New Cambridge Singers 2000 - 2024
I come from foul smelling, aged, thick stage make up
The large choir was good fun, but I really wanted to stretch myself so looked around for something smaller. New Cambridge Singers has on average 20 to 30 singers at any one time and tackles some of the most challenging choral music written. It meant I had to go through yet another audition process which is repeated every three years. Choral singing in such small numbers does mean that there is more reliance on each voice, so listening and blending are of paramount importance.
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Play audio file of Jesus Christ the Apple Tree
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Notes for a Musical Director – how to warm up the choir
Starting rehearsal, ensure clothing is unrestricted Stand with legs same width apart as shoulders Breathing in for a count of four Breathing out for a count of four Tongue trills and lip buzzing must be included The diaphragm is breathing for you, the lungs along for the ride Play middle C – start open mouth, gentle hum Increase volume on A E OO Sing semi-tone up – back to C – sing semi-tone down Increase range up to 7th and down to 7th from middle C Open score page three, second system, third bar (Repeat final instructions for the basses) |
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Part of the performance of Renaissance Reimagined, filmed in St James’s Church, Sussex Gardens, London, in partnership with the Brandenburg Choral Festival of London.with Viols, Sackbutts and Cornetts.
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Copenhagen 2008
We were invited to Copenhagen by Kelly Crandell, an American composer who had moved to Denmark while studying for an MA in orchestral conducting. “Waves and Imitations” (subtitled: A fragmentation of Chichester Psalms) was what he'd written for us, scored for the same combination as the Bernstein (Organ, Harp, Percussion and Choir). A very interesting and powerful piece; tricky indeed as when we arrived at the venue, the organ and percussion was up in the gallery, and we were on the stage. I can find no recording of the piece or what the audience thought of the performance.
This was nothing compared to the issues we had when searching for accommodation in the city. Some of us found rooms in one hotel (more hostel as it turned out) just beyond the railway station and deep in the pulsating heart of the city’s red-light district. Though busy plying their trade, the ladies were considerate of our dilemma and happy to point the way, calling encouragement and directing us to the hotel.
We were met in reception by a huge woman – tall and wide – completely filling the doorway. Having got my key, I proceeded to my room where I had to make the bed! Never had to do this in a hotel before or since.
Breakfast did look enticing the next morning as I poured myself some coffee. Madam rambled over to my table.
'This breakfast isn't for you.'
Bit brusque I thought but said 'Oh why.'
'It’s kosher.'
'But I’m ok not eating bacon and the coffee looks so good, and the eggs too.'
'Well, I’m just warning you.'
Sitting two tables over was a group of ladies. Huge shoulder muscles, cropped hair, tattoos and piecing’s. Friendly and cheerful, they were clearly having a good time. Wanting to chat, they asked why I was there.
'Are you here for the games?'
‘'I’m here with my choir. We have a concert in the city today and another in Helsingborg tomorrow. And you? What brings you here?'
'The OUT Games. We’re the New Jersey Jewish Lesbian shotput team.'
Lovely ladies though they were, I believed I had come across a very exclusive club and one they'd struggle to find many more members keen to join.
This was nothing compared to the issues we had when searching for accommodation in the city. Some of us found rooms in one hotel (more hostel as it turned out) just beyond the railway station and deep in the pulsating heart of the city’s red-light district. Though busy plying their trade, the ladies were considerate of our dilemma and happy to point the way, calling encouragement and directing us to the hotel.
We were met in reception by a huge woman – tall and wide – completely filling the doorway. Having got my key, I proceeded to my room where I had to make the bed! Never had to do this in a hotel before or since.
Breakfast did look enticing the next morning as I poured myself some coffee. Madam rambled over to my table.
'This breakfast isn't for you.'
Bit brusque I thought but said 'Oh why.'
'It’s kosher.'
'But I’m ok not eating bacon and the coffee looks so good, and the eggs too.'
'Well, I’m just warning you.'
Sitting two tables over was a group of ladies. Huge shoulder muscles, cropped hair, tattoos and piecing’s. Friendly and cheerful, they were clearly having a good time. Wanting to chat, they asked why I was there.
'Are you here for the games?'
‘'I’m here with my choir. We have a concert in the city today and another in Helsingborg tomorrow. And you? What brings you here?'
'The OUT Games. We’re the New Jersey Jewish Lesbian shotput team.'
Lovely ladies though they were, I believed I had come across a very exclusive club and one they'd struggle to find many more members keen to join.
At least I now knew why it had been practically impossible to get rooms in Copenhagen. The city was buzzing with excitement such that it was hard not the be carried along though some members did find the open-air engagement of all possible sexual practices a little intimidating. This might also account for why one of the basses fell sideways off a pavement and broke his ankle.