Aaaaaahhhhhnd…. Relax! We made it to half-term everyone, and the days are already getting longer. We hope you all have a lovely week off whilst our regular groups take a break. It’s already been such a busy start to the year, and there is still so much more to come.
So – here’s a run-down of what bookings are open, and what is on the horizon, so that you can mark your calendars and reserve your place…
Spring Term:
March 9th -10th – Vocals at the movies – Drop the kids off for a fun filled weekend of singing and crafts, rounded off with a spectacular concert in the Albert Hall 122 kids and counting….There’s still room for more!
Sign-Up Here: https://www.music-for-everyone.org/event/vocals-mar-24/
March 16th – Nottingham Chamber Singers Concert – Our programme of Angels, Dreams and Flying Machines got a mention on BBC Radio 3 last week, the concert is 7.30pm at St Mary’s Clifton, book early to avoid missing out.
Book Here: https://www.music-for-everyone.org/event/ncs-concert
March 23rd – NCM Musicals course and cabaret with guest performances by Simon Theobald and Open Voices – Bookings open to anyone, bring a friend who loves a good showtune, informal performance with wine open to friends and family.
Sign-Up Here: https://www.music-for-everyone.org/event/ncm-come-and-sing/
Summer Term:
April 20th & 28th – Bandwise
Come and experience the joy of wind band playing at the Big Youth Music Experience for young woodwind, brass and percussion players.
Sign-Up Here: https://www.music-for-everyone.org/event/byme-bandwise-apr24/
April 21st & 28th – Stringwise
Come and experience the joy of string playing at the Big Youth Music Experience for young violin, viola, cello and double bass players.
Sign- Up Here: https://www.music-for-everyone.org/event/byme-stringwise-apr24/
June 8th – Nottingham Chamber Singers Concert – Bunny Church 7.30pm
Booking Available Soon
June 9th – Family fun festival day – Join in a Family Sing, performances from SAM and youth groups, face-painting, cake-sale workshops and more – details to come!
Booking Available Soon
June 15th – Blow the Dust
Sign-~Up Here: https://www.music-for-everyone.org/event/blow-the-dust-off-your-instrument-jan/
July 6th – NFC Come and Sing Josef Haydn’s Harmoniemesse – MfE Artistic Director Alex Robinson will lead a come and sing day with full concert on Saturday 6th July, with a rehearsal the night before. Venue and further details to come.
Booking Available Soon
August 5th-7th – MfE Summer School
Sign-Up Here: https://www.music-for-everyone.org/event/summer-school-2024/
Have you been celebrating Chinese New Year over the weekend?
This year is the year of the Dragon, so here is a round-up of some musical dragons you may or may not have come across…
1. Wagner’s Siegfried
Though he’s actually a giant rather than a fire-breathing serpent, Fafner only appears in his scales in Siegfried the third opera of Wagner’s Ring cycle. Since the last time he appeared on stage in Das Rheingold, the power-hungry character has transformed himself, with the help of the magical tarnhelm. Unfortunately, the titular hero proves to be a superior fighter to Fafner, even in his reptilian form. Siegfried slays Fafner, collects his magical ring and the ability to understand woodland creatures through tasting Fafner’s blood.
2. Mozart’s The Magic Flute
As Mozart’s The Magic Flute opens, Prince Tamino is being chased a fearsome fire-breathing serpent. Perhaps this prince isn’t the bravest, since he faints and three harmonious ladies kill the dragon instead.
3. Tan Dun’s score for Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon
Composer Tan Dun’s Oscar-winning score to Ang Lee’s kung fu ballet Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, is a metaphorical expression of the Asian dragon, which is mentioned in the heroine’s name. Tan Dun later adapted the music into a 45 minute solo piece for cello. Lee later set a visual montage from the movie.
4. Goldenthal and Taymor’s Grendel
Composer Elliot Goldenthal Julie Taymor and J.D. McClatchy set out to tell the monster’s side of the Beowolf story in the opera Grendel, based on John Gardner’s 1971 novel. The opera premiered in 2006 at the L.A. Opera with Eric Owens in the title role and Denyce Graves as the sage Dragon, from whom Grendel seeks advice on, of course, being a more fearsome monster.
5. Puff the Magic Dragon
Of course we couldn’t leave out “Puff, the Magic Dragon” (or just “Puff”) is a song written by Peter Yarrow from a poem by Leonard Lipton. It was made popular by Peter, Paul and Mary in a 1962 recording released in January 1963. The lyrics tell a story of the ageless dragon and his playmate, Jackie Paper, a little boy who grows up and moves on from the imaginary adventures of childhood, leaving a disheartened Puff on his own. The song’s story takes place “by the sea” in the fictional land of “Honah Lee”.
· Bookwise need your help! They are planning some furniture moving around this week and would appreciate any help if anyone can come in any time this week to help. There will be heavy lifting involved so please bear this in mind! For more info, contact the MfE office and leave a message for Gary. Many thanks!
Have a great week!
Your friends at MfE.
19/02/2024
www.music-for-everyone.org | 0115 9589312
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