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CHOIR NEWS and NOTICES

News, notices, musical job vacancies, achievements and items of interest
Job Vacancies News Archive

To post your choir's news items or notices on this site contact the Federation website manager, Steve Ley on
s-ley@hotmail.co.uk or tel: (01752) 214807
.


DISCLAIMER: Any opinion expressed and advice offered in this website is not necessarily that of the Federation or its officials and no responsibility can be accepted for the results of following contributors' advice.


Loveny Male Voice Choir

Loveny Male Voice Choir is delighted to welcome Marcus Alleyne to the position of our Musical Director, and looks forward to an enjoyable and successful partnership into the future, with the support of our Deputy Musical Director Colin Arthur.


Marcus Leeverson Alleyne


Following a premature end to a Royal Naval Medical career due a hockey injury it was the perfect opportunity to revert back to a childhood passion. Maintaining a very active role in music well into his late teens, the transition from medicine to music came easily. Since graduating from Plymouth University several Musical Director opportunities have arisen, and Marcus now holds several full time positions as either associate or resident MD. Current positions held : Music of the Night Choral Foundation, Plymouth Phoenix Chorale, Sterts Arts Centre, Sounds Musical Theatre Company, Cadon Chamber Choir, Levowan XII,d the SWPC, and Loveny MVC. A small amount of his time is also taken up by private vocal tuition and music theory. With a firm knowledge and wealth of experience in both choral and orchestral conducting there is a huge variety in the work that he performs on a daily basis…

Musician, academic, educator and conductor Marcus Leeverson Alleyne started his musical life at the age of 11 beginning piano tuition and maintaining the role as an active chorister. At the age of 15 he took part in his first opera accepting the lead role of Tamino, in Mozart’s Magic Flute, as one of the youngest tenors in Europe to do so. During this time he continued classical voice training under the tutelage of Jonathan Lewsey. Whilst studying Marcus received Young Musician of The Year Award and in the same year the Tim Timmis “services to music” award. During his graduate studies he worked closely Artistic Director of Peninsula Arts, Simon Ible and while here was fortunate enough to work alongside The Bournemouth Symphony and Ten Tors Orchestra, composer Nigel Shaw, Percussionist Evelyn Glennie and guitarist Craig Ogden.

Marcus also spent time conducting the University Student Choir, Big Band and Orchestra. In 2011 Marcus founded Orchestra 4 Cornwall, which continues to draw musicians from all over the country to raise funds for a variety of charities. Following the successful debut performance of O4C he was offered the position of resident Musical Director of The Music of The Night Choral Foundation, current holders of the Plymouth City Music Festival Mantle Cup for two consecutive years.

Marcus also currently holds the position of Musical Director with The Plymouth Phoenix Chorale. A 40 strong Devon based mixed chorus who focus on an incredibly eclectic repertoire of both sacred and secular spanning some 400 years. In addition to the ever increasing repertoire the Phoenix also aim to debut new contemporary compositions in at least one of their annual concerts. With connections to Bob Chilcott Codon Chamber Choir is North Cornwall’s answer to Harry Christopher’s 16, with its 18-20 versatile and experienced singers. Due to the wealth of experience the choir does not require a full time Musical Director and work with them is often more consultancy based during the lead up to performances.

As one of Plymouth’s oldest theatre companies, Sounds Musicals Theatre is one of the more recent appointments. With a strong focus on early musical theatre and experienced actors and musicians the company performs much of its annual works at the Devonport Playhouse, which is one of Plymouths best venues for amateur and professional theatre alike. This year Marcus was required to step in and take the leading role in Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd just weeks before the opening night following the ill health of the original leading man. With his ever strengthening links with conductors and composers in America such as John Cornish and Dan Forrest, Marcus brings a unique style and sound to both choral and orchestral work throughout the South West and is often afforded the opportunity to premier and showcase new works from such composers. In the last 3 years he has showcased and premiered 8 pieces of contemporary music. In the summer of 2015 Marcus was appointed director of music for the then Palace Theatre Philharmonia and Chorus and was heavily involved in raising funds to support the restoration of the Union Street Theatre, however due to several reasons he resigned from the position in October 2016 and withdrew services from the charity running the restoration. Marcus then went on to develop the Southwest Philharmonia and Chorus utilising 140 musicians from across the peninsula.

Item submitted by Mick Anstice
Sec. Loveny MVC
26/08/17


ROYAL VISIT TO CORNWALL


Ted Pinguey
talking to the Duchess of Cornwall

Steve Ley
laughing with the Duchess of Cornwall


On Friday the 21st July 2017 there Royal Highnesses, The Duke and Duchess of Cornwall, paid a visit to Newquay. They were there to visit a new housings development where it was planned to have a tea party in honour of the Camilla’s birthday. Steve Ley and myself were invited to the event as representatives of The Cornish Federation of Male Voice Choirs. We were introduced to the Duchess and told her all about the Choirs here in Cornwall. The event had to be moved into the fire station because of the inclement weather. Everyone was grateful that they came to the rescue!!!!

Report by Ted Pinguey Publicity Officer for The Cornish Federation of Male Voice Choirs.

Item updated 18/08/2017



Grand Concert in Aid of the Coverack Flood Disaster


Combined Choir at Saltash Wesley Methodist Church

WHAT A FANATASTIC EVENING……Words cannot fully describe the concert last Friday evening, 4th August at Salatash Wesley Methodist Church, when a group of male choristers from Cornish male voice choirs gathered together to give a concert in aid of the Coverack Flood Disaster and what a memorable evening it turned out to be.

It all started just over a week ago when Phil Taylor, Musical Director of Burraton Male Voice Choir, asked the question during rehearsal, “who would be interested in doing a combined concert next Friday in aid of the Coverack Flood Disaster”. Those available said yes and so the wheels went into action, emails were sent out and the choice of pieces chosen, phone calls made.

On the evening the choir was accompanied by Paul Fry on piano and Ken Pethick on organ and directed by Phil Taylor. 100 male voices joined together from different choirs mainly from the East of Cornwall and gave a packed audience a night to remember. The choral pieces, The Rose, Morte Criste, The Lord’s Prayer, Bring Him Home and many more were interspersed by soloists.

The guest soloists for the evening were, William Thomas (Baratone) from St. Ives, and instrumentalist Saltash born Michael Burke (Concert Pianist) from Manchester.
Both were absolutely amazing, William sing Anthem from Chess plus a tribute to Cornwall he wrote himself were some of the pieces he sang and Michael played two pieces from the composer Liszt.

The choirs represented were Burraton, Rame, Launceston, Liskerret, Loveny, Pelynt, Polperro, Tamar Valley, Tintagel, Marizion & others.

The concert as previously mentioned was in aid of the Coverack Flood Disaster and raised £1600 for this fund. Thank you all, choristers, audience and soloists for a wonderful evening.

Item updated 08/08/17


PRESIDENT'S PLATE AWARD 2017 goes to Loveny MVC


Terry Hodge, Chairman, presents the President's Silver Plate Award
to David Williams of Loveny MVC

At the Federation Annual General Meeting held on 9th May, Loveny Male Voice Choir was announced as the winner of this year's President Plate Award. The Chairman, Terry Hodge, congratulated the choir on their excellent work within the community.
Loveny always try to be part of the local community, here are a few things they have been involved in during the past year.

1 Each year we have a concert in St Neot with all proceeds going to the local community as a thank you for their support.
2 We go along to the local school and sing for and with the children in preparation for the annual carol concert
3 Sing with the children in the carol concert which is a wonderful and uplifting experience.
4 This year we sang at Mount Edgecombe Hospice for the switching on of the Christmas lights.
5 We went to Camel Creek Adventure Park and sang carols for the families staying there
6 After the children’s parade through the street at Bodmin for St Piran’s Day we will be leading the singing on Mount Folly with Trelawny etc.
7 We will be taking part in the Trelawny Shout at The Weavers public house on 5th March with good friends, good beer and great comradeship.

Item updated 01/06/17


CORNWALL IN HIGH PLACES

Below is a very intersting article sent by Linda and Tom Jones after a visit to London.

On a recent visit to London, we discovered an interesting fact about Burlington House, home of the Royal Academy: Burlington House cornices have something surprising and special about them!

The main (north) building of what is now Burlington House in London’s Piccadilly was built as a private residence in the early 1700s. East and west wings were subsequently added, and it was eventually sold to the British government in 1854 for £140,000. It was renovated by the architect Sydney Smirke RA who replaced the east and west wings with larger structures, but left the main building largely intact. The main building was then leased to the Royal Academy of Arts in 1868.

During the renovation process, complex moulded cornices were fitted to ceilings in the main galleries. Fragments of these cornices were on show at a recent exhibition in the RA. The first photograph shows what appears to be a typically complex cornice - fit for a palace. However, the second photograph shows its edge profile which is a beautiful replica of … a map of Cornwall!

As explained in the exhibition, the “cornices can still be read as abstract objects. But to those who recognise the shape of their profile, they appear as architectural elements with a specific meaning that connects to personal myths and biographies: a trip to the seaside, childhood holiday or simply part of everyday life.”


'Cornice viewed from front'

'Cornice viewed in profile'


Item updated 29/01/17


PM Sound

Please find below an email recieved from Paul Martyn of PM Sound

After more than 25 years, countless hours of recording, editing and producing on behalf of most of the male voice choirs in the Federation, I have decided that now is the time that I have to take off my headphones, stow away my equipment and bring PM Sound to a close. PM Sound has enjoyed a very long and very productive association with Cornish male voice choirs and I have gained enormous personal satisfaction from the part I have been able to play in helping the choirs to preserve their repertoires, record their development and disseminate their ‘sound’ to audiences all over the globe. We started with vinyl, then cassette tapes before moving on to CDs and other digital formats but at each stage PM Sound sought to produce recordings of the highest quality, showing off our Cornish choirs at their very best. I have made wonderful friendships within the male voice choir movement, enjoying the warm fellowship between the choirs; something that has never been more evident than when they have made the pilgrimages to the Royal Albert Hall and I have been delighted to have been invited by the Federation to record them.

I wish all male voice choirs in Cornwall all the best in the future and extend a warm welcome to anyone who is able to drop in for a chat (morning’s are best), especially if that gives us the opportunity to reminisce over some of the old times!

Best wishes to you all, Paul Martyn (PM Sound Tel: 01872 263300)

Item updated 29/01/17


HELP REQUIRED

Please find below an email sent to Penny. I wonder if anybodoy can assist, if so please email Eric Harris direct ericharris433@talktalk.net

For years now I've been trying to track down a recording of this Songs of Praise from Truro cathedral in 1992, my VHS went haywire and I have a very poor quality tape.I have a good recording of the later Songs of Praise, but in my view it's not a patch on the earlier one. Is a similar event planned for 2017 ?

I realise this was a BBC event but I wondered if recordings still exist and are available to buy. Many thanks in anticipation.

Eric Harris

Item updated 01/01/17


NEWQUAY MALE VOICE CHOIR

Please find below a email sent by Jim Christophers, Secretary, Newquay MVC regarding the progress being made of three of their members who where involved in a serious accident whilst returning from a concert on Saturday, October 29, on the St Columb Major side of Winnards Perch roundabout.

All those associated with Newquay Male Voice Choir, but especially their a capella chorus, Oll an Gwella, would like to thank from the bottom of their hearts all those who have responded with such compassion and concern for the welfare of the three members of the choir who were recently involved in a very serious traffic accident. You will be pleased to hear that both David and Nick are now making tentative steps to rejoin singing activities as we head towards Christmas. Andy’s situation was always more complex, having suffered spinal injuries, so he will not be back with us for a while. However, we are pleased to report that he has moved onto the next stage of his recovery and rehabilitation and has just been transferred to a specialist spinal rehabilitation centre in Salisbury. Andy is a realist but with a remarkably up-beat outlook on life generally and his present situation specifically. We will let you all know when he is back and singing.

Item updated 09/12/2016


MOUSEHOLE MALE VOICE CHOIR

After three months of hard work MOUSEHOLE MALE VOICE CHOIR entered Camborne Music Festival on Saturday, singing in the Senior class for Male Voice Choirs. We found ourselves in competition with Four Lanes Male Choir and St Stythians Male Voice Choir (the previous years winners), and after a very close contest, the choir won The Ewart Kinsman Cup and The Bob & Eileen Gilbert Baton.

The adjudicator, Stephen Roberts, awarded the choir an overall mark of 264 for the choir’s rendition of Larry Nickel’s “Four Strong Winds”, Joseph Martin’s arrangement of “Sing Your Way Home” and the traditional spiritual, “Battle of Jericho”, arranged by Mark Hayes. He described the choir as having “Good harmonies and a nice balance between (the) parts”. He also praised our selection of music which showed a contrast between each of the pieces, saying “You do draw us into your singing” and “you sit very well with the piano accompaniment”

One of the comments we received from a member of one of the other competing choirs was “Congratulations on your achievements, please wait for another 25 years to compete!!!”

Needless to say the choir are absolutely thrilled with this success and it is the first time that the choir have competed since 1994, The choir are truly blessed in having an exceptionally gifted musical team in Stephen, David and Annette in getting us to this winning standard.


Mousehole Choir receiving The Ewart Kinsman Cup

Stephen Lawry with the
The Bob & Eileen Gilbert Baton.


Item updated 27/11/2016


PLYMOUTH PAVILIONS CHARITY CONCERT

On Saturday 2nd July 2016, some 270+ male voices from all over the county descended on the Plymouth Pavilions for a charity concert in aid of Saint Petroc’s Society, The Cove Macmillan Support Centre at Treliske and the Cornwall Music Service Trust. The concert included performances from the Duchy Tuba Quartet and soloist Laura Nicholas accompanied by Alistair Taylor.

Presentation of Cheques to Charities


Mrs Sibley receives the cheque for
Cornwall Music Service Trust

Mrs Jackie Davis and Sandra Gilbridge receives the cheque for
St Petroc's Society

Dr Pottnger receives the cheque for
The Cove Macmillan Support Centre


The Plymouth Pavilions charity concert raised £10,560 which was donated equally to the three charities, £3520 each.

Item updated 05/11/2016



MEN OF SONG
by Jeff Campbell of Tamar Valley MVC


Men of Song, written by Jeff Campbell, sets out the history of British male voice singing; it is a book likely to be be of great interest to male voice choristers and fans of choral singing around the UK.

Jeff Campbell has dedicated his time to researching his book, a subject about which he is passionate. He also decided he would like this project to be a means of helping his 11 year old granddaughter, Skye Campbell, who suffers from Down's Syndrome together with some serious health complications including a heart condition. Skye attends the Bidwell Brook School, a special school which Jeff states does wonderful work with the children. He intends to give any proceeds from the sale of his book to a fund to assist his granddaughter's future.

The paperback contains 344 pages with full colour pictures. It is available now from Jeff direct priced £11 this includes post and packaging or Ebay priced £12, both can be payed for by using PayPal. For further details please contact Jeff on 01548 831559 or email to menofsong2016@gmail.com.

Item updated on 13/11/2016



SONG BOOK

A new Song Book has been compiled by members of Nankersey Male Choir. The Song Book contains 51 well known songs and hymns and is intended to be used on informal occasions (possibly with a pint in hand!) whenever choir members get together for a sing song outside of concert "conditions". It is also intended to act as an aide memoire for those who find themselves at a loss to join in because the words are either unknown or temporarily forgotten! Thanks to everyone who has helped in the compilation.

We are pricing the Song Book competitively at £2.50 only and this must represent good value as it is handily sized for placing in a jacket pocket and the cover is laminated for durability. The Song Book is dedicated to Nankersey's 12 founder members and a photograph of those worthy gentlemen appears in the book.

Choir members within the Federation qualify for this bargain price provided the song book(s) can be delivered by hand (at a Federation meeting for instance) or song books may be obtained for £3.50 by post. Anyone who is interested in obtaining a copy or copies should please get in touch with Fred Bidgood, tel: 01326 373984;
e-mail: familybidgood@hotmail.co.uk
.

Sent by Fred Bidgood, Nankersey MC


ARRANGING A CHOIR TOUR?

Neil Shepherd, MD of "Laudate!" and also a qualified travel agent and tour operator has kindly offered suggestions and advice to choirs planning tours.

This item first posted June 2009 and retained for reference. Click on the link below.

Tours


18 August 2017 - Stephen Ley