What a season we have coming up! First of all we have a huge piece of Berlioz at the Royal Albert Hall when it’s good to know that we shall have another 650 or so singers to help us! Then a Christmas concert when I am delighted that Gerry Cornelius, HSO’s MD, will be conducting us as well; we are working hand-in-hand on the preparations for that. Some of us were reminded of Haydn’s Creation in a Voices for Hospices Bring and Sing in 2005. This great classical piece gives a contrast to the baroque programme of music by Bach and Handel that we performed so successfully last season. That The Creation is likely to be reasonably familiar is helpful since Easter is very early next year so we have a shorter than usual rehearsal period. If you took part in the concert in 2001 with the Yorkshire Building Society Band (who are known as YBS now), you will already be excited at the prospect of them joining us again next summer. If not, you have a thrilling and spine-tingling treat in store! Repertoire for brass band and choir is difficult to find, so there may be some repeats from last time.

It was exciting to see the new staging up for the last concert which, together with the new podium and conducting stand, all underline a positive approach to the future. To some degree they also contribute to the ‘Whole Audience Experience’ that I have spoken about before. I hope that we shall continue to find ways of making that experience more memorable each time we perform.

While the way HCS runs itself continues to evolve to meet the changing aspirations of members, we also continue to give excellent concerts. To quote from the review of the summer concert: “Hats off again to an adventurous choral society, willing and able to embrace the challenges of both new and established musical traditions”. We all know that people like different music either as singers or listeners but I am gratified that we still get comments along the lines of “that was the best one yet”. I hope this all adds up to renewed enthusiasm and pride in what we achieve both for ourselves and our listeners – let’s make sure we have plenty of them in the coming season!

“Onwards and upwards” – I hope you enjoy it all.

Derek

I would like to thank everyone for their very kind present of ear-rings and bracelet that was given to me at the AGM in June. I loved reading all the kind comments and wishes on the card. The picture of the ladies’ staging team pushing our old staging was particularly thoughtful!

My time as Chairman has been a time of mixed blessings. It has taught me so many skills I did not think I had. I have been brought into contact with so many members of the choir and hopefully formed many lasting friendships. I have loved being involved in the running of the choir and hope that you, the members, have felt supported and happy with all that has been done over the past six years of my chairmanship.

I am sure that you are all going to enjoy the next season of music making. Some amazing concerts are being planned! I thank all those members who have stepped forward to help in the running of the society over the next year and wish you all the very best.

Jane Turner

The AGM on 26 June was quite a lively affair, with much discussion. But there is unfinished business with the AGM adjourned until Tues 11 Sept. Because of the difficulties in attracting members to join the committee, and in particular to stand as chairman, Derek put forward an alternative structure for the meeting’s consideration. Under this structure, a Board of Trustees would be established to manage the strategic direction of the society, including the programming of concerts and other activities, budgeting and finance. The board would be elected annually at the AGM; indeed – it would be the committee as defined under the present constitution. However, it would not normally concern itself with the day-to-day running of the choir. This would be undertaken by the Co-ordination Group. This group aims to be available from 6.45pm before rehearsals for questions and ideas. This basic structure was approved by the membership at the AGM which was adjourned, to be reconvened Tuesday 11 Sept at Sele School at 7.30pm; to give time for members to think about the new arrangements and where they might be able to offer their services to the society. Further nominations for the posts of trustee and further volunteers to fill the many roles on the ad hoc teams are very welcome; Christine Muskett (S2), Secretary will be happy to receive them.

AGM adjourned 26 June
AGM to be reconvened Tuesday 11 Sept, 7.30pm at Sele School.
Business will include
Election of officers
Election of other trustees

Report on progress in filling roles required to ensure smooth running of the society. Please decide on where you can help and see Christine. About 70 different jobs are available. Most of them are not onerous but, by taking on one of these jobs, you will be helping to spread the load.

The New Look HCS

Trustees
Subject to election: Vic Knowles (Chairman), Christine Muskett (Secretary), Ted Sharp (Treasurer), Diana Salthouse, Alan Cropp, ANO yet to be proposed.

Members should refer to the Trustees for anything concerning the future, policy issues, finances, approval of music plan, complaints, disputes, new initiatives.

Part Reps

S1 Jessie Hopkins 01992 550802
S2 Hilary Butt 01992 583644
A1 Jenny Lee 01992 500626
A2 Sheila Mander 01992 420114
T David Marshall 01992 484373
B Joe Johnson 01438 715595

Co-ordination Group

Derek Harrison (Manager, MD), Hilary Laidler (Deputy), Ted Sharp (Treasurer), Christine Muskett (Secretary) tel 020 8367 3781

Members should refer to this group for anything concerning the day-to-day running of the society, such as the planned events but only where there is no team or task to refer to that is relevant.

Working Teams

Each team has a team leader
Members should refer to the team leaders with any queries/offers on particular aspects of their responsibility.

Allocated Tasks

Each team has a number of tasks to undertake and, as far as possible, each task has the name of who organises that task.
Where a member wants to help with or query some specific job then approach the named person. If that is not appropriate or possible, then the team leader is the next point of reference.
PLEASE REFER TO THE DISPLAY BOARD AT REHEARSALS TO SEE WHO LOOKS AFTER ANY PARTICULAR TASK.

These are the teams, the team leaders and what they are responsible for:

Concert Content Team

Leader: DH Deputy:
Music selection
Selecting/booking orchestras, soloists
Grants for performances
Booking concert venues
Rehearsal arrangements/administration/venue contacts
Rehearsal refreshments
Librarian – acquisition/receipt/return to hirers
Part music distributors –distribution/tracking/return
Learning CDs
Seating plans – rehearsals and concerts
Rehearsal notices Rehearsal bell
Workshop administration/venue booking/contacts
Compilation of programme/delivery to concert venue

Publicity Team

Leader : Trish Goldsmith 01992 589730
Deputy :
Consistent communications / Corporate identity
Media campaigns
Publicity material production
Pre-season
Each event
Publicity material distribution
Targeted places + how delivered
Mailings from Contact List
Ticket design / printing / collection
Additional publicity e.g. concert banner
Booking critic; ensuring critique is published
Choir photos for publicity/marketing purposes
Merchandise
Newsletter
Website
Displays
Up-to-date reference material (inc. biogs, photos, programmes, etc)
Updating internet sites with concert details
Friends & Patrons

Concert Production Team

Leader : Ken Edmonds 01992 586816
Deputy : Tom Laidler 01992 586252
Booking / driving vans
Booking / directing scouts
Stage build / strike
Co-ordinating lights
Orchestra chairs
Removing/replacing pews
Podium
Camera
Choir instructions
Folders
Traffic cones
Orchestra refreshments
Hosting soloists
Final check / locking up at end of event
Security of church during concert day
Comprehensive staging checklist

Front of House Team

Leader : David Marshall 01992 584373 Deputy : Colin Howard
Church decorations / bouquets
Interval refreshments (wine etc) & Patrons reception (catering for)
TEN licence (from EHDC)
Managing Stewards
Head Steward

Welcoming guests (inc. critic) & usher into (& out of ) reception if appropriate
Ticket plan – numbers, prices
Season ticket sales
Complimentary tickets
Ticket sales – advance and at concert
Christmas Ticket Raffle
Updating choir on ticket sales progress
Selling tickets on the door
Giving out/selling programmes
Collecting / retaining unused programmes
Booking St John Ambulance

General Team

Leader : Hilary Laidler 01992 586252 / 07720 297026 Deputy :
Membership details collection & distribution
Subscription collection
Choir Contact List maintenance
Making Music contact
IT adviser
Managing Open Rehearsals
Sourcing programme advertising
Schools/youth liaison
Asset Register
Grants, funding opportunities
HCS self-help fundraising
Social Events
Social – hosting soloists
Choir reference library

New Initiatives Team

Leader : Vic Knowles Deputy : Ted Sharp
Concert Information Packs
Student conductors
Adopt-a-composer
Additional education for members
Vocal coaching (6.30 on Tuesdays)
Collaborations with other choirs
Collaborations with other groups – dance, drama
Singing Days (general not concert specific)
Invite children/groups to final rehearsal on concert day
Another recording
Daytime concerts
Part coaches
Singing in other places
Working with local university music departments on music management case studies
Bursary Scheme
Concert Dress review
Other HCS Groups – Youth Choir
Efficiency/cost reviews (e.g. duplicating)
IT Adviser

The editor asked me to write a brief piece about Berlioz, quite a challenge for the uninitiated, so I have gathered together what little I knew of him and what I have subsequently discovered to try to give some sort of picture of this amazing man, a towering figure of the romantic period. For a start, that he was French probably explains quite a lot. So what have the French ever done for us? Well apart from frogs’ legs and Beaujolais, they were jolly good at revolutions and being very much a man of his time Berlioz was an enthusiast. He had missed out on the great revolution of 1789 but 1830 presented the opportunity (as did 1848) for him to show solidarity with fellow musicians, writers and artists against the oppressive regime of Charles X. Maybe it was this obsession for artistic freedom which made Berlioz such a central figure of the romantic movement.

He arrived in Paris, aged 17, ostensibly to study medicine but actually determined to become a composer. He had been well educated at home, particularly in the classics, and his love of Virgil and Shakespeare together with his series of love affairs were to form a driving force throughout his life’s work. By 1830 he had won the coveted Prix de Rome and witnessed the first performance of what many people see as his defining work, the Symphonie Fantastique. The next decade saw his most productive period including three more symphonies, the opera Benvenuto Cellini and of course the Requiem which is of particular relevance to us. This last work was written in 1837, a state commission to commemorate the soldiers killed in the Algerian war. As with much of his work it called for monumental forces. Berlioz always demanded a proper fracas for his franc. Yet his romantic nature made him capable of writing the most exquisitely tender sections too. A case of feeling the quality and the width.

He took on a position as librarian at the Conservatoire and became music critic for two journals. He was a compulsive letter writer. Apparently some 3500 letters survive, believed to be only a fraction of his output.

In his forties and fifties he undertook conducting tours the length and breadth of Europe, being away from Paris for months at a time. He was perhaps the first great composer to set this travelling/ conducting trend, of which our previous Albert Hall composer, Mahler, was another prime example. During the course of his travels he came to London several times. On the first occasion he arrived on the very day that Mendelssohn died. It seems he won similar popularity in the salons of London as Mendelssohn had enjoyed before him. In another age I have visions of him appearing on the Morecambe and Wise show (a la Andre Previn): “Good evening, Mr Bleriot, do you take off your goggles to conduct?”

He had learned early on in his career that to make progress he would need to be master of all aspects of concert promotion. He thus became his own impresario, publicist, finance arranger, artistic adviser and conductor of his own music. Throughout his life he promoted many hundreds of concerts. Most were long and massive. It seems he thought nothing of subjecting his audience to a couple of symphonies as well as several other substantial works. He must have expected his audiences to have great stamina, although as he remarked, music is not for tout le monde. During the course of these promotions he acquired great skill at dealing with authority at all levels from princes and ministers to humble clerks. Not for him to accept non with the Gallic shrug des epaules. Unlike my perception of some composers, he was worldly, astute and organized. He knew what he wanted and how to get it.

Among his many works are the overtures Les Francs Juges, King Lear, Waverley, The Corsair, Rob Roy and The Carnival Romain: his other symphonies, Harold in Italy, Romeo et Juliette and Funebre et Triomphale: his Te Deum, oratorio L’Enfance du Christ: his operas Beatrice et Benedict and Les Troyens and the Grand Messe des Morts.

After the death of his second wife it seems that his final few years were somewhat empty and solitary. But one thing does rather endear him to me. Apparently, to the end, he remained very close to his mother-in-law. Fantastique!

Alan Cropp

The subscription for 2007/2008 is £145. Forms for signature and return, accompanied by cheques, to Jean Boyter, or, in her absence, me, will be on the seats at the first rehearsal of the new season. As in previous years, there are discounts for prompt payment. Payment by the instalments option is possible. All of this is explained on the form. Many members either forego their discounts or give donations above the amount of the subscription. This generosity is much appreciated. Last season (2006/07), with its loss of around £2000 – and with the cost of the staging about £6000 above the excellent grants which Ken Edmonds obtained for us, made demands on our finances. If you feel moved to donate, please don’t resist..

Ticket prices are the same as last season; £15 in the centre and £9 at the sides – with free programmes. Season tickets will be available but for just three concerts; Christmas, Spring and Summer.
As a member, you hold one of the major keys to our financial stability, namely ticket sales. Our programme this season should attract capacity audiences – but that depends on each one of us. We sell about 80 season tickets and our capacity is in the mid four hundreds. That means about two and a half further seats to sell per choir member. Do you have two friends who like music and half a friend who is not certain or a full friend who is only half convinced. The answer must be ‘yes’

There will be more details in a further newsletter from the Joint Choirs Steering Group.
www.jointhertschoirs.org.uk

Sun 4 Nov RAH 2pm rehearsal, 7.30concert.
NB This rehearsal does not count towards your 75% quota.
Have you a road map of alterations in the score? Please mark up your score (soft pencil only) at home.
Tickets can be ordered now through Jim Steadman 01992 589863 (payment with order).
Or from RAH box office tel 020 7859 8212
Online www.royalalberthall.com
Coaches will be arranged by Gill Westcombe (A1) very soon. Coaches will depart in the morning for performers and some audience members (if desired). Other coaches will depart in the afternoon for other audience members. Car parking will be at Sele School – you should be able to retrieve your car this time… Coaches will return promptly after the concert.
One regional rehearsal is compulsory.

Sun 16 Sept 1.45pm for 2pm – 5.30pm Ware Drill Hall.
Car parking at Ware College. HCS expected to attend this rehearsal. If you can’t come that day, please tell the secretary. Alternative dates are Sat 15 Sept at Hitchin Boys School or Sat 22 Sept at St Clement Dane School, Chorley Wood.
Compulsory final rehearsal
Sun 28 Oct 1.45pm for 2pm – 5.30pm Harlow Sports Centre. Please try to share cars and save a polar bear.
Any worries, please see Christine Musket (sec), Diana Salthouse (S1) or Hilary Laidler (A1)

Advertisers are urgently needed for the programme to be sold at RAH. A good proportion of the Albert Hall audience will come from Herts but there will be many audience members from London. Are you involved with a local business who might not yet have thought how mutually beneficial this might be? Do you have contacts with London firms? Please respond – whether employer, employee, client or family. Adverts and sponsorship will directly benefit the charity, the British Council for the Prevention of Blindness, for whom we are running the event. Please collect details from the piano at rehearsals or contact Hilary Laidler tel 01992 586252 or email hilary.laidler@virgin.net The programme has to be finalised by mid-Sept – so this is urgent.

All credit must surely go to Ken Edmonds in obtaining our super stylish, lighter and easier to assemble new staging. A fantastic achievement! Here are excerpts from two of Ken’s dispatches:-

May 2006...
Hi everyone, although the current staging has not been fully written off, I believe it is time to replace it with something that is lighter, easier to assemble and store and less likely to cause an accident to persons or church.

April 2007...
Hi everyone. Great news!. We have been awarded a Lottery grant (Awards for All) of £6000 (already in our bank ) and I have just received news that EHDC has raised its grant from £1150 to £2350. This gives us to date a total grant amount of £8350. This is over 50% of the expected staging costs of £16500 so I hope you will give approval at the next committee meeting to proceed with the staging order, as agreed at the June 26th meeting last year. The EHDC grant is from the 06/07 year. I am still waiting to hear from Hertford Town Council (Hertford Town Council eventually awarded a grant of £1000 in May giving a total of £9350). The news about the Lottery grant is embargoed until May 14th when the info is released to the press. In accepting the Lottery grant we are obliged to publicly acknowledge their funding. Their main request is to use their logo as much as possible on our literature, press releases, website etc. I think we should aim to make some good publicity out of the grants.

With regard to storage, the PCC will not discuss storage at the church until a new vicar is installed. it means we will have to find some alternative. As of last week all the new staging is stored at Tillers End Farm at Westmill, courtesy of Mr and Mrs House.

New staging cost is £15250, meaning HCS have to pay £5900 from its reserves, which had already been accumulated for replacement of staging.

The team who assembled the new staging for the first time for use at our summer concert consisted of Ken Edmonds, Paul Barsby, Jane Barnes, Alan Cropp, Keith Hutt, John Roberts, Jim Steadman, and two Scouts.

Skilled organist deserves credit

I was disappointed that, in the Mercury review last week of Hertford Choral Society’s Summer Serenade Concert at All Saints’ Church on June 23, there was no mention of Peter Jaekel’s organ solo. Peter is the choral society’s very skilled accompanist and he played a very demanding organ piece called Wild Bells, written by Michael Berkeley, who is president of the society.

CLEONE GARDNER (Founder member of HCS)
Cleone actually wrote a much more strongly worded letter but the above is what was printed.

A suggestion box is to be provided so that you can be certain that your constructive ideas can be noted. We would, of course, expect your name (and voice part) but it would be helpful if you would also include your phone number or email address. Some ideas will go to the trustees but the plan is to organise a response to you when the relevant members have been approached.

Do you have ideas about
- Concert organisation
- Fund raising
- Social events
- Concert content
- Publicity
- Offers of help?

Ladies: black HCS shirt with carnation, long black skirt or SMART black trousers, black stockings, clean black shoes. For HCS shirt and carnation, please see Margaret Hogg (A1)

Men: black DJ, black trousers, white shirt, black bow tie, black socks, clean black shoes

Ralf G. had been working on the project for two years. Involved in the performance in the Alexanderkirche in Wildeshausen were the Kantorei, the gospel choir Joyful Voices, an orchestra of about 30 musicians, the English Dramatic Society of the Wildeshausen Gymnasium and the American gospel singer Joanne Bell, who has been working with Ralf G. for more than twenty years. (Total number of participants = 130) "Prince of Peace" was performed on five successive evenings between 20th and 24th April, the church being packed on each evening with an audience of about 450. In four parts, over about two hours, the oratorio describes the story of Jesus. Ralf G. combines different stylistic means, from baroque to blues, from jazz to soul to express the message. Its central point is that - above all religions - peace in the world is possible only through love and forgiveness. The reception of "P.o.P." was simply fantastic. High-ranking representatives of church, politics and economy were enthusiastic. Colleagues of Ralf G. congratulated and asserted that they too would perform "P.o.P.", one of them even in Berlin. - Words like "great, excellent, overwhelming - Grössler, a divinely gifted composer" could be heard. Joanne Bell contributed greatly to the special atmosphere of the five evenings. The audience would not stop clapping their hands AND stamping their feet. Newspapers were full of appraisal; one of them bore the headline: "WILDESHAUSEN THANKS RALF".

(This last line referred to the ovation the choir gave to Ralf. He heard 130 voices shouting “thank you , Ralf”.)
Many thanks to Liesel and Gerd Gerdes and Christa Lang for the above report and for newspaper cuttings.

Hertford Voices (the touring choir open to all comers with half decent voices) are planning a tour to Ghent, Belgium from Wed 26 – Sat 29 March (immediately after Easter) arranged by NST, who specialise in tours for music groups.

Coach and ferry from Dover to Calais, bed and breakfast in 2 star Ibis hotel. Concert venues in or near Ghent, Bruges, Brussels plus ‘Last Post’ ceremony at Menin Gate, Ypres. Music Director for the tour to be Derek Harrison. Rehearsals 4pm – 6pm on Saturdays, beginning in January. Cost £287pp (single room supplement £21.50 per night). May be space for one or two more singers and/or supporters.

Contact Trish Goldsmith 01992 589730

To perform in a choir is a wonderful thing
When you lift up your voices and have a good sing.
There’s a fellow in front, all majestic and grand,
And he shows you the beat with one wave of his hand.
But in case you should think that the music you know,
He’s got his own notion of how it should go,
So look up now and then, sure, whatever you do
Just to see that he’s still in the same place as you!

A madrigal’s written in set time and pace,
But composers put bar-lines all over the place,
But in spite of their toil and in spite of their care
We have to pretend that the bar-lines aren’t there.
And then, as you cast your eyes over the score
You’ll find some cross-rhythms you’ve not met before;
You’ll need a conductor your worries to share,
So look up and make certain that Derek’s still there.

It’s always a hazard when marking your score
To sort out the pencil marks written before.
Although it says f he will ask for pp,
And rub out the ‘hairpins’ but not the D.C.
We’ll sing with great gusto and sometimes invent
Some subtle cross-rhythms, though not what he meant!
But when all’s said and done, at the end of the day
Our conductor makes sure that he gets his own way.

The concert draws near and with fluttering hearts
We’ve a horrible feeling we don’t know our parts.
We fly to odd corners and practise away
In the hope that it might be all right on the day.
We own that his patience is put to the test,
But we’re trying, God help us, we’re trying our best;
And some day we might sing like the bright seraphim,
When we get the right notes in the same place as him.

He’s begged and he’s pleaded ‘til we’ve got it right,
But he never quite knows what we’ll do on the night.
The men may sing sharp or sopranos go flat
And between songs we’ll always find time for a chat.
Ask any conductor, they’ll all understand,
For don’t they work wonders just waving a hand;
But rest assured singers, and be not deterred,
Your conductor is going to have the last word!

Patients with bronchitis are having singing lessons to improve their breathing. In a new clinical trial, 40 people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or emphysema are being prescribed singing lessons for one hour a week for six months. The aim is to reduce symptoms of the disease including shortness of breath. In most people, breathing is shallow; only the top part of the lungs is used. Singers use all of their lung capacity by harnessing the abdominal muscles to control the air when singing a note. Doctors carrying out the trial at the University of San Paulo say singing will improve breathing and the quality of life of patients.

Jane Turner read this recently in a daily paper

It starts around 30 years of age. It manifests itself in the following way; I decide to wash the car. On the way, I pick up the post from the hall floor. I put the car keys on the hall table and sort the post. I put the junk mail into the recycling box. It is full – the lorry will be here soon to collect it so I decide to take it outside. But I must see to the bills first as son is about to go out and he can post them. There is only one cheque in the book so I go to the desk to find the new book where my cup of coffee is cooling fast. I go towards the microwave to warm it up but notice that the flowers need topping up with water. I put the cup in the microwave and fill a jug with water. The TV remote is on the window sill. Strange. I must put it back in the TV room. There is an unusual bird in the garden. I put on my glasses (I’m short sighted) to be able to see it better. It’s a sparrow. I attempt to top up the vase but succeed in pouring most of the water on to the table – so take glasses off and put them with the remote. Then I go upstairs to switch on the computer while I try to remember what it was I was going to do earlier… At the end of the day, the car isn’t washed, the bills aren’t paid, the recycling box is still full, there is a stone-cold cup of coffee in the microwave, the flowers have wilted and I can’t find the remote, my glasses or the car keys. I’m baffled as to why I don’t seem to have got anything done because I know I’ve been busy all day long and I’m really tired. A cup of tea is what I need. So – where on earth did I leave the kettle?

Iris Stedford

Ed: June Crew with some remote help from Victor Crew, who is sailing around an even remoter Scottish island (again). Apologies for a certain amount of repetition but some things needed to be reinforced. Sorry also for the density of the unrelieved text but there was much to impart. Grateful thanks to all contributors and proof readers. MORE please to junecrew@brox1.demon.uk
or 26 St Davids Drive, Broxbourne, EN10 7LS

HCS has had only 5 chairman since its constitution was first drawn up. They are Richard Hitch (1951 – 82), Victor Knowles (1982 – 89), Harold Baynes (1989 – 96), Alan Cropp (1996 – 2001), Jane Turner (2001 – 07)
And they are all together in the above photo!
From L to R: Vic, Alan, Derek, Jane, Richard, Harold.

Congratulations to Phil Shaughnessy (S2) who is now Mrs McLaughlin following her marriage to Iain on 6 Aug at Tewinbury. The sun shone, a string quartet played for the open air ceremony and Phil’s younger daughter, Fiona (previously A1 in HCS) played a flute duet - The Flower duet from Lakme – with Iain’s younger daughter, Helen.

HCS records its great appreciation to Ann Poulton, who reluctantly decided in the summer that her voice was not working properly and has ‘retired’. Ann has been a member of HCS for over 30 years and served as 2nd soprano part rep for much of that time. Thank you Ann.

Christine M

HCS Golf Challenge took place on 18 July at Crews Hill Golf Club. 11 people took part. The winning team consisted of Hilary Laidler, Bob Toll and Paul Barsby. A good time was had by all, followed by lunch and a pint (or two). Please see Alan Cropp if you would like to be included next time.

Congratulations to Derek on celebrating his 60th birthday in May and on completing his 30th year with the society. HCS gave him a motorised golf buggy on Tuesday 8 May followed by suitable (and somewhat dubious..) entertainment and refreshments. Derek deserves a medal for sticking power! We are fortunate that he has stayed with HCS and seen off five chairmen!

Auntie Di (your agony aunt), having proof read all of the above, has had a fit of the vapours and, as I write, is lying in a darkened room being drip-fed diluted Gin (ice and lemon) and is refusing to come out of her room but hopes to be well enough to join us all for the new season. When I told her that, according to a recent report, “singing is said to benefit health and make us nicer and more placid”, she just said “huh” and told me to go away (only those weren’t the words she used….ed)

CALLING ALL MEMBERS OF HCS!
Come and sing in the Chapel of Haileybury School .
Derek conducting!

Programme includes Benedictus and Sanctus from The Armed Man by Karl Jenkins, Gaelic Blessing by John Rutter, closing chorus from Messiah. Other music and readings by students of Haileybury and other schools.
Concert at 7.45pm.

Tickets £8 (child £4) tel 01438 860363
Monies raised to Hope and Homes for Children
www.hopeandhomes.org

QC Chamber Choir, Sat 8 Dec 7.30pm St Joseph’s RC Church
Music for the festive season
Tickets on the door
(www.qcchoir.org)

Hertford Music Club
Music on Sundays
All concerts at 3pm in Friends Meeting House

21 Oct. The Harpham Quartet
Beethoven, Bridge, Schubert

18 Nov. Matthew Schell – horn and piano
Mozart, Messiaen, Chopin

9 Dec. The Bravo Consort (violin, bassoon, trumpet, piano, percussion) present a family concert for ages
6 years and up..

Tickets on the door

Hertford Symphony Orchestra
Sat 10 Nov 7.45pm Castle Hall
Elgar Prelude and Angel’s Farewell from The Dream of Gerontius and Sea Pictures Aileen Sim (mezzo) soloist
Tchaikovsky Symphony No 6 (Pathetique)
Tickets Castle Hall Box Office tel 01992 531500

Hoddesdon Music Club
All concerts 7.30 UR Church, Mill Lane, Broxbourne

Sat 22 Sept Wu Qian piano – Beethoven, Granados, Chopin, Liszt

Sat 27 Oct Sarah Williamson clarinet, Mary Nelson sop
Richard Evans piano – Poulenc, Schubert, Bernstein

Sat 24 Nov Anything Goes String Quartet
Haydn, Howells, Borodin

Tickets on door or from Felicity Foster tel 01992 462528

Soundbites

A lunch date with a difference. All Saints, Hertford.
Admission free. Donations welcome. Lunch (soup, rolls, cakes etc) 12.15pm – 1pm. Concert 1pm
Wed 12 Sept The Fielding Piano Trio
Wed 19 Sept Paul Ayres – organ
Wed 26 Sept Deborah Stratford - soprano
And all following Wednesdays

>> HCS Newsletter Number 95 (Jan 2008)

>> HCS Newsletter Number 93 (April 2007)

>> HCS Newsletter Number 92 (Dezember 2006)

>> HCS Newsletter Number 91 (September 2006)

>> HCS Newsletter Number 90 (April 2006)

>> HCS Newsletter Number 89 (Januar 2006)