It’s a lovely, sunny spring day and what better way to celebrate the season than by enjoying an uplifting Sinfonia Chorale concert, conducted by the talented Richard Roddis! On Sunday 29th June, at 3.30pm in West Bridgford Methodist Church, we will perform a varied collection of choral pieces from different countries and eras. There will also be a tasty cream tea, which is included in the ticket price of £10 (£5 for students under 21).
Our main work is The Making of the Drum by the renowned composer and conductor Bob Chilcott (b. 1955). It sets the powerfully evocative poem written by Edward Kamau Brathwaite (1930 – 2020). Born in Barbados, he attended the University of Cambridge and was a well-known and highly respected ‘literary activist, critic, editor and author on topics of Caribbean literature’. He was also Professor Emeritus of Comparative Literature at New York University. Chilcott, born in Plymouth, was a member of the King’s Singers and has been composing since 1997. He is currently the Principal Conductor of Birmingham University Singers.
Using a cappella SATB choir and percussion, this energetic piece explores the spiritual ritual of drum making, which Chilcott had experienced on a trip to Uganda in 1984. The drum is a ‘living spirit’ and treated reverentially.
We are really looking forward to hearing our guest musician, Andy Harris, who will be playing his different hand drums and percussive instruments. An experienced teacher and community worker, Harris facilitates a drumming circle in Nottingham called Power of Drums. Taking part in the group is said to cause ‘sudden outbursts of joy, happiness, energy, creativity, awareness and good feeling’! We can’t wait to welcome him and enjoy the exciting drumming!
Indodana, arranged by Michael Barrett and Ralf Schmitt, is a traditional isiXhosa South African song. It is a beautiful, goose-bump inducing piece, full of meaning and delicious harmonies. One of the Bantu languages, isiXhosa is indigenous to Southern Africa and one of the official languages of South Africa and Zimbabwe.
Travelling back to England, we will sing Henry VIII’s piece Pastime with good Company, the original score of which is held in the British Library, London. It was composed in the early 16th century, possibly before Henry was even a teenager, and was a very popular, catchy English folk song, praising various leisure pursuits of the time, such as hunting, singing and dancing.
There will also be tasters of Latin American Baroque music, some French opera-ballet and more folk pieces. It would be lovely to see you for a joyful and relaxing musical afternoon – and don’t forget the cream tea!
Tickets are available from the Sinfonia Chorale website or from Sandra Wakefield (0115 9606236) or Teresa Marchewicz (07811 913847).
Best wishes,
Sinfonia Chorale
