CONCERT NEWSLETTER JANUARY 2008
Dear Grayshott Concerts Supporter
After two very well supported and successful events during 2007, we are now turning our attention to a full programme for 2008.
We are delighted to report that over 50 families and individuals have already taken the opportunity to become Friends of Grayshott Concerts, and this support will enable us to continue to invite top ranking vocalists and instrumentalists to perform in Grayshott.
New Members are welcome throughout the year.
The Concert year will be off to a flying start on 16th February with Vivaldi’s "Gloria" and the first performance by Grayshott's new choir "Excelsis".
An excellent beginning has been made under Director of Music Robert Lewis who, in a few short months, has recruited and trained the choir from scratch.
Excelsis now has some 20 members, all excellent singers, who have been rehearsing together during the winter months for this Concert.
Grayshott's new choir "Excelsis" rehearse under Director of Music Robert Lewis
Members of the choir were invited by Grayshott Spa to sing carols for their guests on Christmas Eve, after which they made a quick dash to the Village Square to provide support for Grayshott's traditional community carol singing.
The choir will be joined by two of the country's leading soloists, Soprano Judith Howarth and Mezzo Soprano Yvonne Fontane.
Both are powerful and engaging performers.
Judith will be joining us between a series of performances as Madame Butterfly with the English National Opera in London, and Yvonne has been described as "probably one of the best Carmens performing today”.
You may like to look at their biographies on the internet using the following links: www.yvonnefontane.co.uk/bio.htm and www.gloucesterchoral.com/Howarth.htm
Soprano Judith Howarth & Mezzo Soprano Yvonne Fontane
The complete programme has now been finalised, and will make full use of the talents of all the singers, who will be accompanied by The New London Sinfonia, and conducted by Robert Lewis.
In addition to the much loved Vivaldi "Gloria", the choir will sing Mozart's "Laudate Dominum" and Faure's "Cantique de Jean Racine".
Judith and Yvonne will perform excerpts from Pergolesi's beautiful "Stabat Mater", Faure's "Pie Jesu" and Vivaldi's "Nulla in Mundo Pax Sincere".
Much of the music will be instantly recognisable, and a real ‘must’ for all lovers of beautiful choral music.
To attend Excelsis’ debut will be a great delight in itself, but to experience performances by two international singers of such stature in our own village is a rare privilege indeed.
Tickets for this Concert are now on general sale. Our ‘Friends’ and other supporters have already booked over three quarters of the tickets, so if you haven't yet reserved yours, now is the time to do so: A few tickets are still available in the central nave at £17.50 and others in the side aisles at £15.00
Pre Concert Suppers will be hosted by the Gurkha Durbar from 5.30 pm at £15.00 - bookable through Grayshott Concerts.
EITHER: Book through our website www.grayshottconcerts.co.uk
OR
TELEPHONE: Peter Harrison 01428 606666 (office hours) -
or Vivien Harrison 01428 714119 (any time) Please leave a message if we are unavailable, and we will return your call.
IF YOU HAVE ALREADY RESERVED YOUR TICKETS, they are now available as follows:
If you have already made payment, tickets will be sent to you shortly.
Otherwise, they can be sent to you, on receipt of payment to the address below, together with an SAE.
ALTERNATIVELY your reserved tickets may be paid for and collected from Lynda Davies at BLAZE HOUSE ART, the lighting shop in Crossways Road from MONDAY 14th JANUARY. Cash or cheque only please, as we are unable to take credit or debit cards at present.
FRIENDS: Don't forget to deduct the amounts for your complimentary tickets as appropriate.
GOLD FRIENDS are entitled to a total of 6 complimentary tickets during 2008
.
SILVER FRIENDS are entitled to a total of 2 complimentary tickets during 2008.
EXCELSIS Chamber Choir: We are continuing to recruit singers in all voices for Excelsis. If you are interested and would like to attend an audition, please contact Peter or Vivien (numbers above). The next Grayshott Concert featuring Excelsis will be in September. However, if you already know the Vivaldi GLORIA, there may still be a place for you in February!
.
Vivien Harrison
Artistic Director
Grayshott Concerts, 28A Headley Road, Grayshott, Hindhead, GU26 6LD
