EMBER CHORAL SOCIETY ---MUSICAL DIRECTOR’S REPORT FOR AGM 03.09.08

Elijah has always been a great favourite of mine, and of Ember, so we approached the rehearsals for our November performance with even more than usual enthusiasm and anticipation.

The concert was a great success----the soloists, reduced orchestra and, of course, the chorus, were all superb. Hinchley Wood School Hall now has a terrible acoustic for music, so it was even more of a triumph that the performance went so well against such great odds. I’m sure that the sports hall will be very different in December.

In March we once again sang at the Choral Evensong which introduced Claygate’s Music Festival. Many thanks to all who participated, especially John Alpass who arranged the whole affair and accompanied us so magnificently.

A different musical event, but none the less noteworthy was the jazz evening at the end of April. Everyone present had a thoroughly good time---including the John Mills Quartet, who really enjoyed playing to an appreciative and apparently knowledgable audience—thanks to Margaret and team for the excellent food: I know Bob is anxious to do it again soon---on an even bigger scale (such was the financial success too, although I should warn him that next time the bass player will NOT be free of charge!!!!!)

Our brief excursion into “Hodie” in May was well worth it, refreshed some memories and provided an idea of what’s to come in the autumn.

So to the June concert. I write this exactly one week after the performance, ---still on a high with those V.W. sounds and Handel runs going round and round in my head!

Once again, a reduced orchestra worked superbly (I hope that both Gabriel and Ralph would approve of my “composing” and the addition of timps to their masterpieces!) The choir, as always, really rose to the occasion in all three works.---the in-house octet were excellent; and the soloists –oh the soloists…….they were as wonderful as ever in the Faure (as we have come to expect of them!) but Jen, in the Handel, and Michael in the VW were just mind-blowingly stunning! Can’t wait to hear them both again in December in our final homage to VW and his year, with our performance with “Hodie”. (a footnote to the June concert ---how marvellous it was to see such a full house; the principle of 2 tickets per member obviously works---well done Bob!)

As ever my thanks to:-

1. the supporters
2. the committee—especially Roger who retires as Chairman. Anything not sorted over the ‘phone or at rehearsal usually has been over a pint in the Greyhound ,Weston Green!
3. Pam---as wonderful as ever
4. Linda, --not only depping for Pam so magnificently—but also covering for me on several occasions, with her usual musical expertise and good humour.
5. the soloists and orchestras of the very highest standards—particular thanks to Geoffrey Harvey our” wind” man in the reduced orchestras.
6. YOU for your hard work, tolerance ,concentration, support and love!---thank you for everything.

By the time you read this I hope that you will have had a great summer, and to have seen many of you in Paris. Whether or not,--- see you all at the first rehearsal.

John

14.06.08