Another week, another cantata by Alexander l’Estrange. This time it was Ahoy! for the Mary Rose, performed in Colston Hall as part of Bristol Choral Society’s outreach programme. Choir members were joined by a large crew from several Bristol schools, so we stood on the stage near the band (slightly differently configured from last week, with an accordion). Everyone wore horizontal stripes.
The music is a mixture of sea shanties, other folk songs and Tudor songs, as well as an original arrangement of Full Fathom Five. The relatively simple harmonic structures allow some of these to run simultaneously. Singing Zimbe! caused me to miss a rehearsal, so extra concentration was needed. We also had a certain amount of movement on stage, not the aspect of choral performance I’m best at!
The children guaranteed us another large and appreciative audience, and it was a good way for me to end my BCS season, as I won’t be in the summer concert.
I used to sing with Alex Lestrange in the Oxford Pro Musica Singers. He was the son of the Director’s wife Alison. A cheerful person and a fine singer and director in his own right.