Read about past 'News & Reviews'...
Monday 21st December 2010
Guardian's Angels at the Kings Place Concert Hall
The Christmas Carol Concert hosted by the Guardian's staff choir, Guardian Angels, included a number of guest performers. John Williams, the world famous guitarist, contributed to the concert two classical guitar pieces, and the New Horizons choir also took to the stage.
During the period leading up to the concert, James had been visiting the New Horizons Youth Centre to lead workshops and rehearsals with the young people there, and to form a choir to sing at this concert. They performed a medley of songs on their own, and then joined with the Guardian's Angels to sing Bob Chilcott's epic version of The 12 Days of Christmas.
Guardian's Angels at the Kings Place Concert Hall
The Christmas Carol Concert hosted by the Guardian's staff choir, Guardian Angels, included a number of guest performers. John Williams, the world famous guitarist, contributed to the concert two classical guitar pieces, and the New Horizons choir also took to the stage.
During the period leading up to the concert, James had been visiting the New Horizons Youth Centre to lead workshops and rehearsals with the young people there, and to form a choir to sing at this concert. They performed a medley of songs on their own, and then joined with the Guardian's Angels to sing Bob Chilcott's epic version of The 12 Days of Christmas.
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Monday 13th December 2010
Central Harmony Christmas Concert
Central Harmony is a School based choir for children with their parents to attend together. Apinder Sidhu, who runs the choir as part of the CHESS after school activities project, set up this performance for the choir at the Paul Robeson Theatre in Hounslow.
Central Harmony Christmas Concert
Central Harmony is a School based choir for children with their parents to attend together. Apinder Sidhu, who runs the choir as part of the CHESS after school activities project, set up this performance for the choir at the Paul Robeson Theatre in Hounslow.
Saturday 27th November 2010
Aylesbury Festival Choir performs the Italian Baroque Masters
The Aylesbury Festival Choir join forces with Pentagon Brass to present a concert of Italian Baroque choral repertoire transcribed for Brass Quintet. The combination was well suited to the Aylesbury Methodist Church where the concert took place, and Joss O'Kelly, writer for the Bucks Herald, reviewed this latest concert by the choir:
Aylesbury Festival Choir performs the Italian Baroque Masters
The Aylesbury Festival Choir join forces with Pentagon Brass to present a concert of Italian Baroque choral repertoire transcribed for Brass Quintet. The combination was well suited to the Aylesbury Methodist Church where the concert took place, and Joss O'Kelly, writer for the Bucks Herald, reviewed this latest concert by the choir:
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Aylesbury Festival Choir’s first concert this season took place on Saturday November 27 at the Methodist Church. Italian Baroque Masters was the theme, and the concert was a pleasing mix of the familiar and unfamiliar.
The first half comprised nine short pieces, some for the unaccompanied choir, some for choir and organ, one for choir and brass and two showcasing the talents of Pentagon Brass, a talented quintet of professional musicians, whose first piece, a delightful Canzona by Gabrieli was particularly enjoyable. The organist for the evening was Colin Spinks, whose contributions are always welcome. Most of the works were sacred pieces, with one notable exception in Bachieri’s Contropunto Bestiale, which the choir, imitating animal noises, sang with gusto! The second half began with Albinoni’s Adagio from Pentagon Brass, heralding the arrival of the soloists, soprano Diana Sharp and mezzo Dawn Foxall, who first performed two extracts from Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater and then joined with all the participants for a splendid performance of Vivaldi’s Gloria. These two experienced soloists are well known to local audiences and sang superbly. Musical Director James Davey was at the helm as usual and both he and members of Pentagon Brass introduced the music in an informative way. Much of the credit must go to the members of Aylesbury Festival Choir who tackled the complex music on offer with aplomb and were particularly outstanding in the pieces by Scarlatti and Monteverdi, and, of course, the Gloria. - Joss O’Kelly, Bucks Herald |
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Friday 26th November 2010
Musicians in the Gallery
James Davey and Rachel Staunton team up with their two office choirs, The Guardian's Angels and the Debenhams Choir, to give a short concert to friends and colleagues at the end of the working day. The performance took place in the Pangolin Gallery, at the entrance to Kings Place, and was a prequel to James and Rachel's bigger plan of a massed choirs performance of the Messiah.
Musicians in the Gallery
James Davey and Rachel Staunton team up with their two office choirs, The Guardian's Angels and the Debenhams Choir, to give a short concert to friends and colleagues at the end of the working day. The performance took place in the Pangolin Gallery, at the entrance to Kings Place, and was a prequel to James and Rachel's bigger plan of a massed choirs performance of the Messiah.
Saturday 2nd October 2010
Public Workshop at the Waterside Theatre, Aylesbury
Public Workshop at the Waterside Theatre, Aylesbury
As part of a recruitment day for the Aylesbury Festival Choir, which included a Flashmob performance in Aylesbury's Friar's Square Shopping Centre, the choir helped draw potential recruits into a public workshop in the new Waterside Theatre.
The new theatre has a capacity of 1200 and replaces the older 800-seater Civic Centre, which has since been demolished, where James conducted his first concert with the choir - A complete performance of Handel's Messiah.
The choir's first visit to the new Theatre was during the accoustic checks, performed by expert sound technicians, before the building was officially opened to the public. The choir provided a team of singers to perform excerpts of the Messiah, so that the sound technicians could measure how vocal groups would sound int he new space.
The new theatre has a capacity of 1200 and replaces the older 800-seater Civic Centre, which has since been demolished, where James conducted his first concert with the choir - A complete performance of Handel's Messiah.
The choir's first visit to the new Theatre was during the accoustic checks, performed by expert sound technicians, before the building was officially opened to the public. The choir provided a team of singers to perform excerpts of the Messiah, so that the sound technicians could measure how vocal groups would sound int he new space.
Friday 1st October 2010
123 Sing!
Music In Offices ran a workshop in collaboration with 123 Sing! - an initiative run by Classic FM and Making Music to get everyone singing. 123sing! is a three-day festival of singing that inspired lots of people to start singing and raise money for music education and therapy for disadvantaged children and adults in the UK.
Music In Offices reported on the event:
"We joined up with Classic Fm's 123 Sing Festival and invited our city workers to join in an exploratory and fun filled lunch hour. Led by James Davey this challenged, engaged and surpassed expectations!"
- Music In Offices
123 Sing!
Music In Offices ran a workshop in collaboration with 123 Sing! - an initiative run by Classic FM and Making Music to get everyone singing. 123sing! is a three-day festival of singing that inspired lots of people to start singing and raise money for music education and therapy for disadvantaged children and adults in the UK.
Music In Offices reported on the event:
"We joined up with Classic Fm's 123 Sing Festival and invited our city workers to join in an exploratory and fun filled lunch hour. Led by James Davey this challenged, engaged and surpassed expectations!"
- Music In Offices
Tuesday 20th September 2010
Sing Away Your Stress
To raise awareness of the choir at the Guardian, and to encourage new members to join, the Guardian held a singing workshop. The success of these events has often been down to the great publicity (below) and also the offer of FREE cakes for all participants!
Sing Away Your Stress
To raise awareness of the choir at the Guardian, and to encourage new members to join, the Guardian held a singing workshop. The success of these events has often been down to the great publicity (below) and also the offer of FREE cakes for all participants!
Sunday 15th - 22nd August 2010
Cranleigh Choral Week
James Davey returned to Cranleigh this week to co-lead the chamber choirs on the Cranleigh Choral Week, headed by Jeffrey Wynn Davies. The week culminated in a performance from each of 4 chamber choirs, followed by a larger combined chorus concert at the end of the week, in Winchester Cathedral. In the programme was Leonard Bernstein's Chichester Psalms, for which James took the Bass solo part in the performance.
Cranleigh Choral Week
James Davey returned to Cranleigh this week to co-lead the chamber choirs on the Cranleigh Choral Week, headed by Jeffrey Wynn Davies. The week culminated in a performance from each of 4 chamber choirs, followed by a larger combined chorus concert at the end of the week, in Winchester Cathedral. In the programme was Leonard Bernstein's Chichester Psalms, for which James took the Bass solo part in the performance.
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Sunday 1st - 8th August 2010
Sherborne Summer School of Music
James Davey returned to Sherborne again this year to lead the Cappella Chamber Choir course.
Sherborne Summer School of Music
James Davey returned to Sherborne again this year to lead the Cappella Chamber Choir course.
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Wednesday 28th July 2010
Breathe Easy Making Music, in collaboration with the British Lung Foundation, ran a series of workshops with Breathe Easy groups around London. James Davey encouraged lung condition patients with warm-up exercises and energising workshop songs, and an evaluation was made as to the effectiveness of the session on their various conditions. The project was a great success in terms of involvement and positive responses, and hopefully singing will become more wide-spread as a tool for improving lung conditions through aerobic exercise. |
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Jan Marriott, the Group Secretary for Breathe Easy Twickenham, wrote to Making Music with the following report:
I write to express sincere thanks for the visit of James Davey and Heather Tomala to our group on the 28th July 2010.
We had two ladies from the Teddington Choral Society join us at that afternoons' meeting. They knew nothing of the BLF or Breathe Easy group and they, along with members, were a little apprehensive of what might be asked of them. However, with the very sensitive careful nurturing from James we all warmed to his teaching of breathing techniques and responded to all he asked of us.
The whole afternoon was great fun, so enjoyable, and it was amazing just how James managed to get such a harmonius result, and all credit to Heather for the mastering of such a wayward piano.
Much more important was the very real fact that all were breathing a little deeper and more controlled - yes there were a few coughing but all were learning without realising the obvious benefits. A Physio could not have achieved such a positive and benefitial result in such a short space of time - nor left such a lasting pleasurable memory.
I would willingly support your work or any application for funding - it's value cannot be measured by financial accountability. People for whom lives are daily dominated by long-term conditions find few pleasures and relief - our room was buzzing after James and Heather had ended their session. I have never seen so many smiles and such pleasure in any of my Breathe Easy members in all the years I have been taking this group. It was voted the best meeting we have ever had. How is that for accolade - I might say well deserved praise.
To say a simple 'thank you' is hardly sufficient for James and Heather. Thank you both. Never under estimate the value of all you have done - nor should you forget what our members will remember of your visit.
I do hope your work continues and others benefit from such a truly great experience.
- Jan Marriott, Breathe Easy Twickenham, Group Seretary
I write to express sincere thanks for the visit of James Davey and Heather Tomala to our group on the 28th July 2010.
We had two ladies from the Teddington Choral Society join us at that afternoons' meeting. They knew nothing of the BLF or Breathe Easy group and they, along with members, were a little apprehensive of what might be asked of them. However, with the very sensitive careful nurturing from James we all warmed to his teaching of breathing techniques and responded to all he asked of us.
The whole afternoon was great fun, so enjoyable, and it was amazing just how James managed to get such a harmonius result, and all credit to Heather for the mastering of such a wayward piano.
Much more important was the very real fact that all were breathing a little deeper and more controlled - yes there were a few coughing but all were learning without realising the obvious benefits. A Physio could not have achieved such a positive and benefitial result in such a short space of time - nor left such a lasting pleasurable memory.
I would willingly support your work or any application for funding - it's value cannot be measured by financial accountability. People for whom lives are daily dominated by long-term conditions find few pleasures and relief - our room was buzzing after James and Heather had ended their session. I have never seen so many smiles and such pleasure in any of my Breathe Easy members in all the years I have been taking this group. It was voted the best meeting we have ever had. How is that for accolade - I might say well deserved praise.
To say a simple 'thank you' is hardly sufficient for James and Heather. Thank you both. Never under estimate the value of all you have done - nor should you forget what our members will remember of your visit.
I do hope your work continues and others benefit from such a truly great experience.
- Jan Marriott, Breathe Easy Twickenham, Group Seretary
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Friday 9th July 2010
Workshop for Pendleton College Contemporary Choir Each year the Contemporary Choir at Pendleton College plan a week away, based somewhere in the UK, to refine their skills and perform public concerts. They also have an internal revue concert for the singers to recital their solo pieces, marking the end of their academic year on the performance course. Organised by their Director of Music, Nathan Jarvis, the choir headed to Durham in 2010 and James Davey was invited to lead a workshop with the choir, in advance of their end of week performance. The workshop focused on the Gospel and Pop repertoire that the choir had been preparing for the concert, and included some of Nathan's own arrangements. |
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Tuesday 6th July 2010
Central Harmony take to the Town Hall Hounslow's community choir, Central Harmony, took part in a concert at Hammersmith Town Hall, shared with a number of local School choirs, and drama groups. |
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Friday 25th June 2010
Workshop for Great Missenden School
As part of the Great Missenden Patronal Festival of Music, local schools were invited to take part in a choral workshop during the day, lead by James Davey. The learned music during the day was then performed to parents and friends at the end of the day. The music was chosen from Rebacca Lawrence's set of songs called 'Past and Present'. A particular favourite of the day was Power in Me, a rock-pop styled ballad about inner strength and confidence.
Workshop for Great Missenden School
As part of the Great Missenden Patronal Festival of Music, local schools were invited to take part in a choral workshop during the day, lead by James Davey. The learned music during the day was then performed to parents and friends at the end of the day. The music was chosen from Rebacca Lawrence's set of songs called 'Past and Present'. A particular favourite of the day was Power in Me, a rock-pop styled ballad about inner strength and confidence.
Sunday 5th June & Sunday 16th May 2010
Workshops and Warm-ups for Choir of the Year Competition Heats
A former winner of the Choir of the Year competition, James Davey was invited to lead the warm-up at the start of each of two of the days of heats, and to lead a closing workshop whilst the judges went away to make their adjudication. James covered the days in Warwick Arts Centre and at the Sheldonian Theatre in Oxford. The presenters he worked with were Catherine Bott and Sara Mohr-Pietsch.
Workshops and Warm-ups for Choir of the Year Competition Heats
A former winner of the Choir of the Year competition, James Davey was invited to lead the warm-up at the start of each of two of the days of heats, and to lead a closing workshop whilst the judges went away to make their adjudication. James covered the days in Warwick Arts Centre and at the Sheldonian Theatre in Oxford. The presenters he worked with were Catherine Bott and Sara Mohr-Pietsch.
Wednesday 21st May 2010
Guardian's Angels perform Karl Jenkins
The Guardian reported on the concert:
Guardian's Angels raised £1585 for New Horizons Youth Centre
Last week's concert in Somers Town, Kings Cross raised a record £1585 for New Horizons Centre for homeless youngsters. Crowd-pleasing acts included the fabulous Guardian's Angels, a budding group of young people from New Horizons and a star performance from Jon Snow singing "mud glorious mud" with Alan Rusbridger on piano. New Horizons Youth centre is one of GNM's King's Cross community partners.
- The Guardian
Guardian's Angels perform Karl Jenkins
The Guardian reported on the concert:
Guardian's Angels raised £1585 for New Horizons Youth Centre
Last week's concert in Somers Town, Kings Cross raised a record £1585 for New Horizons Centre for homeless youngsters. Crowd-pleasing acts included the fabulous Guardian's Angels, a budding group of young people from New Horizons and a star performance from Jon Snow singing "mud glorious mud" with Alan Rusbridger on piano. New Horizons Youth centre is one of GNM's King's Cross community partners.
- The Guardian
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Saturday 15th May 2010
Central Harmony at the London Sangerstevne
Central Harmony took part in the London Sangerstevne this year. The Festival, which has grown considerably over the past few years, is a great opportunity to sing to a very supportive audience. For Central Harmony this was a great opportunity to hear other choirs perform, and the Sangerstevne has attracted a number of very accomplished choirs - Chantage performed at the first East London Sangerstevne, now combined with the former West London Sangerstevne to create an extended weekend of events under one name.
Central Harmony at the London Sangerstevne
Central Harmony took part in the London Sangerstevne this year. The Festival, which has grown considerably over the past few years, is a great opportunity to sing to a very supportive audience. For Central Harmony this was a great opportunity to hear other choirs perform, and the Sangerstevne has attracted a number of very accomplished choirs - Chantage performed at the first East London Sangerstevne, now combined with the former West London Sangerstevne to create an extended weekend of events under one name.
Sunday 9th May 2010
Fleet Singers sing Mahler's 2nd Symphony with Marin Alsop
As part of the Southbank Centre's Chorus weekend, the Fleet Singers joined a number of other choirs, including the Bournemouth Symphony Choir and singers from Mary King's Voicelab. Mary King visited the choir at rehearsal to check on their progress with this challenging work, and was very impressed with what the community choir could achieve.
Fleet Singers sing Mahler's 2nd Symphony with Marin Alsop
As part of the Southbank Centre's Chorus weekend, the Fleet Singers joined a number of other choirs, including the Bournemouth Symphony Choir and singers from Mary King's Voicelab. Mary King visited the choir at rehearsal to check on their progress with this challenging work, and was very impressed with what the community choir could achieve.
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Friday 30th April 2010
Conductor Training Workshop for Sing-Up
Amy Bebbington and James Davey from the Voicebox team, visited the Epsom Playhouse to deliver a training session for conductors. The session was on behalf of Sing-Up, organised by Angela McKenzie the area representative for the scheme. The focus was on teaching skills for leading choirs efficiently and on basic conducting skills.
Conductor Training Workshop for Sing-Up
Amy Bebbington and James Davey from the Voicebox team, visited the Epsom Playhouse to deliver a training session for conductors. The session was on behalf of Sing-Up, organised by Angela McKenzie the area representative for the scheme. The focus was on teaching skills for leading choirs efficiently and on basic conducting skills.
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Saturday 17th April 2010
Aylesbury Festival Choir perform Brahms Requiem The Aylesbury Festival Choir enjoyed a term learning the Requiem by Johannes Brahms. Their performance was in English, though in the version Brahms originally wrote for chorus with two pianos. Gavin Horsely sung the Baritone solo role, and treated the audience to some Strauss Songs in the first half of the programme, which opened with Bruckner's Locus Iste sung by the choir off-copy to great effect. |
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Saturday 20th March 2010
Workshop for Yeovil Music Centre
In a day of activities to re-launch the new Music Centre service, James Davey lead beginner workshop sessions throughout the day for groups of keen participants wanting to experience group singing. The day culminated in a group performance of an improvised piece which had been learned earlier in the day during sessions with Jason Thornton, in which a free-styled new piece was created by the participants.
Workshop for Yeovil Music Centre
In a day of activities to re-launch the new Music Centre service, James Davey lead beginner workshop sessions throughout the day for groups of keen participants wanting to experience group singing. The day culminated in a group performance of an improvised piece which had been learned earlier in the day during sessions with Jason Thornton, in which a free-styled new piece was created by the participants.
Saturday 6th March 2010
Workshop for St Margaret's School, Exeter
Workshop for St Margaret's School, Exeter
James Davey's former Head of Music at his school in Cambridge, Iain Cooper, invited him to lead a workshop at St Margaret's School in Exeter. The day was divided into two groups. The morning was comprised of two workshop sessions for children from local schools and county choirs. In the afternoon James worked with an advanced group of singers from the school.
Mary Lowles wrote about the day:
What a fantastic way to spend a Saturday! Last weekend, our choirs and many visitors benefitted from the opportunity of inspirational vocal tuition, in a lovely warm and positive atmosphere from the young, energetic and motivating choral trainer and conductor, James Davey. It is impossible to recapture the buzz and humour that emminated from each of the three Master Classes but without exception, the students worked hard without really knowing it and picked up many tips and some new repertoire, particularly warm-ups, which have already established themselves as firm favourites for us at school.
We were delighted to welcome nearly 100 visiting students to St Margaret's, to benefit from the experience and they all seemed to go away excited and smiling - affirmation indeed!
The music staff were at school all day and by 4pm, still had not had enough. It is always a privilege and so refreshing to hear new approaches and techniques, and to discuss one' s work with like-minded and experienced people.
We very much hope to be able to host another similar event in the future but in the meantime, the memories of the fun we had and the tips we learnt will be with us all for a long time yet!
- Mary Lowles, St Margaret's School
Mary Lowles wrote about the day:
What a fantastic way to spend a Saturday! Last weekend, our choirs and many visitors benefitted from the opportunity of inspirational vocal tuition, in a lovely warm and positive atmosphere from the young, energetic and motivating choral trainer and conductor, James Davey. It is impossible to recapture the buzz and humour that emminated from each of the three Master Classes but without exception, the students worked hard without really knowing it and picked up many tips and some new repertoire, particularly warm-ups, which have already established themselves as firm favourites for us at school.
We were delighted to welcome nearly 100 visiting students to St Margaret's, to benefit from the experience and they all seemed to go away excited and smiling - affirmation indeed!
The music staff were at school all day and by 4pm, still had not had enough. It is always a privilege and so refreshing to hear new approaches and techniques, and to discuss one' s work with like-minded and experienced people.
We very much hope to be able to host another similar event in the future but in the meantime, the memories of the fun we had and the tips we learnt will be with us all for a long time yet!
- Mary Lowles, St Margaret's School
"On Saturday morning we went to the Junior Master Class.
We did a good warm-up. We did a performance.
We had some biscuits. It was brilliant!"
- Krista Gray, participant
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Wednesday 3rd March 2010
Guardian's Angels compete in the Office Choir of the Year competition Music In Offices, a company that services the city of London with music tuition for singers, instrumentalists and choirs, is running the first ever Office Choir of the Year competition. Entrants have to be staff choirs in which all of the singers are employees of the company. The first heat was hosted at the offices of Delloitte, who went on to win the competition with their conductor, Tim Crosley. The Guardian's Angels performed an uplifting African song called Dubula, alongside the set piece, Mozart's Ave Verum. |
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