Nottingham Chamber Singers

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

10 Goose Gate | Hockley | NG1 1FF

https://www.music-for-everyone.org/event/workshop-day-ncm-from-west-end-to-broadway/

#MfEMonday – 24th February 2025

24th February 2025 Music for Everyone

We are delighted to let you know that Summer School 2025 is now open for booking!

4^th– 6^th August 2025 – Trent College, Long Eaton

We are delighted to announce the return of Hilary Campbell conducting the choir, Kieron Anderson conducting Saxophones and Wind Band and Alex Robinson conducting the Orchestra and String Ensemble.

Introducing our guest artists this year as: Tailleferre Ensemble, Leo Melvin and Sonoro.

Biographies for each artist and conductor can be seen on our website.

Click the link to find out more and book your place: Course: Summer School 2025

Looking to the next few weeks, We are fast approaching the end of February and looking forward to some brighter days and a musical March!

Here’s what we have coming up…

Saturday 15th March – ‘From West End to Broadway’ at the John Godber Centre, Hucknall

Come and sing some hits from shows including Wicked, Les Misérables and Fiddler on the Roof!

Or to watch the performance book tickets here: https://www.music-for-everyone.org/event/from-west-end-to-broadway/

Saturday 29^th March – Easter Images concert

The Nottingham Chamber Singers warmly invite you to the village church of St Peter’s, Ruddington to experience glorious music by Bach, Handel, Rachmaninov and Poulenc.

To book online visit: https://www.music-for-everyone.org/event/ncs-easter/ or call the MfE office on 0115 958 9312.

We are delighted to have been awarded a National Lottery Project Grant by Arts Council England which will fund a new commission from composer Libby Croad. Many of you will remember Libby from our 40th Anniversary celebrations in 2023 when she wrote a piece to celebrate MfE’s big birthday! This time she will be creating a work for the Nottingham Chamber Singers accompanied by a string orchestra which will be premiered at their anniversary concert in June. Below is an extract from an interview in the ‘Strad’ magazine where Libby talks about her journey to becoming a Composer.

You’ve enjoyed a career as a violinist – what made you decide to pursue composition as well?

I’ve always loved composing ever since I was a little girl, and it’s always been part of my life in the background. Composing feeds my soul! I did second study composition at the Royal Academy of Music where I developed my love of choral writing, guided by one of my teachers Gareth Wilson, who commissioned me to write a piece for his choir Christ Church Chelsea, while I was still at college. Once leaving college I followed the path of being a violinist, which I also love, however I just started to feel like a huge part of me wasn’t being fulfilled. So I started to write again!

In 2016 I wrote my first Christmas carol Silent Night, which was premiered by The New London Singers at St Martin in the Fields. It’s since been published by Multitude of Voyces in a Christmas Anthology of sacred music by female composers and has been performed all over the world, including Washington D.C. by the award winning Lux choir, and the BBC Singers on BBC Radio 3. I followed that up with writing a string orchestra movement for the chamber orchestra I was playing with at St Martin in the Fields, Trafalgar Sinfonia, and it developed into my Suite for String Orchestra which has become popular today. Since then, my composition has grown year on year and I’m very lucky that so many people seem to be enjoying performing my works.

Tell us about your stylistic influences – your violin and string knowledge is evident in your writing – are there particular elements you like to include in your compositions?

I’ve been told that my music sounds very English! I think this stems from my love of composers such as Vaughan Williams and Elgar. I love using modes in my writing and there’s often a folk feel to my music. As a violinist I love writing close emotional string harmonies, and a good melody! Obviously with my knowledge of the instrument I know what’s physically possible which definitely helps. I do enjoy mixing up pizzicato and more lyrical lines, often in a fugue-like way.

Click here for the full interview.

We are really excited to be working with Libby once again! There will be the chance to see her working on the piece with the Nottingham Chamber Singers in May. More details to follow soon.

The MAJOR OAK CHORUS is looking for a new MUSICAL DIRECTOR. They are a group of about 30 singers based in Nottingham, and practise on Tuesday evenings from 7.30 to 10.00 at the Carlton Junior Academy NG4 1QS.

Anyone who is interested is welcome to attend a practise session and even direct the Chorus before applying for the position!

If you are up for the challenge, please contact the Secretary, Jonathan Ankers, e-mail secretary@majoroakchorus.com

Have a great week!

Your friends at MfE

24/02/2025

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

10 Goose Gate | Hockley | NG1 1FF

#MfEMonday – 10th February 2025

10th February 2025 Music for Everyone

We’re having a quieter February at MfE so here’s a reminder of what’s coming up in March – it’s going to be a busy one!

Bandwise & Stringwise is still open for bookings. If you know a young musician, please encourage them to sign up to receive their music pack! Workshops take place over the weekend 8^th & 9^th March, followed by a joint concert on Sunday 16^th March at Nottingham’s Albert Hall!

To sign up for Bandwise, click here: BYME – Bandwise 2025

To sign up for Stringwise, click here: BYME – Stringwise 2025

From West End to Broadway – Musicals workshop day on Saturday 15^th March.

At the John Godber Centre in Hucknall, the day is lead by Rachel Parkes with guest compere Simon Theobald. With songs from Wicked, Les Miserables and Fiddler on the Roof.

Easter Images – a concert by the Nottingham Chamber Singers on Saturday 29^th March, 7.30pm.

St Peter’s Church, Ruddington.

A rich sequence of outstanding choral and instrumental pieces, linked by readings will take you on a reflective yet joyful Easter journey.

Book tickets here: NCS concert: Easter Images

We have recently started to create some short videos about the many wonderful music opportunities we have at Music for Everyone, here’s our first 2 videos (created and edited by Nathan Duffy) featuring West Bridgford Daytime Voices: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=snN1lXlHzCI and West Bridgford Open Voices: https://youtu.be/M3e_t5IgGXU

Please share far and wide, more videos coming soon!

Hearing Words in a sea of noise

Student Akshaya Jeyasri from NTU is recruiting individuals aged above 18 years, who learn/practice MUSIC: singing (with less than 2 years of formal music training) for a research study as part of her PhD, which investigates how people understand speech in noisy situations and if practising a skill for 2 hrs a week benefit this.

Why is this study important?

Hearing in noisy situations is a skill which is found impaired in people even with normal hearing and it also declines with age. Engaging ourselves in learning a skill can help us manage with the decline. This study will help us to find out the factors which affects the normal processing and see how the short course could benefit this.

What does the study involve?

You will attend 2 lab visits at NTU City Campus

Visit 1 (~3 hours) Could be split between 2 sessions if required. Each visit involves completing several tasks, including one that measures your brain activity.

Visit 2 (~3 hours): after 8 weeks/sessions of your course. In which you will complete similar tasks as the first visit.

Interested or have questions? Follow this link https://forms.office.com/e/xm1RXzsmic to participate and gain a chance to win £50 prize voucher.

Please reach out for more information. Email: akshaya.kannan2023@my.ntu.ac.uk

Have a great week!

Your friends at MfE

10/02/2025

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 musical musings for your Mondays! We are aiming to send out something new each week.

#MfEMonday – 9th December 2024

9th December 2024 Music for Everyone

What a busy week that was!!

Our Loughborough Daytime Orchestra gave a wonderful performance at Emmanuel Church, Loughborough last Tuesday. We hope they had a great time in the pub afterwards and are looking forward to seeing what exciting music they will be sharing with us at the next concert! The Nottingham Daytime Orchestra have their performance this Thursday 12 December at St Martin’s Church Sherwood, 11am for 11:15 start. Please come along and support these wonderful musicians. Parking alert: gas works are in progress on Trevose Gardens, on-street parking may be limited.

Congratulations to the Lunchtime Voices Choir for their fantastic singing in the Victoria Centre on Thursday 5 December! It was definitely a highlight for many Christmas shoppers who gathered to listen. We would like to thank everyone who came along to support, including some of our wonderful Open Voices members, who joined in to make the event even more memorable. Thanks to your combined efforts, we raised an impressive £70.

Our next carol singing event will be on Wednesday 18 December at the Test Match pub in West Bridgford. Join us from 6pm for some carolling outside with children from Abbey Road school. Afterwards, warm up with a mulled wine while the carolling continues indoors with members of the various MfE choirs and our Open Voices singers.

On Saturday, our talented young musicians kicked off the festive season with their ‘Countdown to Christmas’ concert at Kingswood Methodist Church in Wollaton. The concert showcased the incredible skill and energy of our youth ensembles, and was the perfect way to close another year of great music-making from them.

The Christmas cheer continued on Sunday with the ‘Stories of Christmas’ concert at St Mary’s Church in Hucknall. The Nottingham Chamber Singers presented an entertaining and varied programme of Christmas songs, stories and carols, expertly compered by Robin Reece-Crawford, guiding the audience through the evening with wit and warmth.

With so much incredible music-making taking place it is impossible not to reflect on the power of music and how it brings people together. Whether it’s a rehearsal, concert, carol singing or simply playing on your own, music connects us in ways words alone cannot. We are really proud of the musical communities we create and support. With the new year fast approaching, let’s keep the momentum going and continue to use our collective voices, instruments, and passion to make the world a little brighter, one note at a time. Keep playing, keep learning, and keep sharing the joy of music with those around you!

A huge congratulations to our Assistant Artistic Director, Rachel Parkes, for her outstanding work as Chorus Master for the Nottingham University Choir, who performed with the BBC Concert Orchestra at the Royal Concert Hall last Wednesday. The choir delivered a stunning rendition of Eric Whitacre’s Leonardo Dreams of His Flying Machine before joining forces with the Nottingham Trent University choir for an epic performance of Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana. If you missed this unforgettable concert, you can catch it on BBC Radio 3 on Tuesday, 10 December, at 7:30pm.
The Villiers Quartet have an event this Wednesday. See attached flyer for details.
We recently secured a grant of £2,000 from Broxtowe Community Fund to support Beeston Open Voices. Below is a photo of the grant cheque being received.

A date for your 2025 diaries:
The Cranmer Singers are organising a “Fun and Sing” on Saturday 1st March. All comers welcome.

Have a great week!

Your friends at MfE

09/12/2024

Nottingham Chamber Singers “Stories of Christmas”

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

10 Goose Gate | Hockley | NG1 1FF

#MfEMonday – 2nd December 2024

2nd December 2024 Music for Everyone

Special message from John Hess, Chair of Trustees, Music for Everyone

It’s with great sadness I report that, after a short illness, MfE trustee Janet Wootton died last Monday. This news will come as a considerable shock to so many of you in the MfE “family” who knew and sang with Janet over many years.

I saw her husband Jeffrey to pass on our condolences on behalf of the trustees, staff and MfE members. If you would like to send a letter of condolence, please send it to the MfE office and we will pass it on to Janet’s family.

Janet joined the board several years ago and brought considerable experience and enthusiasm to her role as a trustee, having worked in the creative industries, journalism, TV regulation and public relations.

She first started singing with us in the late 1980s and also sang with the NTU (Nottingham Trent University) Choir, the Nottingham Operatic Society and with her local church choir in Wollaton. Janet was also an accomplished artist and her paintings were exhibited at an annual exhibition of the Nottingham Arts Society. Janet will be missed.

Events this week:

Carol singing inside the Victoria Centre on Thursday lunchtime at 1pm (near the entrance to John Lewis and Boots) members of the Lunchtime Voices and Open Voices will be serenading the Christmas shoppers. Do come and join us to sing or have a listen.

Sunday 8th December at 3.30pm – St Mary Magdalene Church, Market Place, Hucknall.

A magical afternoon of stories and carols for all to enjoy featuring Roisin Hickey on harp. Tickets available to book online or call 0115 958 9312.

Daytime Orchestra Loughborough end of term performance tomorrow at Emmanuel Church – All welcome, 11 for an 11.15am start.

Yesterday began the Christian season of Advent – a season of expectation and preparation for celebrating Christ’s coming (adventus) into this world. The four weeks that lead up Christmas are marked with beautiful and poignant music in anticipation and preparation of the son of God’s birth.

Follow this link to explore some favourite advent pieces: https://www.classicfm.com/discover-music/occasions/christmas/advent-carols-hymns/

Check out this advent calendar app from Naxos. A different piece of classical music is hidden behind each door which you can unlock every day, from well known classics like ‘Sleigh Ride’ to lesser known gems waiting to be discovered!

https://www.naxos.com/FeaturePages/Details/?id=The_Musical_Advent_Calendar_App__Free_App_Free_Music

MfE has a tree in the Christmas Tree Festival at All Saints Church in Loughborough. Entry is free and there are gift stalls, crafts, a tombola and festive refreshments. The Festival is open every Thursday and Saturday until 21 December from 10am to 4pm and all funds raised go towards the South Roof Appeal.

Have a great week!

Your friends at MfE

02/12/2024

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

10 Goose Gate | Hockley | NG1 1FF

https://www.classicfm.com/discover-music/periods-genres/musicals/best-movie-adaptions-ranked/

If you can’t view this email properly or you would like to unsubscribe from future #MfEMonday emails, please get in touch.

#MfEMonday – 18th November 2024

18th November 2024 Music for Everyone

What a fantastic concert yesterday at our Big Youth Music Experience! Well done to everyone who took part, there was some fabulous playing. We were joined by special guest, MP Lilian Greenwood who was very impressed. Here are some photos if you missed it!

Yesterday morning Nottingham Chamber Singers and Hucknall Daytime Voices were spreading some festive cheer at the Hucknall Community Christmas Fayre.

It’s not long now until the ‘Stories of Christmas’ afternoon concert in Hucknall on Sunday 8^th December with songs, stories and carols for all to enjoy. Click here for tickets

As it’s getting colder this week, you might be considering staying warm and cosy inside! Always a good excuse to enjoy a movie!!

There has been excitement building about the new film adaptation of ‘Wicked’ the musical which is out this Friday so here are some suggestions for other favourite musicals which have made it onto the big screen:

If it’s got you in the mood for singing some of the hits then our next Musicals singing workshop takes place on Saturday 15^th March and is now open for booking! Click here for more details.

Just a reminder that we are looking for a part time administrator for Tuesday and Thursday mornings! If you know anyone who might be interested please send them this link: https://www.music-for-everyone.org/about-us/vacancies/

Closing date is Friday 29^th November at 12 noon.

Have a great week!

Your friends at MfE

18/11/2024

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

10 Goose Gate | Hockley | NG1 1FF

#MfEMonday – 28th October 2024

4th November 2024 Music for Everyone

Hello!

We are looking forward to welcoming back all our regular groups this week after a short break 🙂

There is lots to look forward to in the coming weeks including Christmas Concerts a-plenty!

7^th December, Youth groups @ Kingswood Methodist Church, Wollaton – Countdown to Christmas

8^th December, Nottingham Chamber Singers @ St Mary’s Church, Hucknall – Stories of Christmas

15^th December, Nottingham Community Voices @ Albert Hall, Nottingham – Christmas is Coming!

To join in the music making please visit our website or call our friendly office team for more details on 0115 958 9312.

You can sign up for the next Nottingham Festival Chorus course and concert here: https://www.music-for-everyone.org/event/nfc-singing-course-concert/

Classical music has proved time and time again to be the perfect for calming anxious pets. With Bonfire Night tomorrow, classic FM have dedicated shows focused on calming music for pets, hosted by Dan Walker at 5pm on Tuesday 5 November.

Here you can also find recommendations of calming pieces to soothe nervous pets Calm music for pets: 10 soothing classical pieces – Classic FM

Nottingham Symphonic Wind Orchestra is performing “A Winter Celebration” in church at 3:30 pm on Saturday 30 November 2024. The orchestra will present a programme for all ages, which includes the music of Prince Igor, Take the A Train, Home Alone and Frozen, amongst many other favourites. There will also be few festive favourites sneaking in ahead of Advent Sunday! Admission prices are pay what you wish: Ticket A £15.00, Ticket B £10.00, Ticket C £5.00 – choose which ticket you want. Seating is unreserved. More information, including how to get tickets is available here: https://nsw.org.uk/nswo_concerts/a-winter-celebration/

Have a great week!

Your friends at MfE

04/11/2024

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

10 Goose Gate | Hockley | NG1 1FF

Workshop: Blow the Dust off your Instrument! (music-for-everyone.org)

#MfEMonday – 14th October 2024

14th October 2024 Music for Everyone

The Nottingham Chamber Singers launched their 40^th Anniversary Season in style on Saturday evening with a stunning performance at St John’s Church, Carrington.

Rachel Parkes skilfully guided the choir through a sublime programme including the Brahms’ Requiem accompanied brilliantly by piano duo, Angela Foan and John Hobbs.

We were also joined by two exceptional soloists, Will Burn and Alison Rose. Thanks to all those who came to listen, we can’t wait for the next performance!

BOOKING NOW OPEN!

Blow the Dust off your Instrument – Workshop day

Saturday 11^th January

Did you learn to play an instrument at school but haven’t got it out of the case for a long while? Have you taken up playing an instrument in adult life just for fun? Do you like playing orchestral music?

If the answer is YES to any of these questions then come to Blow the Dust off your Instrument January 2025. Click the link below for more information:

Nottingham Festival Chorus – Mozart C minor Mass

Rehearsal weekend: Saturday 25th/Sunday 26^th January

Concert: Saturday 1^st February

Come and sing Mozart’s greatest musical present to his wife, the C Minor Mass, a beautiful solemn mass which featured solos just for her, as well as an assortment of music inspired by love from composers Weir, Durufle, Tallis and Ferrario. Click the link below for more information:

NFC Singing Course & Concert January 2025 (music-for-everyone.org)

There have been a lot of reasons to look to the skies recently what with the spectacular sightings of the Northern Lights, Comet of the century and the mind-blowing SpaceX catching a starship booster!

Here are some sky themed classical pieces to enjoy whilst gazing upwards:

Ēriks Ešenvalds – Northern Lights – https://youtu.be/rXKJCdGMUas?si=sofm3bX53z2oYv8F

Ēriks Ešenvalds – Stars – https://youtu.be/ngqbf6mNpuE?si=uK7EU5utKb9RxQte

Ola Gjelo: Northern Lights – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rg-TGaNKqhk

Uuno Klami: Aurora Borealis – https://youtu.be/ZqgsAExhVvM?si=AMcI9F05WA7umrEa

There’s a chance to see the incredible female a capella group Papagena at Southwell Minster this evening – they will be performing underneath the giant ‘Moon’ installation. Those of you who were lucky enough to see them at our Summer School a couple of years ago will know how amazing they are! https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/papagena-moonset-tickets-932429149687?aff=oddtdtcreator
If you can’t make this evening it’s still possible to visit the Minster while the Moon installation is on display from 11-22 October. https://www.southwellminster.org/events/event/moon/

Have a great week!

Your friends at MfE

14/10/2024

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

10 Goose Gate | Hockley | NG1 1FF

#MfEMonday – 23rd September 2024

23rd September 2024 Music for Everyone

On Saturday, shoppers in Arnold and Sherwood were serenaded by our very own Nottingham Chamber Singers! The chamber choir are celebrating their 40th anniversary this season and have organised a series of ‘pop-up concerts’ to raise the profile of the choir and the music making opportunities that MfE offers.

Their first concert will include the well-loved Brahms Requiem on Saturday 12th October, 7.30pm at St John’s Church in Carrington – Click the link for more information and to book tickets: https://www.music-for-everyone.org/event/ncs-concert/

Don’t forget, you can sign up to the NCS Loyalty Discount Ticket scheme: Click here

It was wonderful to welcome back our Daytime Voices and Open Voices singers last week. This week sees the return of our Daytime Orchestras so please spread the word if you know anyone who might be interested. Tuesdays in Loughborough and Thursdays in Sherwood, Nottingham from 10am-12noon: https://www.music-for-everyone.org/whats-on/adult-music/daytime-orchestra/

We are very pleased to announce that our Open Voices groups received over £1000 in funding from regulars attending the Warthog live music events in Lowdham and Gunthorpe. Click here to read more: https://westbridgfordwire.com/music-for-everyone-receives-vital-cash-boost/

Lots you will already know that there are lots of baking fanatics in the MfE team so we are very excited that the new series of the Bake Off starts this week!

A big shout out to Greg White, one of our Sherwood Daytime Voices members, who has started a tradition of bringing along his chocolate squares to the first rehearsal of each term. These have proved very popular in the refreshment break 🙂 Word has spread and the group numbers are rising!

All our Daytime Voices groups have some brilliant bakers within their ranks who put on an impressive bake sale at the end of each term to raise funds for our Open Voices programme.

Last year they raised a whopping £2035 over the year!! Thank you so much to all the bakers and everyone who contributed.

Nottingham Philharmonic Orchestra present Tosca by Puccini one of the world’s most loved operas. Conducted by Mark Heron in the Albert Hall, Nottingham on Sunday 13th October at 3.00pm. Tickets £20 and £16 for adults, Students and Children £5 for any seat, are available from ticketsource.co.uk/npo Tel: 0333 666 3366 and on the door. Seating is unreserved. Refreshments are available.

Have a great week!

Your friends at MfE

23/09/2024

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

10 Goose Gate | Hockley | NG1 1FF

#MfEMonday – 16th September 2024

16th September 2024 Music for Everyone

Last Monday, MfE supporters and volunteers gathered at the Djanogly Recital Hall, University of Nottingham for a wonderful evening of entertainment. The event was our way of saying a heartfelt “thank you” to all who have dedicated their time and energy to supporting MfE over the past year.

The evening featured a captivating recital of works by Kreisler, performed by Tamaki Higashi, conductor of our East Midlands Youth String Orchestra (EMYSO), alongside a delightful performance by a quartet of our talented young string players. MfE volunteer Karen Neil delivered an inspiring talk on the profound benefits of the arts, particularly music, on mental health and well-being. Drawing on her experience with national research in this area, Karen spoke passionately about the positive impact she has witnessed through her involvement in Music for Everyone’s youth programme. Additionally, Mary Stokes, in conversation with John Hess, reflected on her experience as a volunteer and how much it has meant to her to be part of the organisation.

Our Supporters’ Scheme generates vital funds that ensure MfE’s continued success. Supporters not only help to secure MfE’s future but also enjoy a range of exclusive benefits throughout the year. If you are interested in becoming a supporter or exploring volunteering opportunities, please visit the “Support Us” page on our website to learn more.

Thank you once again to all who attended and continue to support MfE – we couldn’t do it without you!

MfE Roll of Honour

At the Supporters’ Event, we were pleased to announce the new MfE Roll of Honour, created to recognise individuals who have made exceptional contributions to our organisation. To learn more and see the full list of honourees, please visit the Roll of Honour page on our website.

Nottingham Chamber Singers – Loyalty Discount Ticket Scheme

Many of you might know that our chamber choir, the Nottingham Chamber Singers, are celebrating their 40th Anniversary this coming season. To say ‘thank you’ to everyone who has supported them over many years, they are running a special Loyalty Discount Ticket scheme. To find out how you can purchase these special tickets please click here

Last Saturday, over 40 recorder players gathered at Nottingham Trent University for our Recorder Consort Day lead by expert tutor, Chris McDouall. Attendees enjoyed the chance to reconnect with old friends, meet new people with shared interests, and enjoy the opportunity to play beautiful and fun music together. The engaging full sessions with Chris, paired with the advanced small-group ensembles, provided both challenge and enjoyment. The day concluded with a delightful informal ‘sharing’ concert – the perfect finale to a memorable event!

With the success of the recorder day, this makes us think of viral video by musician Miguel Lawrence, whose videos feature him playing incredibly impressive recorder covers of classical favourites in his car. See the videos here.

Attached are details of a remembrance concert by the Cranmer Company of Singers and Chamber Orchestra at Bottesford Parish Church on 09 November. The concert is raising funds for the Royal British Legion and will feature soprano soloist and MfE music leader, Sarah Trevers

Have a great week!

Your friends at MfE

16/09/2024

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

10 Goose Gate | Hockley | NG1 1FF