On Sunday 25 September 2016 we had an exciting day, in the lovely setting of Ushaw College, learning songs from Mary Poppins. The event was led by Ben Parry, Director of the National Youth Choirs of Great Britain, and was “supercalifragilisticexpialidocious”!
The day was open to anybody who wanted to be part of the chorus, join others in a good old sing-song (including kids), or be part of the audience when we gave a performance at the end of the day. Fancy dress was optional, but many people felt this added to the spirit of the day!
This Sunday was the 2nd day of a special weekend for us. We had a choral workshop on the Saturday, working on pieces by Schubert and Bach, to improve vocal techniques. We enjoyed a lovely meal in the evening, with a cappella group Quintessential Voices providing us with superb entertainment. Particular thanks are due to three of the group for a special time this weekend – MD Mark Anyan, our ‘in house’ singing teacher Jim Morgan (not many choirs have one of them included as part of subscriptions) and Elizabeth Woods, our wonderful Mary Poppins. Fantastic!
Our summer concert this year was held on Saturday 11 June 2016 in the Tyne Theatre and Opera House, Westgate Road; a new venue for the choir.
We were joined by some North East celebrities in an event featuring music, words, and even some dancing, from the local area and beyond.
Kevin Whately
Kitty Whately
Madelaine Newton
Will Lang and Guests
Pianist Joseph Middleton
Music by Will Todd and Will Lang along with more traditional folk music
REVIEW: The Chronicle and Journal published this fantastic review by David Whetstone: click here for review
Prior to the concert, the Chronicle and Journal also published this article with more information about the Whatelys, and the link which was uncovered between the Tyne Theatre and our Chairman! – Chronicle Live Article
Thank you to everyone involved in making this event a great success, and if you came along we hope you enjoyed it as much as we did.
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Our concert on Saturday 19 March 2016 featured The Creation by Haydn, and was held in the Banqueting Suite of Newcastle Civic Centre.
These fabulous soloists joined us:
Angela Hicks, Soprano
Ben Thapa, Tenor
Dominic Barberi, Bass
We were supported by our friends Orchestra North East, and our Musical Director Mark Anyan conducted.
This concert was dedicated to the memory of John Parker, loyal member of the choir who died in November 2015. A closing collection was held in aid of the Hadrian Trust, and raised over £730. The Trust is a registered charitable trust allocating grants to charities and groups working for the benefit of the people and the environment of Tyne and Wear, Northumberland and Durham, including Hartlepool, for which John acted as solicitor, trustee, correspondent and administrator for almost 40 years.
In the run up to Christmas, we enjoyed some carol singing:-
On 12 December we sang in Eldon Square on behalf of the Samaritans, and helped to raise an amazing £1253. Thank you to everyone who came along to support us.
On 19 December we were pleased to have 2 slots singing in The Alnwick Garden.
We also helped provide some festive cheer for the residents of a care home in Newcastle.
Looking forward to next year……….!
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Our concert on 5 December 2015 was held in the Banqueting Suite of Newcastle Civic Centre. The main feature was Mass in Blue, by local composer Will Todd. We were delighted that the Will Todd Trio, including of course the composer, took part in our performance. The Trio was really fantastic, as was Sue Ferris playing saxophone. Soprano soloist Lorna James was absolutely fabulous.
In addition to the exciting Mass in Blue performance, there was a selection of favourite traditional Christmas music to provide seasonal cheer, and we were pleased to be accompanied by the great Mike Dutton on piano.
The choir thoroughly enjoyed the evening, and hope the audience did too!
We held a closing collection in aid of the Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity, which provides support to families with a seriously ill child. Will Todd is very close to this charity, and he spoke about its work at the concert.
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Saturday 29 November 2014 saw Newcastle Choral Society celebrate its Diamond Jubilee with a fantastic concert in the impressive Hall One of Sage Gateshead.
The programme included:
Karl Jenkins: ‘The Armed Man’ Mass for Peace marking the centenary of World War One.
Will Todd: ‘The Dream of the River’. The World Premiere of a choral suite for choir and orchestra especially commissioned by NCS. The music uses the theme of the river as a life-circle and a journey, and relates that to our own human lives and journeys. It was partly inspired by Michael Chaplin’s book ‘Tyne View-A Walk Around The Port of Tyne’. Visit Will’s website. Read about Michael Chaplin’s book here.
John Rutter: ‘Winchester Te Deum’.
The choir was joined by Tees Valley Youth Choir and members of the Mid Northumberland Chorus,
and the National Youth Choirs of Great Britain.
We were ably accompanied by Orchestra North East.
Introductions were by Michael Chaplin, writer for theatre, TV and radio; author and co-writer of ‘Tommies’, Radio 4’s epic drama series about WW1 to be broadcast regularly until 2018.
The concert received a very favourable review in The Journal newspaper: The Journal Review
The concert and commission were supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council. www.artscouncil.org.uk
Principal sponsors: intu Metrocentre and Port of Tyne
