Download Xmas 2009 Concert programme

Musical Director: Accompanist: Sign language interpreter: Matthew Pollard
Erika Schilsky
Marco Nardi
Matthew Pollard (b.1977) studied conducting with Barrie Webb and Philip McCann at
the University of Huddersfield and attended Allan Withington’s Conducting Summer
School in Leeuwarden, Netherlands, in 2009. Matt is also Musical Director of the
Hangleton Brass Band (since 2006), and conductor of Tacet Ensemble (since 2000).
Some recent concert highlights include ‘The Romantic Reaction’, an exploration of
music by gay 20th century composers with the Rainbow Chorus (Brighton Festival
Fringe 2008), several tours of the south-east with Tacet Ensemble, and numerous concerts with the Hangleton Band including ‘Cathedral Brass’. He has conducted a number of world premieres, including works by Martin Butler, Ed Hughes, John Mayer, Alison Kay and John Alexander. He maintains a busy rehearsal and concert schedule with
all three ensembles. Matthew was the inaugural winner of the Roy Newsome Challenge Shield and was named “NABBC Conductor of the Year 2008”. Matthew is also a
composer and arranger, holding a doctorate in Musical Composition from the University of Sussex.
www.matthewpollardmusic.co.uk
The Rainbow Chorus is Brighton & Hove’s only LGBT choir and aims to offer an
enjoyable, supportive and affirming environment for its members to sing together, so
developing their community spirit and awareness, and to enable individuals to develop
their talents, skills and confidence. Through public performance, we aim to enhance the
profile of LGBT people, particularly in Brighton and Hove, and to contribute to the
quality and range of community events. As part of our commitment to the local community, we aim to make donations to other organisations from the proceeds of our
concerts.
Rainbow Chorus
Hallelujah!
It’s Christmas
Our Christmas concert featuring excerpts from
Handel's Messiah (with ensemble)
and well-loved Christmas songs and carols
With this concert The Rainbow Chorus ends a very successful year including performances of ‘Choral Propaganda’ at both ‘Various Voices’ (London) and the Brighton Fringe
and performances for the ‘International Day Against Homophobia’, the National Union
of Teachers, ‘The Charleston Festival’, the 3 Choirs AIDS memorial concert and World
AIDS Day. The Rainbow Chorus is looking to expand our boundaries in the South and
has members from Brighton & Hove, Worthing, Burgess Hill, Crawley and Hastings.
Next year we’re planning something quite different for the Brighton Festival Fringe so
make sure you stay in touch!
at Saint Nicholas Parish Church, Dyke Road, Brighton
Join the Rainbow Chorus group to be kept up to date
with upcoming events and the latest news and pictures.
If you are interested in joining the choir then please email
[email protected]
Friday, 18th December, 7:30pm
www.rainbowchorus.org.uk
This evening’s Christmas Concert Programme
Winter Wonderland by Felix Bernard, words Dick Smith arr. by Ned Bennett
O Holy Night by Adolphe Adam, words Placide Cappeau, arranged by Carl Deis
(Duet by Anna Orchard and Sharon Gregory)
Personent Hodie from Piae Cantiones, 1582 (Men’s chorus)
In the Bleak Midwinter by Gustav Holst, words Christina Rosetti [*]
George Frideric Handel (23 February 1685 – 14 April 1759) was a German-English
Baroque composer, who is famous for his operas, oratorios, and concerti grossi. He
was born in Germany, trained in Italy, and settled in England in 1712, becoming a
naturalised subject of the British crown on 20 February 1727. His works include
Messiah, Water Music, and Music for the Royal Fireworks. Strongly influenced by the
techniques of the great composers of the Italian Baroque era, as well as the English
composer Henry Purcell, Handel's music became well-known to many composers,
including Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven. [Source:Wikipedia]
“Handel understands effect better than any of us—when he chooses, he strikes like a thunderbolt."
—Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Snow Falls by John Tams (Solo by Carol Prior)
"He is the greatest composer that ever lived. I would uncover my head and kneel before his tomb."
—Ludwig van Beethoven,
Both quotes taken from Handel by Percy M Young (1947)
Gaudete Christus est natus traditional, arranged by Glen Capra
Excerpts from Frideric Handel’s ‘Messiah’
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing by Felix Mendelssohn, words by Charles Wesley [*]
No. 4
And the Glory of the Lord (Chorus)
No. 10 & 11 For behold, darkness / The people that walked in
darkness (Solo Phelim MacCafferty)
No. 12 For unto us a child is born (Chorus)
No. 22 Behold the Lamb of God (Chorus)
No. 26 All we, like sheep (Chorus)
No. 38 How beautiful are the feet (Solo Ali Strowman)
No. 45 I know that my Redeemer liveth (Solo Sharon Gregory)
No. 44 Hallelujah (Chorus)
Have yourself a merry little Christmas by Hugh Martin, words by Ralph Blane
[*] Indicates that audience participation is requested and encouraged!
INTERVAL and refreshments
Sopranos:
Markie Barratt, Sue Beale, Jane Farrell, Sharon Gregory, Sharon Krummel, Anna Orchard, Tanya Richardson, Sally Rose, Caroline Schofield and Ali Strowman
Our string section musicians tonight:
Jem Muharrem - 1st violin
Matt Gabel
- 2nd violin
Leonie Rainbird-Tilson - viola
Peter Copley
- cello
Altos:
Liz Armour, Susy Baker, Kezia Bibby, Finola Brophy, Gill Davies, Clare Fairbrother,
Simonne Gnessen, Sue Leggett, Miriam Nicholson, Carol Prior, Becca Rudd and
Jane Wrin
Tenors:
Jill Cannon, Adam Clarke, Rob Collins, Dave Cooper, Angela Goodall, David Haines,
Simon Hincks, Grae Ross, David Sheppeard, Gill Stephenson and Stephen Watson
Oliver Springet - double bass
Basses:
David Caffrey, Darren Clarke, Michael Gough, Phelim Mac Cafferty, Ric Morris, Liam
O'Shea and Tim Rose