends, a cappella group Quintessential Voices, added to the programme with their fine ensemble singing with a very catchy encore. The smiling audience joined us in some favourite carols. Kris Thomsett on the organ and piano was something else! Flying fingers and extremely competent.
If you want to stockpile our very eyecatching fliers , download HALLELUJAH it’s Christmas! here.