East of England Singers

www.music-for-everyone.org | 0115 9589312

10 Goose Gate | Hockley | NG1 1FF

#MfEMonday – 11th March 2024

11th March 2024 Music for Everyone

WELL DONE to our VOCALS CHOIR for an amazing performance of songs from the Movies at the Albert Hall yesterday. 140 children worked incredibly hard in Saturday’s workshop ready for the concert to family and friends, we’ve had a great weekend with them all!

Don’t forget, the Nottingham Chamber Singers have their Angels, Dreams and Flying Machines concert this Saturday 16th March at St Mary’s Church in Clifton, last chance to book tickets in advance this week, we’ll have some on the door as well but best to reserve them now to avoid disappointment! Book here

It’s been a Movie-filled weekend with our Vocals event and the Oscars last night! (You might not know the results yet unless you were up at 1am to watch, so don’t read on if you’re not a fan of spoilers!)

The dark and tense score for Oppenheimer won Best Original Score by Ludwig Goransson. Using the violin as a starting point, Göransson and his wife Serena, a violinist, began experimenting with vibratos and microtonal glissandos, they aimed to convey the anxiety of Oppenheimer through the violin’s ability to instantly switch from a romantic and sentimental sound to something “neurotic” and “horrifying.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLUwsAbkmx0

By stark contrast, Best Original Song was won by Billie Eilish for her song What Was I Made for? From the Barbie movie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cW8VLC9nn ,a ballad that reflects on identity and belonging.

Blackwood Clarinets are excited to be organising their first Clarinet Play Day. This will be a full day event, on Sunday 14th July, including workshops and play sessions exploring music from the clarinet choir repertoire, along with a masterclass and optional improvisation session. The day will end with a short concert free for friends and family to attend. Please see attached flyer and for more information follow this link
An exciting upcoming concert by Melodic Fanfare, a Nottingham based brass ensemble. They will be holding their first live performance : A relaxing lunchtime debut concert featuring a variety of classical music. The concert will be held at University Hall, Nottingham on Friday 5^th April with all proceeds going to Mind. See attached flyer and book tickets here.

Have a great week!

Your friends at MfE.

11/03/2024

www.music-for-everyone.org | 0115 9589312

10 Goose Gate | Hockley | NG1 1FF

#MfEMonday – 27th November 2023

27th November 2023 Music for Everyone

Last week, the Daytime Voices had their end of term concerts in Hucknall, Southwell, West Bridgford, Wollaton and Sherwood. Well done to all for a fantastic term and performance!

The end of term concerts for Southwell and Wollaton groups were the last with their conductor Angela Kay, who will be handing over the reins to a new conductor next February. Wollaton performed a special rendition of ‘Thank you for the Music’ as a surprise for Angela, see the video here: Wollaton DTV thank you to Angela.mp4

Just a reminder that this coming Saturday our chamber choir, the Nottingham Chamber Singers are giving a special Advent/Christmas concert entitled Sparkling Baroque – a programme packed full of seasonal goodies with complimentary festive refreshments during the interval. The church is easy to find, situated on the right hand side of the Mansfield Road heading out of Nottingham towards Sherwood. There is plenty of on-street parking close by and we have arranged that we have the use of the well lit car park, which is situated just past the church.

Conducted by Angela Kay with soloist Rachel Parkes – a concert full of musical sparkle!

Further details can be found on the attached flyer or from our website https://www.music-for-everyone.org/event/ncs-sparkling-baroque-concert/

Who else is excited for the FINAL of the Great British Bake Off tomorrow night? To get in the mood, we’ve been listening to the original soundtrack of all the familiar tunes you hearing during the show, composed by Tom Howe. With unique names, from ‘Bakewell Counting’ (usually heard in the last-minute-dash to finish their bake!) to ‘Happy Pizza’ (the pizzicato motif that means something funny is about to happen…) these violin, cello and percussion compositions have become instantly recognisable and familiar to Bake Off fans.

Hear all the original tracks here and choose your favourite: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lhcn3LaVFZM

Remember, if you’re shopping online for the festive season, use EasyFundraising and support MfE! It’s so easy to do and raises money for MfE without it costing you anything extra. Follow these simple steps here to sign up and visit your favourite websites through the link: https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/musicforeveryone Every time you buy, a donation is made to support Music for Everyone.

Have a great week!

Your friends at MfE.

27/11/2023

www.music-for-everyone.org | 0115 9589312

10 Goose Gate | Hockley | NG1 1FF

https://www.classicfm.com/discover-music/reflective-classical-music-remembrance-day/

#MfEMonday – 13th November 2023

13th November 2023 Music for Everyone

Hello Everyone,

Bandwise and Stringwise were off to a great start this weekend, working on an exciting programme to perform in a Big Youth Experience Concert next weekend at the Albert Hall.

If you’re looking for an uplifting festive concert our chamber choir, the Nottingham Chamber Singers, are performing a joyful selection of Sparkling Baroque music on Saturday 2^nd December at St John’s Church, Carrington. Angela Kay is conducting the concert and here she is to tell you a bit more about it! https://youtu.be/AZo4466aMsQ

To book tickets call the office on 0115 958 9312 or follow this link: https://www.music-for-everyone.org/ncs-sparkling-baroque-booking/

Looking ahead to next year, places are booking up for our next Blow the Dust off your Instrument event (20^th Jan) and the ‘Gloria’ Singing Weekend and Concert (27th-28th Jan and 3rd Feb).

There’s time to book if you haven’t already!

Here are a selection of reflective classical works to mark this weekend’s Remembrance Day:

Did you know that 60 years after their first hit, The Beatles topped the singles chart this weekend, with all four Beatles featured on the song Now and Then. To find out more click here: The Beatles top singles chart 60 years after their first hit – BBC News

Have a great week!

Your friends at MfE.

13/11/2023

www.music-for-everyone.org | 0115 9589312

10 Goose Gate | Hockley | NG1 1FF

#MfEMonday – 25th September 2023

25th September 2023 Music for Everyone

The gothic splendour of the Cathedral Church of St Barnabas was the setting for the Nottingham Chamber Singers’ performance of Durufle’s Requiem last Saturday. Under the expert baton of Rachel Parkes, the Nottingham Chamber Singers, accompanied by the Nottingham Classical Players and organist Peter Seipmann, performed a sumptuous programme of French Romantic music by Franck, Durufle, Elgar, Boulanger and Faure. Joined by renowned mezzo-soprano, Emily Hodkinson, the concert closed with a luscious and deeply moving account of Durufle’s masterful Requiem.

Join us for the next Nottingham Chamber Singers’ concert ‘Sparkling Baroque’ on Saturday 02 December at St John’s Church, Carrington. For more information, click here.

On Monday 18 September, we held a special event to thank our Supporters and Donors for their contribution to the success of Music for Everyone. After a chance to mingle over a glass of wine, the audience was treated to performances from Artistic Director, Alex Robinson on viola and harpsichord – not at the same time! – and a beautiful selection of songs from Rachel Parkes, soprano, accompanied by Alex on harpsichord. Chairman John Hess then put Alex under the spotlight with a question and answer session, where Alex revealed that when he isn’t playing badminton and listening to Nordic Jazz, he secretly enjoys a bit of Euro-pop!

Anyone else watch open mouthed as the Fijian rugby team made history in a win against Australia last week? Is singing the key to their success? It would seem that they are a harmonious team on and off the pitch and often use singing as part of their preparations.

Click here to hear how the team unwinds before a big game!

Have a great week!

Your friends at MfE.

25/09/2023

www.music-for-everyone.org | 0115 9589312

10 Goose Gate | Hockley | NG1 1FF

See: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/nottinghamshire-lincolnshire/belton-house

#MfEMonday – 10th July 2023

10th July 202310th July 2023 Music for Everyone

You might have thought the 40th celebration weekend ended the season, but no! The next MfE event is this coming Sunday, 16 July 2023, in the stunningly beautiful setting of Belton House, just north of Grantham, with two performances by the Nottingham Chamber Singers: 1.30pm and 3.00pm.

Each 45 minute programme will be light and varied – from madrigals to the Beatles! The location of the two performances is weather dependant, but both indoor and outdoor options have been arranged.

So why not have a day out and enjoy Belton’s wonderful and extensive gardens and grounds? Take a picnic or buy lunch there, have a go in the adventure playground (a favourite with children), spot the location of various scenes from the BBC’s adaptation of Pride and Prejudice and enjoy the music!

Fine weather locations:

1.30pm in the Courtyard where you’ll find shops and the Stables Cafe – grab lunch, a drink or an ice cream and enjoy the singing.

3.00pm on the REAR steps of the house itself, overlooking the beautiful garden. You’ll find a few deckchairs there and grass to sit on, or you might even get lucky and claim one of the hidden benches – look in the low hedging!

Wet weather locations: at either 1.30pm and or 3.00pm

The Saloon – a grand room on the ground floor of the house. Enter via the front door. While we hope it will be a sunny day, it would be quite something for choir and audience to gather in the room where music has been performed since 1688!

Belton belongs to the National Trust. Parking and entry is free to members showing their cards. Otherwise, tickets can be bought in advance or in the entry kiosk.

Belton House | Lincolnshire

National Trust’s Belton House, Lincolnshire, is a country estate with formal Italian and Dutch gardens, and historic deer park.

www.nationaltrust.org.uk

See you there!

There are still places left on our Summer School this August (7th – 9th at Trent College) and we also have a special saxophone ensemble workshop on Monday 7th August with Naomi Sullivan for any sax players who would like to take part.

Please follow the link for more details and booking info: https://www.music-for-everyone.org/event/saxophone-ensemble-workshop/

Saxophone Ensemble Workshop

With Naomi Sullivan

www.music-for-everyone.org

Come along and support the Daytime Orchestras in their free concerts this week!
- Loughborough: Tuesday 11^th July – 11.30am
- All Saints Church, Steeple Row, Loughborough LE11 1UX

- Nottingham: Thursday 13th July – 11.30am
- St Martin’s Church, Trevose Gardens, Sherwood NG5 3FU

If you’ve been getting into Wimbledon fever, check out these 10 links between tennis and classical music!

https://www.classical-music.com/features/articles/tennis-and-classical-music/

Have a great week!

Your friends at MfE.

10/07/2023

www.music-for-everyone.org | 0115 9589312

10 Goose Gate | Hockley | NG1 1FF

#MfEMonday – 28th February 2022

28th February 202228th February 2022 Music for Everyone

Spring is finally in the air!! After all the storms and wild weather of February, it finally feels like the warmer weather, longer days and spring flowers are on their way. This week many of us may well be flipping pancakes in a frenzy before choosing to be somewhat more virtuous for Lent. One thing we’re certainly not giving up at MfE is putting on fabulous concerts for your entertainment and delight, and this coming weekend is no exception…

On Saturday 5th March, the Nottingham Chamber Singers (formerly EOES) will be performing a programme of music to soothe your senses, with a springtime theme of reflection, remembrance and renewal. The choir will be joined by an eclectic mix of instrumentalists for their performance of the Rutter Requiem, Brahms Four songs for upper voices, Schumann’s Six songs for lower voices, and local composer Guy Turner’s Songs and legends of Robin Hood. We will also feature two contemporary settings of music set to the texts of Lord Byron, who incidentally is buried in the graveyard of the parish church of Hucknall where the concert is taking place. It promises to be a romantic feast for the senses, we hope you can join us… book your tickets now! 7.30pm concert at St Mary Magdalene Church, Hucknall.

Book tickets online (also available on the door but we do recommend booking in advance!): https://www.music-for-everyone.org/ncs-concert-booking-page/

Happy Pancake Day for tomorrow! How do you like yours? Plain, sweet or savoury?

Here are some musical pancake inspirations if you’re feeling up to a challenge…

In New Orleans and other parts of the world people will be celebrating Mardi-Gras with Carnival on 1st March, so maybe put this wonderful toe-tapping tune on and have a dance around your kitchen whilst you’re flipping your pancakes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=na5sXo0Oqhw

Have a good week!

Your friends at MfE.

28/02/2022

www.music-for-everyone.org | 0115 9589312

10 Goose Gate | Hockley | NG1 1FF

#MfEMondays are Music for Everyone’s weekly emails designed to keep you up to date with MfE events & to circulate interesting finds, special features, and motivational moments for your Mondays! We are aiming to send out something new each week.

#MfEMondays – Keeping in Touch

31st May 202128th May 2021 Music for Everyone

KEEPING IN TOUCH

Hello everyone

Well I’m afraid that despite our best efforts, the government have still not seen sense about the ‘6 singers only’ guidance!

Many thanks to all of you who have written to your MPs and also signed the petition asking the government to re-think their guidance. If you haven’t signed it yet it’s not too late, just click here. https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/586559

But we don’t let a bit of guidance put us off! On Wednesday, not defeated by the weather, the MfE Chamber Choir, the East of England Singers, managed to have a rehearsal (observing all Covid protocols) at St Leonard’s Community Hall – split initially into groups of 6 and then, once the rain had stopped, outside in the garden. Click on the attachment to have a glimpse of what it looked and sounded like (if you listen very carefully you can hear a blackbird joining in!).EOES Rehearsal 26521

So we continue to wait and hope – and we keep cheerful!

Have a good Bank Holiday Monday – at least the weather has bucked up!

Best wishes

Angela

Have a good week!

Your friends at MfE.

31/05/2021

www.music-for-everyone.org | 0115 9589312

10 Goose Gate | Hockley | NG1 1FF

#MfEMondays – Keeping in Touch

24th May 2021 Music for Everyone

KEEPING IN TOUCH

Hello everyone,

Well what a week of frustration and disappointment!

There we all were, along with thousands of other singers throughout the country, looking forward so much to joining together and having a SING!!

But – as I’m sure you are now all aware – the government made a screeching u-turn round about 5pm last Tuesday regarding choir rehearsals and singing was proclaimed DANGEROUS!! Professional choirs are able to sing together but only 6 amateur singers are allowed to sing under one roof!!

This meant that one of our choir rehearsals on Wednesday evening could not go ahead as planned and our Family Singing Afternoon at the Albert Hall, which was going to be a wonderful event with almost 100 singers from across the generations enjoying themselves together, was scuppered and has had to be rescheduled for later in the year (17^th July). And it looks as though our Daytime Voices rehearsal scheduled for Wednesday of this week will have to be cancelled. We’ll be in touch with singers round about lunchtime tomorrow to let you know what’s happening.

So we’ve hit the media to express our feelings!

Our chairman, John Hess gave an excellent interview on East Midlands Today. https://youtu.be/PZ2ljbf25sM

Robin Reece-Crawford returned to Radio Nottingham on Sunday morning to chat once again to Francis Finn https://youtu.be/SuuhmykKVww

And the Evening Post ran an article about the whole situation. On line on Thursday https://www.nottinghampost.com/news/nottingham-news/charity-singing-group-disappointed-latest-5439430 and in the newspaper on Saturday.

So what can you do?

Write to your MP – John wrote to his and she raised it with the Prime Minister at the meeting of the 1922 Committee of Conservative MPs.
Sign this on-line petition – very easy to do and it will make a difference. Let’s see if we can make Nottingham and the surrounding areas bright red on the petition map. https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/586559
Make representation to anyone you know in high places.
Hope that the government sees sense!!

We’ll keep you up-dated with any developments.

Keep cheerful!

Angela

PS The subject was raised on the BBC Radio 4 Today programme this morning – perhaps waves are being created.

MUSICAL FLASH MOB PART 4. The Royal College of Music Philharmonic surprised visitors of the Science Museum with highlights from Holst’s Planets Suite. Proof that music and science can go together! Watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VrcXt-f-M6c
This is the last video in our month of flash mobs. Vote for your favourite video from May here: https://www.music-for-everyone.org/favourite-flash-mob/

Have a good week!

Your friends at MfE.

24/05/2021

www.music-for-everyone.org | 0115 9589312

10 Goose Gate | Hockley | NG1 1FF