Monthly Archives: February 2014

Why I’m like Lohengrin

There was a mildly embarrassing moment at the beginning of our opera gala concert last weekend: as usual, we were all lined up in rows to process on and the names of those on the end of each row (including … Continue reading

Posted in opera, singing in concerts | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

My 13

The new Op13 music shop in Bristol has some posters inside, each showing 13 composers chosen by local musicians, some known personally to me. I couldn’t see them without thinking of what my own list would be and have used … Continue reading

Posted in repertoire | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Is choral poaching wrong?

It’s a strong term for something that it’s unpleasant to be on the wrong side of. I’m referring to the practice of persuading members of other choirs to leave and join yours instead. It’s commonest when there is a shortage … Continue reading

Posted in choirs | Tagged | Leave a comment

Keith James Clarke, Mahler’s Heavenly Retreats

These ‘encounters with the master’s Composing Houses’ are written by an architect and Mahler enthusiast. Our copy was given to some family members while they were standing in a Prom queue. It’s a popular cliché now that men like sheds, … Continue reading

Posted in book reviews | Tagged , | Leave a comment

the toaster in the Victoria Rooms

I made time at lunchtime to go and hear the University Chamber Choir and the Madrigal Ensemble give a lunchtime concert in the concert hall at the Victoria Rooms. The Chamber Choir is rather large for a group of that … Continue reading

Posted in going to concerts | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

the Glagolitic Mass on YouTube

@bristolchoral I am greatly looking forward to performing the Glagolitic Mass for the first time. I can’t recall its being done in the Bath/Bristol area in recent years, and in fact until I started to learn it I was unfamiliar … Continue reading

Posted in recordings | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment