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Our MD Howard Sayer on Will Todd...

27/4/2019

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Picture
Howard and Will at Lincoln Centre, New York City
Below is an interview where Howard, our MD talks about Will Todd's influence, music and our upcoming Mass in Blue Concert on June 8th...

"I first discovered Will Todd’s music in 2008 when I conducted MIB at Worle School. We performed in Clifton Cathedral and had Will and his trio come to accompany us as we do this time. So for me this is a chance to re-visit this fantastic piece that audiences love. The difference with this concert is that Weston Choral are also going to be performing the more recently composed Songs of Peace by Will. I’ve not conducted these before, so it’s always good for me to have a new challenge too!"
 
"I really appreciate Will’s gift for melody…..there are always beautiful melodic shapes..some often unexpected but always work sensitively in context. He has a distinct harmonic language which I’d equate to ’Faure/Rutter plus’..and then there are the jazz harmonies of course."
 
"From my experience of conducting it before the MIB has a wide appeal to audiences. There was a tremendous reception from the audience when we did it before..and I’m pretty sure very few people had heard of it then. There are catchy rhythms, virtuosic solo lines, exciting choral parts, tender moments and spectacular vocal fireworks at times! I think Weston Choral are ready for a challenge that takes us a little bit out of our comfort-zone..though of course we have done a shorter jazz composition of his, and other non-jazz choral pieces of his fairly recently."
 
"The concert itself is primarily to showcase Will Todd’s music. I’m a great believer in performing music by living composers. He’s now a highly regarded world-renowned composer so it’s such a privilege to have him here in Weston. There will be some contrasting music in the concert too: solos from Martha McLorinan ( mezzo-soprano), Tessa Ractliffe ( saxophone) and of course the talented Worle School Youth Choir."
 
"I think Will Todd’s musical style is accessible to those interested in classical, jazz and popular. He can write exclusively in those styles but also combines them cleverly. Melodies are memorable and he creates atmospheric beauty in many of his pieces. Choirs enjoy singing his music and audiences enjoy listening to it. It’s never dumbed down either..often clever challenges that keep musicians alert and yet transcends traditional boundaries which opens it up to a wide audience."
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    Weston Choral

    Singing feeds the soul, enriches the mind and adds immensely to the enjoyment of life - great thing to do for health, happiness and well-being. Please join us!

    Quality

    We perform with professional orchestras and soloists of the highest calibre. We love singing and constantly strive to raise our performance.

    Inspirational

    We regularly perform in All Saints which has an amazing accoustic and we take part in concerts in stunning venues elsewhere - most recently some of our singers sang with Distinguished Concerts International New York (DCINY) at David Geffen Hall Lincoln Centre, New York.

    Outstanding MD

    Our fantastic conductor, Howard Sayer, brings inspirational leadership and a wealth of experience, not to mention a lot of fun to our singing!

    Varied repertoire:

    We sing a wide variety of music, with emphasis on newer works by living composers. We also hold singing days where we meet other singers and invite distinguished conductors.

    Social

    We have fun! We make friends, and some of us go to the pub after rehearsals each week. We organise social events, singing days, quiz nights and anything else that members might like to arrange...

    Diary Dates:


    Looking ahead to 2021:

    26th September 2021
    Singing Day (St. Mark's, Worle) Theme: 'Great British anthems from the Great British isles' Conductor: David Ogden

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  • Home
  • COMING SOON!
  • Join Us!
  • SINGING DAYS
    • Singing-Day-2019 >
      • Singing-Day-2018
      • Singing-Day-2017
  • Past Concerts
    • June 2019
    • December 2018
    • Nov 2017
    • May 2017
    • December 2016
    • May 2016
    • November 2015
    • April 2015
  • About
    • STAGING HIRE
  • Contact
  • Members
  • Support Us!
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