2015 Review
January
Première of a new 30 minute cantata, Seven Ages of Man, words by Philip, music by Bryan Kesselman, performed by one of the Tonic choirs. Starting with Shakespeare's 'All the world's a stage' speech, the cantata explores the seven ages in a modern context. The piece includes some of Philip's first 'serious' writing.
February
Philip and Bryan were commissioned to write a piece for the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain (see September).
May
We took our choirs to the local church where composer Handel worked in 1717-18. They were able to sing some of Handel's music which we had prepared with them, and Bryan and Philip sang a couple of pieces, each accompanying the other. Wonderful to sing Handel's music in a place where he worked.
July
A huge number of Tonic Choir attended a Fiddler on the Roof public workshop at the Royal College of Music run by the outstanding vocal coach Mary King. We accounted for about 40% of the 300 or so participants. At one point, Mary invited Philip and Bryan onto the stage to help the BBC Singers who were leading the session with her. Great experience. Afterwards we had 150 heavily discounted tickets for a semi-staged Fiddler on the Roof, part of the BBC Promenade Concerts.
August
Philip and Bryan ran their fourth summer singing weekend (over 60 people).
September
The highlight of the year was the performances of Fighter Command and the Battle for Britain. Following almost 8 months' work, this project finally came to fruition on September 19. More details including photos, video and reviews. And here is an article about how the piece came to be written.
October
Philip and Bryan ran another Voices for Hospices event. Bryan on piano, Philip conducting, as usual.
There were 300 singers, 200 audience, and over £8,500 raised for our local hospice, St Luke's.
Video material here
November
Philip and Bryan recorded Fighter Command and the Battle for Britain with a choir of 30 adults and 30 children. This will form part of a CD which will be available early next year.
December
Philip and Bryan recorded the second part of the Fighter Command CD - a set of songs from the 1930s/40s. Just the two of us this time.
Première of a new 30 minute cantata, Seven Ages of Man, words by Philip, music by Bryan Kesselman, performed by one of the Tonic choirs. Starting with Shakespeare's 'All the world's a stage' speech, the cantata explores the seven ages in a modern context. The piece includes some of Philip's first 'serious' writing.
February
Philip and Bryan were commissioned to write a piece for the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain (see September).
May
We took our choirs to the local church where composer Handel worked in 1717-18. They were able to sing some of Handel's music which we had prepared with them, and Bryan and Philip sang a couple of pieces, each accompanying the other. Wonderful to sing Handel's music in a place where he worked.
July
A huge number of Tonic Choir attended a Fiddler on the Roof public workshop at the Royal College of Music run by the outstanding vocal coach Mary King. We accounted for about 40% of the 300 or so participants. At one point, Mary invited Philip and Bryan onto the stage to help the BBC Singers who were leading the session with her. Great experience. Afterwards we had 150 heavily discounted tickets for a semi-staged Fiddler on the Roof, part of the BBC Promenade Concerts.
August
Philip and Bryan ran their fourth summer singing weekend (over 60 people).
September
The highlight of the year was the performances of Fighter Command and the Battle for Britain. Following almost 8 months' work, this project finally came to fruition on September 19. More details including photos, video and reviews. And here is an article about how the piece came to be written.
October
Philip and Bryan ran another Voices for Hospices event. Bryan on piano, Philip conducting, as usual.
There were 300 singers, 200 audience, and over £8,500 raised for our local hospice, St Luke's.
Video material here
November
Philip and Bryan recorded Fighter Command and the Battle for Britain with a choir of 30 adults and 30 children. This will form part of a CD which will be available early next year.
December
Philip and Bryan recorded the second part of the Fighter Command CD - a set of songs from the 1930s/40s. Just the two of us this time.