It was good to see so many people in the Abbey Gardens on Wednesday. There are a couple photos attached to this e-mail – thankyou Men Bao (soprano). The Covid-secure organization worked very well, thankyou Julia, and I’m pretty sure we all had a lovely time. It was really nice to see some new faces as well as old friends of course; particular thanks to Elizabeth (tenor) for the bunting and prosecco too – VERY generous and a wonderful surprise. The weather was kind to us, of course, and I hope our rendition of Up Above My Head was fitting tribute to the memory of Linda Hopkins, Michael Mitchell, Steven Ridout, Dick Ripper, Ray Toogood and Phil the fluter - members and friends of the choir who, sadly, are no longer with us.
We are hoping to use the Abbey Gardens for as long as possible but if, for any reason, we need to make any last minute alternative arrangements you will be notified by e-mail at 5 o’clock. This said, unfortunately there are already two Wednesdays in August when the Gardens are already booked and Julia is currently looking for another (hopefully outdoor) venue.
To make things as easy as possible, I will try and make sure to let you know what songs we will be doing in advance so you can get your words sorted out beforehand. PLEASE PRINT THEM OUT YOURSELVES IF YOU POSSIBLY CAN. Next time we will be we’ll be singing: Morning has come, Ghafoor’s Bus and Follow the Heron again, along with Harbour (held over from last time), Bela Mama, Bamba Lela, Blue Moon and Jug of Punch. (Words attached apart from Bela Mama and Bamba Lela which are easy.) As ever, something for everyone I hope and all are likely to form part of our Fringe programme on Saturday 28th August so do join us if you possibly can.
CHOIR COMING EVENTS:
Saturday 28 August - Shaftesbury Fringe Festival. We have booked or slot in the Abbey Gardens at 11 o’clock. Our programme will be chosen from those pieces that we have been / will be singing this summer. Watch this space.
September (tbd) – Choir Picnic and singing for St James’ Church. Grove Farm, Melbury Abbas. More details as and when.
OTHER COMING EVENTS:
SHAFTESBURY ORCHESTRA - Free concert at St James Church this Sunday at 2.30. Mozart, Saint-Saens and Beethoven.
A SONG FOR DORSET - Karen’s song “When Time Lost Its Edge” which many of us know already of course will have its on-line premiere on Wednesday 4th August at 12.30. More info on https://artsreach.co.uk/event/a-song-for-dorset-online-premiere
You might also be interested to hear Julia’s interview for This Is Alfred, broadcast a couple of weeks ago: https://thisisalfred.com/podcast/the-alfred-daily-6th-july-2021/
If you want to be removed from our mailing list just send me a short message to that effect. No hard feelings.
David
24 July 2021
STOP PRESS – PACHELBEL’S CHICKEN
Those of you who enjoyed Alleluia last Wednesday will, I am sure, also enjoy this take:
https://youtu.be/khOfSVULtsU Thankyou Jackie (tenor).
