Read about past 'News & Reviews'...
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Wednesday 17th December 2008
Guardian's Angels Christmas Concert
The staff choir at the Guardian newspaper, Guardian's Angels, gave their Christmas concert to a an audience of colleagues and friends. The concert included star turns from Newsreader John Snow (himself a former Cathedral chorister) and Alan Rusbridger, the Editor of the Guardian and accomplished pianist.
Guardian's Angels Christmas Concert
The staff choir at the Guardian newspaper, Guardian's Angels, gave their Christmas concert to a an audience of colleagues and friends. The concert included star turns from Newsreader John Snow (himself a former Cathedral chorister) and Alan Rusbridger, the Editor of the Guardian and accomplished pianist.
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Saturday 29th November 2008
Singing Nuns In addition to his conducting, James Davey also enjoys singing from time to time, and accepts work through a number of agencies. One of these agencies seems to deliver the most unusual bookings. On this occasion the singers were asked to dress as nuns to sing a rousing male-voice arrangement of a song form the Sound of Music. The song was to be performed at a wedding reception during the Best Man speech. |
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November 2008
Making Music South East newsletter
Marking the Aylesbury Festival Choir's 50th Anniversary, and the appointment of their new Musical Director, James Davey, Making Music published an article about the choir in their regional newletter for the South East, where James hails from.
Making Music South East newsletter
Marking the Aylesbury Festival Choir's 50th Anniversary, and the appointment of their new Musical Director, James Davey, Making Music published an article about the choir in their regional newletter for the South East, where James hails from.
Thursday 30th October 2008
Chantage compete at the Tolosa International Choral Competition
Invited to compete in this prestigious International contest, Chantage took a choir of 28 singers to the Basque country for a week of intensive practice, including no fewer than 5 concerts, as well as two rounds in the competition itself. The competition was tough (not least because of the notoriously difficult and un-flattering cinema accoustic) and Chantage failed to make the top three, but did hold the middle ground well in this, their first attempt at an International level competition.
The clip below shows Chantage performing their interpretation of Eric Whitacre's appropriately cinematic With a Lily in Your Hand
Chantage compete at the Tolosa International Choral Competition
Invited to compete in this prestigious International contest, Chantage took a choir of 28 singers to the Basque country for a week of intensive practice, including no fewer than 5 concerts, as well as two rounds in the competition itself. The competition was tough (not least because of the notoriously difficult and un-flattering cinema accoustic) and Chantage failed to make the top three, but did hold the middle ground well in this, their first attempt at an International level competition.
The clip below shows Chantage performing their interpretation of Eric Whitacre's appropriately cinematic With a Lily in Your Hand
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Thursday 18th September 2008
Chantage release their Christmas CD: Hark! - Chantage at Christmas Chantage released their new CD, entitled Hark! - Chantage at Christmas, with a launch party at Temple Church, near to St Dunstan-in-the-West where the choir rehearse on Fleet Street. The CD was released on the EMI Gold label and instantly received reviews and airtime on BBC Radio and Classic FM. Norman Lebrecht called the choir "a class act!" The CD included a world premiere recording of A Christmas Mass by Ronald Corp. The piece is a re-working of Charpentiers concept for his Messe De Minuit, in which he weaves into his work a number of well known carol melodies of the time. Ronald Corp takes this idea to the carol melodies of today, and incorporates a total of 76 different tunes into the fabric of his A Christmas Mass. 
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Sunday 27th July 2008
Canford Summer School of Music
James Davey was invited to Sherborne this year to work on the Canford Summer School of Music, leading the Cappella Chamber Choir course during week 1 (of 3 weeks). The highlights of the week were the Arvo Part work, Tribute to Ceasar and Eric Whitacre's A Boy and a Girl. James was asked to take the course into a more contemporary direction with his choices of repertoire, and Eric Whitacre is the new composer of the moment, to be.
Canford Summer School of Music
James Davey was invited to Sherborne this year to work on the Canford Summer School of Music, leading the Cappella Chamber Choir course during week 1 (of 3 weeks). The highlights of the week were the Arvo Part work, Tribute to Ceasar and Eric Whitacre's A Boy and a Girl. James was asked to take the course into a more contemporary direction with his choices of repertoire, and Eric Whitacre is the new composer of the moment, to be.
Friday 4th July 2008
Blackheath Ward Combined Schools Singing Project
With support from the Blackheath Ward Fund and local Liberal Democrat Councillors, James organised a combined schools singing project in the Blackheath area. Three local schools took part in the event, which was preceeded by a series of workshops. James Davey and accompanist Heather Tomala visited each of the schools four or five times to teach the songs to whole class groups.
The primary aim for the project was to attract new singers to join the Young Choirs Programme at The Conservatoire, a music and arts centre in Blackheath Village. The final concert was presented to parents and friends in the School Hall at the St Mathew Academy in Lewisham.
Blackheath Ward Combined Schools Singing Project
With support from the Blackheath Ward Fund and local Liberal Democrat Councillors, James organised a combined schools singing project in the Blackheath area. Three local schools took part in the event, which was preceeded by a series of workshops. James Davey and accompanist Heather Tomala visited each of the schools four or five times to teach the songs to whole class groups.
The primary aim for the project was to attract new singers to join the Young Choirs Programme at The Conservatoire, a music and arts centre in Blackheath Village. The final concert was presented to parents and friends in the School Hall at the St Mathew Academy in Lewisham.
Tuesday 13th May 2008
Chantage at the Purcell Room - The Beat Goes On
Chantage performed an array of pop arrangements and popular music from throughout the ages. Joined by expert vocal percussionist, Jestar*, and the championship beatboxer, MC Zani, the evening took an upward turn when the A Capella arrangements were enhanced with beats and sound effects form these two talented performers.
One of the choir, Charles Talibard, arranged a 16 part version of Clocks by Coldplay, and James Davey's arrangement of Britney Spear's One More Time also made a re-appearance. The programme closed with a reprise of the opening song, Past Time with Good Company, arranged by Ward Swingle, except this time combined with beatboxing and percussion.
The concert was recorded by BBC Radio 3 and parts were broadcast on The Choir, presented by Aled Jones on Sunday evenings.
Chantage at the Purcell Room - The Beat Goes On
Chantage performed an array of pop arrangements and popular music from throughout the ages. Joined by expert vocal percussionist, Jestar*, and the championship beatboxer, MC Zani, the evening took an upward turn when the A Capella arrangements were enhanced with beats and sound effects form these two talented performers.
One of the choir, Charles Talibard, arranged a 16 part version of Clocks by Coldplay, and James Davey's arrangement of Britney Spear's One More Time also made a re-appearance. The programme closed with a reprise of the opening song, Past Time with Good Company, arranged by Ward Swingle, except this time combined with beatboxing and percussion.
The concert was recorded by BBC Radio 3 and parts were broadcast on The Choir, presented by Aled Jones on Sunday evenings.
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Thursday 8th May 2008 Central Harmony 'Celebrate Success' Hounslow's school and community choir, Central Harmony, performed to the supporters and participants of the Central Hounslow Extended Schools Services programme. Organised by Apinder Sidhu, this performance was a showcase for the various activities supported under the CHESS scheme. It was also an opportunity for the choir to sing their repertoire to an audience and to build confidence in their singing, having only been founded very recently. |
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Saturday 22nd April 2008
Workshop for Milton Keynes Chorale
James Davey was invited to lead a workshop with the Milton Keynes Chorale, having been asked to cover rehearsals from time to time by their conductor, Stuart Dunlop. The Chairman of the choir, Penny Yates, reported on the day:
April 22nd saw a welcome return of James Davey to MK Chorale to lead a second workshop, this time with the theme of “Changing choral colour”. With the focus on the production of different vowel sounds James encouraged us to create sounds in spaces we didn’t know we had in our heads. With varying degrees of success we discovered the hinge of our jaws, spaces at the top of our heads, the bridge of our noses, even holes in the back of our head like Frankenstein’s monster – some of us even succeeded in relaxing our tongues and locating our soft palate! Even our posture was improved by the end of the evening: we pulled in our waists in order to create clear ‘m’ and ‘n’ sounds and some of us even remembered to sit correctly, rather than slouch or cross our legs!
By the end of a most enjoyable evening we had all improved our knowledge of the relationship between vocal techniques and the sounds that we make, especially the different vowel sounds needed by different languages – even if we were singing in English. We might not remember all the finer details a few weeks on but I am sure that Tsar Boris would have been suitably impressed by our recognisably Russian overtones in his Coronation March – we certainly were!
- Penny Yates, Chair, Milton Keynes Chorale
Workshop for Milton Keynes Chorale
James Davey was invited to lead a workshop with the Milton Keynes Chorale, having been asked to cover rehearsals from time to time by their conductor, Stuart Dunlop. The Chairman of the choir, Penny Yates, reported on the day:
April 22nd saw a welcome return of James Davey to MK Chorale to lead a second workshop, this time with the theme of “Changing choral colour”. With the focus on the production of different vowel sounds James encouraged us to create sounds in spaces we didn’t know we had in our heads. With varying degrees of success we discovered the hinge of our jaws, spaces at the top of our heads, the bridge of our noses, even holes in the back of our head like Frankenstein’s monster – some of us even succeeded in relaxing our tongues and locating our soft palate! Even our posture was improved by the end of the evening: we pulled in our waists in order to create clear ‘m’ and ‘n’ sounds and some of us even remembered to sit correctly, rather than slouch or cross our legs!
By the end of a most enjoyable evening we had all improved our knowledge of the relationship between vocal techniques and the sounds that we make, especially the different vowel sounds needed by different languages – even if we were singing in English. We might not remember all the finer details a few weeks on but I am sure that Tsar Boris would have been suitably impressed by our recognisably Russian overtones in his Coronation March – we certainly were!
- Penny Yates, Chair, Milton Keynes Chorale
Wednesday 6th February 2008
Chantage perform live on BBC's The ONE Show from Piccadilly Circus
As the final of six live performances on BBC 1's The ONE Show, Chantage gathered around Eros to sing one of Mitch Benn's funny complaint songs at Valentine's. The sequence was presented by former Criketer and TV celebrity, Phil Tufnell.
Chantage perform live on BBC's The ONE Show from Piccadilly Circus
As the final of six live performances on BBC 1's The ONE Show, Chantage gathered around Eros to sing one of Mitch Benn's funny complaint songs at Valentine's. The sequence was presented by former Criketer and TV celebrity, Phil Tufnell.
Saturday 2nd February 2008
Workshop Day with Saffron Walden Choral Society
James Davey was invited by Janet Wheeler, conductor of the Saffron Walden Choral Society to lead a workshop with the choir. The workshop was James's 'Changing Choral Colour' session. Janet Wheeler said of the event:
"Thank you for a great day last Saturday - there has been a lot of positive feedback all round. In particular I think people enjoyed the variety of music and several said that they found the warm-up very useful."
- Janet Wheeler, Musical Director - Saffron Walden Choral Society
Workshop Day with Saffron Walden Choral Society
James Davey was invited by Janet Wheeler, conductor of the Saffron Walden Choral Society to lead a workshop with the choir. The workshop was James's 'Changing Choral Colour' session. Janet Wheeler said of the event:
"Thank you for a great day last Saturday - there has been a lot of positive feedback all round. In particular I think people enjoyed the variety of music and several said that they found the warm-up very useful."
- Janet Wheeler, Musical Director - Saffron Walden Choral Society
Sunday 23rd December 2007
Candle-lit Carol Concert
Candle-lit Carol Concert
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Following their own Christmas Concert, the Fleet Singers were invited to perform at a Christmas Festival event at a local church, St Martin's in Gospel Oak.
The choir arrived to find that the electricity supply had suffered a power cut, and the entire church needed to be lit with candles to make safe to use, as well as for the choir to see their music. The electric organ in the church was also affected. Fortunately a Brass Quintet was also playing at the concert and were able to play some of the choir's accompanying parts, and the accompanist played some from the candle-lit piano! |
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Thursday 13th December 2007
Chantage at St John's, Smith Square
Promoted by John Landor of London Musical Arts, Chantage performed a Carol Concert at St John's in Smith Square to a large audience of Christmas spirited concert-goers. This was Chantage's debut concert at the well known venue, and an opportunity to perform a number of the pieces already recorded for their forthcoming album, to be released on EMI Gold label later in 2008, called Hark! - Chantage at Christmas.
Chantage at St John's, Smith Square
Promoted by John Landor of London Musical Arts, Chantage performed a Carol Concert at St John's in Smith Square to a large audience of Christmas spirited concert-goers. This was Chantage's debut concert at the well known venue, and an opportunity to perform a number of the pieces already recorded for their forthcoming album, to be released on EMI Gold label later in 2008, called Hark! - Chantage at Christmas.
Saturday 1st December 2007
Chantage premiere A Christmas Mass by Ronald Corp
Chantage headed to Saffron Walden to give an early December Christmas concert, and to premiere Ronald Corp's A Christmas Mass, which would later go on their Christmas CD on the EMI Gold label. The organ part was played by the virtuoso player, Stephen Farr.
Saffron Walden is James Davey's home town, and a great audience came out to hear the choir.
Chantage premiere A Christmas Mass by Ronald Corp
Chantage headed to Saffron Walden to give an early December Christmas concert, and to premiere Ronald Corp's A Christmas Mass, which would later go on their Christmas CD on the EMI Gold label. The organ part was played by the virtuoso player, Stephen Farr.
Saffron Walden is James Davey's home town, and a great audience came out to hear the choir.
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Monday 12th November 2007
Chantage launch BBC's Last Choir Standing
Chantage were invited to perform to gathered guests at the launch party for the BBC's new TV choir competition, Last Choir Standing. The presenters, Myleene Klass and Nick Knowles, were introduced to the guests by celebrity singer Russell Watson. The judges were also there, including Suzi Digby who is a friend of the choir.
Chantage launch BBC's Last Choir Standing
Chantage were invited to perform to gathered guests at the launch party for the BBC's new TV choir competition, Last Choir Standing. The presenters, Myleene Klass and Nick Knowles, were introduced to the guests by celebrity singer Russell Watson. The judges were also there, including Suzi Digby who is a friend of the choir.
Saturday 10th November 2007
Chantage & Choros Amici in Concert
Chantage joined together for the first time in a combined concert of Choir of the Year winners. The linking factor was James Davey, as conductor of Chantage and as a singer in Choros Amici. The programme comprised mainly competition pieces form the two choir's repertoire. Joining together to sing three works in the programme, they performed Rachmaninov's Russian Ave Maria, Morten Lauridsen's O Magnum Mysterium and Jaakko Mantyjarvi's crazy Pseudo Yoik!
Chantage & Choros Amici in Concert
Chantage joined together for the first time in a combined concert of Choir of the Year winners. The linking factor was James Davey, as conductor of Chantage and as a singer in Choros Amici. The programme comprised mainly competition pieces form the two choir's repertoire. Joining together to sing three works in the programme, they performed Rachmaninov's Russian Ave Maria, Morten Lauridsen's O Magnum Mysterium and Jaakko Mantyjarvi's crazy Pseudo Yoik!
Saturday 15th September 2007
Choral Workshop Day for St Mary's Music Association
James Davey's former church choir, at St Mary's church in Saffron Walden, invited him back to lead a workshop day for the church choir, as part of a project of recruitment activities. The day attracted a large number of singers, some being parishoners and members of local choral societis.
The day concluded with an open performance in the church, singing all of the repertoire that had been worked on during the day.
Choral Workshop Day for St Mary's Music Association
James Davey's former church choir, at St Mary's church in Saffron Walden, invited him back to lead a workshop day for the church choir, as part of a project of recruitment activities. The day attracted a large number of singers, some being parishoners and members of local choral societis.
The day concluded with an open performance in the church, singing all of the repertoire that had been worked on during the day.
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Thursday 30th August 2007
National Youth Traning Choir
James Davey was invited to work as a Guest Conductor with the National Youth Training Choir on their Summer Course, and to conduct the pieces in their concert in Coventry Cathedral, marking the end of the course. James is himself a former member of the National Youth Choir.
National Youth Traning Choir
James Davey was invited to work as a Guest Conductor with the National Youth Training Choir on their Summer Course, and to conduct the pieces in their concert in Coventry Cathedral, marking the end of the course. James is himself a former member of the National Youth Choir.
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Bank Holiday Monday 27th August 2007
Chantage perform live on The ONE Show, BBC1
Chantage take on the role of the BBC's flagship shows' Complaints Choir for a series of 6 episodes, launched by actor and theatre director Richard Wilson. This first episode, broadcast live on the August Bank Holiday, features the choir singing a comic song arranged by comedian musician Mitch Benn set to the tune of Ode to Joy
Chantage perform live on The ONE Show, BBC1
Chantage take on the role of the BBC's flagship shows' Complaints Choir for a series of 6 episodes, launched by actor and theatre director Richard Wilson. This first episode, broadcast live on the August Bank Holiday, features the choir singing a comic song arranged by comedian musician Mitch Benn set to the tune of Ode to Joy
Monday 9th July 2007
BBC Singers Go-Sing Project
James Davey was employed to lead workshops in two London schools and to mentor two young conductors who would conduct their choirs in a performance at the BBC Radio Theatre. The Schools were St Cecilia's CofE School in Wandsworth and St Marylebone's CofE School in Marylebone.
The choirs were formed of pupils and teachers, as well as some parents. The final performance was recorded and here are a few clips of St Marylebone's choir singing in the concert.
BBC Singers Go-Sing Project
James Davey was employed to lead workshops in two London schools and to mentor two young conductors who would conduct their choirs in a performance at the BBC Radio Theatre. The Schools were St Cecilia's CofE School in Wandsworth and St Marylebone's CofE School in Marylebone.
The choirs were formed of pupils and teachers, as well as some parents. The final performance was recorded and here are a few clips of St Marylebone's choir singing in the concert.
Tuesday 26th June 2007
East Grinstead Junior Choir
The East Grinstead Junior Choir have their end of term concert, combined with area choirs and instrumental groups from across the North Eastern area of the county. The concert took place at the Chequer Mead Theatre in East Grinstead, and was a great opportunity for the children in the choir to experience a public concert, as well as singing within a much larger group.
East Grinstead Junior Choir
The East Grinstead Junior Choir have their end of term concert, combined with area choirs and instrumental groups from across the North Eastern area of the county. The concert took place at the Chequer Mead Theatre in East Grinstead, and was a great opportunity for the children in the choir to experience a public concert, as well as singing within a much larger group.
Saturday 9th June 2007
Chantage at The Overture
The Southbank Centre organised another weekend of singing activities and performances. Chantage performed on the foyer stage above the Clore Ballroom, to an audience of music lovers and singers.
Chantage at The Overture
The Southbank Centre organised another weekend of singing activities and performances. Chantage performed on the foyer stage above the Clore Ballroom, to an audience of music lovers and singers.
Wednesday 9th May 2007
Corporate Workshop for Dunnhumby
James Davey was booked to lead a workshop with all employees of Dunnhumby, a media firm based in London. The workshop involved 90 participants and was aimed at engaging everyone in a singing session to close a company conference day.
Laura Mack reported on the event:
"I would say overall that the Music Man activity provided an excellent and unique method to bring together a large group of people to demonstrate quite effectively what can be accomplished when you work together as a team. The program found a way to engage everyone equally, no matter what their level of "singing" skill. It also provided the right balance of pushing people a little out of their comfort zone but in a way that did not spotlight any individuals. As a facilitator James was very engaging and kept quite a large group focused on the task."
- Laura Mack, Dunnhumby
Corporate Workshop for Dunnhumby
James Davey was booked to lead a workshop with all employees of Dunnhumby, a media firm based in London. The workshop involved 90 participants and was aimed at engaging everyone in a singing session to close a company conference day.
Laura Mack reported on the event:
"I would say overall that the Music Man activity provided an excellent and unique method to bring together a large group of people to demonstrate quite effectively what can be accomplished when you work together as a team. The program found a way to engage everyone equally, no matter what their level of "singing" skill. It also provided the right balance of pushing people a little out of their comfort zone but in a way that did not spotlight any individuals. As a facilitator James was very engaging and kept quite a large group focused on the task."
- Laura Mack, Dunnhumby
Saturday 9th December 2006
BBC Radio 3 Choir of the Year 2006
The Grand Final of BBC Radio 3 Choir of the Year took place on 9 December, 2006 at the Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff. Eight choirs (four category winners and four wildcard winners) sung for victory and the title of BBC Radio Three Choir of the Year 2006.
BBC Radio 3 Choir of the Year 2006
The Grand Final of BBC Radio 3 Choir of the Year took place on 9 December, 2006 at the Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff. Eight choirs (four category winners and four wildcard winners) sung for victory and the title of BBC Radio Three Choir of the Year 2006.
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An audience of 2,000 people filled the venue to capacity, erupting with cheers, clapping and congratulations as Roger Wright, BBC Radio 3 Controller, announced the judges' decision, that Chantage had won BBC Radio 3 Choir of the Year 2006.
The accolade crowns Chantage as the best amateur choir in the UK. The win also secures the choir a commission for a new choral work by a composer of the choir's choice, sponsored by BBC Radio 3. In addition Chantage also won the Audience Prize - voted for by the spectators at the Grand Final. The audience of 2,000 - made up of supporters from competing choirs and music fans - was asked to vote for their favourite choir as the judges deliberated. Watch an interview with James Davey, and members of Chantage, belowtalking with BBC Presenter Josie D'Arby. |
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Chantage wins BBC Radio 3 Choir of the year 2006 Choir Beats 117 Others to Become Best Amateur Choir in the UK Chantage, a 38 strong mixed voice choir from London, won BBC Radio 3 Choir of the Year 2006 at the competition's Grand Final held at the Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff, 10 December 2006. Chantage also won the audience vote - a new initiative for the competition. The accolade - BBC Radio 3 Choir Year 2006 - crowns Chantage as the best amateur choir in the UK. The win also secures the choir a commission for a new choral work by a composer of the choir's choice, sponsored by BBC Radio 3. |
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The Grand Final was broadcast on BBC Radio 3's Performance on 3 on Monday 11 December, and televised on BBC Four on Saturday 16 December. Below is a clip from that broadcast, in which the choir perform their winning piece by Richard Allain, Christ's Love Song.
Sunday 3rd December 2006
West Sussex Boys Choir meet Matthew Pinsent
The West Sussex Boys Choir performed at an event at the Lodge Hill Centre in Sussex, where guest Olympian Matthew Pinsent was invited to speak. The choir performed a short programme of pieces, including We've Borrowed a Planet to Live On by Lin Marsh.
West Sussex Boys Choir meet Matthew Pinsent
The West Sussex Boys Choir performed at an event at the Lodge Hill Centre in Sussex, where guest Olympian Matthew Pinsent was invited to speak. The choir performed a short programme of pieces, including We've Borrowed a Planet to Live On by Lin Marsh.
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Saturday 2nd December 2006
It Takes Two
The Guardian's Angels joined singer Jimmy Sommerville and celebrity guests, including Heather Small and Julian Clary, to perform at this charity event.
It Takes Two
The Guardian's Angels joined singer Jimmy Sommerville and celebrity guests, including Heather Small and Julian Clary, to perform at this charity event.
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Friday 24th November 2006
Vivamus perform Britney
Vivamus, under their conductor Joseph Nolan, perform James Davey's choral arrangment of Baby One More Time, made famous by Britney Spears. The arrangment made a splash at the Choir of the Year competition heats in 2002, and was also broadcast on BBC Radio 3, performed by Chantage.
Vivamus perform Britney
Vivamus, under their conductor Joseph Nolan, perform James Davey's choral arrangment of Baby One More Time, made famous by Britney Spears. The arrangment made a splash at the Choir of the Year competition heats in 2002, and was also broadcast on BBC Radio 3, performed by Chantage.
Saturday 11th November 2006
BBC Radio 3 Choir of the Year competition
Chantage competed in the Adult Final of the BBC Radio 3 Choir of the Year competition and won the Adult final, going through to the Grand Final at the end of the month. The performance in the competition included three pieces of music. Opening with Arvo Part's Bogoroditse Dyevo, followed by Eric Whitacre's A Boy and a Girl and then closing with Jaakko Mantyjarvi's Pseudo Yoik.
BBC Radio 3 Choir of the Year competition
Chantage competed in the Adult Final of the BBC Radio 3 Choir of the Year competition and won the Adult final, going through to the Grand Final at the end of the month. The performance in the competition included three pieces of music. Opening with Arvo Part's Bogoroditse Dyevo, followed by Eric Whitacre's A Boy and a Girl and then closing with Jaakko Mantyjarvi's Pseudo Yoik.
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Friday 29th September 2006
Jazz Faure Requiem
Promoted by John Landor and London Musical Arts, Chantage performed Faire Requiem at St Martin-in-the-fields church, in a special arrangement by jazz musician Charles Beale. The music had been re-arranged to be accompanied by a 5-piece Jazz group, and it highlighted the many jazz rhythms hidden within the work.
The remainder of the programme was comprised of unaccompanied works for choir, including a few movements from Hubert Parry's Songs of Farewell, conducted in a guest appearance by conductor John Landor.
Jazz Faure Requiem
Promoted by John Landor and London Musical Arts, Chantage performed Faire Requiem at St Martin-in-the-fields church, in a special arrangement by jazz musician Charles Beale. The music had been re-arranged to be accompanied by a 5-piece Jazz group, and it highlighted the many jazz rhythms hidden within the work.
The remainder of the programme was comprised of unaccompanied works for choir, including a few movements from Hubert Parry's Songs of Farewell, conducted in a guest appearance by conductor John Landor.
Saturday 8th July 2006
Junior Trinity College of Music Prizegiving Concert
As a deputy conductor for the Junior Trinity College of Music, James Davey was invited to lead the Four Part Choir in their performance at the end of year prizegiving ceremony.
Junior Trinity College of Music Prizegiving Concert
As a deputy conductor for the Junior Trinity College of Music, James Davey was invited to lead the Four Part Choir in their performance at the end of year prizegiving ceremony.
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Saturday 24th June 2006
Faure Requiem at St James's Piccadilly
Chantage return to St James's church in Piccadilly again this year, this time for a performance of Gabriel Faure's Requiem. The performance was with a small string orchestra and would be the first of three performances of the work during the summer. The next performance would be with organ accompaniment in Howden Minster, as part of the Howden Festival. Then in September it will be performed at St Martin-in-the-fields with a specially arranged accompaniment by Charles Beale, scored for choir with Jazz Quintet.
Faure Requiem at St James's Piccadilly
Chantage return to St James's church in Piccadilly again this year, this time for a performance of Gabriel Faure's Requiem. The performance was with a small string orchestra and would be the first of three performances of the work during the summer. The next performance would be with organ accompaniment in Howden Minster, as part of the Howden Festival. Then in September it will be performed at St Martin-in-the-fields with a specially arranged accompaniment by Charles Beale, scored for choir with Jazz Quintet.
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Sunday 11th - 18th September 2005
Chantage Tour to France
The choir spent a great week at the Chateau Du Val in Brix, Normandy, about 2 hours drive from Calais. The Chateau was owned by a Dutch couple who had decorated the interior in a French Medieval style throughout, even with coats of armour. The choir self-catered for the week, eating in the beautiful servant's kitchen.
The choir performed three concerts during their tour. The first was in Coutance Cathedral, and the choir sold more CD's that night than at any other concert, even though the concert had been advertised incorrectly. A French TV channel had billed the concert as being given by a Gospel Choir called 'Blackmail'. The audience were not dissapointed in any case.
The next performance was at Chartres Cathedral, during the afternoon as tourists visit the enormous building. A highlight of the performance was the Sandstromm setting of Purcell's Hear My Prayer. Due to the delicate nature of Cathedral relations, the choir was asked to sing under a different name (as 'Chantage' is a French word that translates to mean 'Blackmail') so it was temporarily changed to 'Chantace'
The third concert was in a nearby village church which, although quite a large venue, unfortunately had not been well advertised and attracted two ladies, one old man and his dog. However, it was one of the most moving performances, marking the end of a very satisfying tour, and the two old ladies were both moved to tears by the beautiful singing.
Chantage Tour to France
The choir spent a great week at the Chateau Du Val in Brix, Normandy, about 2 hours drive from Calais. The Chateau was owned by a Dutch couple who had decorated the interior in a French Medieval style throughout, even with coats of armour. The choir self-catered for the week, eating in the beautiful servant's kitchen.
The choir performed three concerts during their tour. The first was in Coutance Cathedral, and the choir sold more CD's that night than at any other concert, even though the concert had been advertised incorrectly. A French TV channel had billed the concert as being given by a Gospel Choir called 'Blackmail'. The audience were not dissapointed in any case.
The next performance was at Chartres Cathedral, during the afternoon as tourists visit the enormous building. A highlight of the performance was the Sandstromm setting of Purcell's Hear My Prayer. Due to the delicate nature of Cathedral relations, the choir was asked to sing under a different name (as 'Chantage' is a French word that translates to mean 'Blackmail') so it was temporarily changed to 'Chantace'
The third concert was in a nearby village church which, although quite a large venue, unfortunately had not been well advertised and attracted two ladies, one old man and his dog. However, it was one of the most moving performances, marking the end of a very satisfying tour, and the two old ladies were both moved to tears by the beautiful singing.
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Saturday 7th May 2005
Chantage performs Durufle Requiem
Chantage made their debut performance at St James's Piccadilly on 7th May, collaborating with the Nonsuch Orchestra, to play for Durufle's Requiem as well as contributing a string Suite to the programme. The soloists were Joanna Goldsmith-Eteson and Tom Lowe. The organist was Joseph Nolan.
Chantage performs Durufle Requiem
Chantage made their debut performance at St James's Piccadilly on 7th May, collaborating with the Nonsuch Orchestra, to play for Durufle's Requiem as well as contributing a string Suite to the programme. The soloists were Joanna Goldsmith-Eteson and Tom Lowe. The organist was Joseph Nolan.
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Wednesday 3rd November 2004
Chantage Vs Iuventus
Chantage Vs Iuventus
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One of Chantage's former members, Klara Striteska, was studying temporarily in London and eventually returned to her home, Svitavy in the Czech Republic. Her local Youth Choir, Iuventus, planned a tour to the UK a few years later and Klara suggested a combined concert. Chantage hosted Iuventus for a London concert during their tour.
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Saturday 19th June 2004
Chantage Sing at Boreham Wood
Owain Jones, conductor of the Chelmer Youth Choir and Director of Music at Boreham Wood church, organised a Music Festival at the church and invited Chantage to perform. Owain was a former member of the National Youth Choir of Great Britain, and is the regional representative for the Association of British Choral Directors.
Chantage Sing at Boreham Wood
Owain Jones, conductor of the Chelmer Youth Choir and Director of Music at Boreham Wood church, organised a Music Festival at the church and invited Chantage to perform. Owain was a former member of the National Youth Choir of Great Britain, and is the regional representative for the Association of British Choral Directors.
Saturday 1st November 2003
LABBS Convention in Harrogate
Chantage are invited to perform at the convention of the Ladies Association of British Barbershop Singers, in their Saturday evening showcase concert, and at the after-glow party, held in the Harrogate Convention Centre.
LABBS Convention in Harrogate
Chantage are invited to perform at the convention of the Ladies Association of British Barbershop Singers, in their Saturday evening showcase concert, and at the after-glow party, held in the Harrogate Convention Centre.
Sunday 12th October 2003
Chantage at the Southbank Centre
Chantage had competed in the British heat of the European Broadcast Union's choral competition, Let The People Sing. Unfortunately they weren't selected to represent the UK that year, but were invited to sing at the Southbank Centre on the day of the competition final. The photos were kindly taken by photographer John Davey, who had just heard his brother's choir for the first time.
Chantage at the Southbank Centre
Chantage had competed in the British heat of the European Broadcast Union's choral competition, Let The People Sing. Unfortunately they weren't selected to represent the UK that year, but were invited to sing at the Southbank Centre on the day of the competition final. The photos were kindly taken by photographer John Davey, who had just heard his brother's choir for the first time.
Saturday 29th March 2003
Chantage record for BBC Songs of Praise
Following the press coverage from having reached the Adult Final of the Sainsbury's Choir of the Year competition in 2002, the BBC had invited Chantage to record an episode of Songs of Praise, pesented by Pam Rhodes. The choir would work with Pam again at a charity Christmas Concert in future.
Chantage record for BBC Songs of Praise
Following the press coverage from having reached the Adult Final of the Sainsbury's Choir of the Year competition in 2002, the BBC had invited Chantage to record an episode of Songs of Praise, pesented by Pam Rhodes. The choir would work with Pam again at a charity Christmas Concert in future.
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Saturday 2nd November 2002
Sainsbury's Choir of the Year competition
Chantage entered the competition for the first time in 2002, getting to the Adult finals before being knocked out of the competition by the Bath Camerata conducted by Nigel Perrin, a former member of the King's Singers. James Davey's arrangement of the Britney Spears hit, Baby One More Time, was performed as the closing song and received great compliments from Howard Goodall, one of the judges on the day. The performance of that song was later broadcast on BBC Radio 3. The picture below is of Jennifer Rowe, who played the part of Britney Spears, and was even troubled for autographs by a choir of school boys that had been competing earlier in the day.
Sainsbury's Choir of the Year competition
Chantage entered the competition for the first time in 2002, getting to the Adult finals before being knocked out of the competition by the Bath Camerata conducted by Nigel Perrin, a former member of the King's Singers. James Davey's arrangement of the Britney Spears hit, Baby One More Time, was performed as the closing song and received great compliments from Howard Goodall, one of the judges on the day. The performance of that song was later broadcast on BBC Radio 3. The picture below is of Jennifer Rowe, who played the part of Britney Spears, and was even troubled for autographs by a choir of school boys that had been competing earlier in the day.
Friday 25th June 2002
Bedford Park Festival
Chantage performed to a full house at the Bedford Park Festival, singing a programme of music for the summer. Having recently competed in the opening heats of the 2002 Sainsbury's Choir of the Year competition, Chantage were armed with some very well rehearsed repertoire.
Bedford Park Festival
Chantage performed to a full house at the Bedford Park Festival, singing a programme of music for the summer. Having recently competed in the opening heats of the 2002 Sainsbury's Choir of the Year competition, Chantage were armed with some very well rehearsed repertoire.
Saturday 4th May 2002
Chantage at the Dorchester Festival
Chantage enjoy a weekend away in Dorchester and tie in a concert in the Bandstand, for the Dorchester Festival.
Chantage at the Dorchester Festival
Chantage enjoy a weekend away in Dorchester and tie in a concert in the Bandstand, for the Dorchester Festival.
