Over on Storify, we’ve a look at the story behind yesterday’s lunchtime concert with the Cecilian Choir and guests, charting life with the Choir from its forming in October through to yesterday’s performance.
Life in colour: launching the Prism Ensemble
And we have lift-off for the department’s new ensemble, Prism, which met earlier today for the first time.
Focusing on contemporary and / or unusual music, the group has come together to realise Terry Riley’s seminal, challenging and provocative In C, arguably one of the most influential pieces of the twentieth century.
We are developing the piece for a performance at a lunchtime concert next term; several of the performers had lecture and deadline commitments and were unable to come, but those that did took to the piece with vibrant enthusiasm; the suggestion of putting it on in a concert in the summer was greeted with great excitement.
Watch This Space…
Concert raises over £300 for Comic Relief
Congratulations to both the University Concert and Big Bands, who raised over £300 towards this year’s Comic Relief appeal at their concert last Friday.
A packed audience was treated to a vibrant concert taking them ‘From Bond to Basie’ under the suave leadership of conductor, Ian Swatman; the enthusiastic audience generously made a donation at the end of the gig, and obviously enjoyed themselves!
Thank you to everyone who took part, including the Music Department, Gulbenkian staff, and University students, staff, and members of the local community, together with everyone who donated: a great gig, in support of a very good cause.
Life for Rent: interview with Steph Richardson
When not involved in Chamber Choir, conducting Sing! or gigging with the University Big Bands and vocal trio ‘The Canterberries,’ third-year Drama student and Music Scholar Steph Richardson is also working on this year’s production of ‘Rent’ with the Music Theatre Society. In a break from her hectic schedule, I caught up with Steph and asked her what it’s all about…
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DH: What’s your involvement with the show this year ? And what does that mean ?
SR: I’m vocal director, which means I teach the music and harmonies to the cast and cover the musical side of the show until the band comes in a few weeks before the show goes on stage (at which point Jake, our musical director, comes into the mix).
DH: What are the challenges of working on this show ?
SR: As it’s sung-through, there is so much music to get into your head before blocking and staging can even happen. Although the score is brilliant, it is only brilliant because of Jonathan Larson’s ruthless changes of time signatures, rhythms and keys, which keep the cast on their toes. Saying that, a week before the tech run, these difficulties are being ironed out nicely and the cast are on top form!
DH: What have you most enjoyed working on ?
SR: Specifically, although Seasons of Love is the most well-known song, La Vie Boheme has been the most fun to work on. Everyone is so enthusiastic and they really bring the stage to life! I love working with the creative team too. Alick is a great director and works really well with the team. He knows exactly what he wants from the show, which is fantastic, and it looks like the cast, crew and band are going to do him justice.
DH: And you’re in the Gulbenkian Theatre this year, for the first time ?
SR: That’s right: and we’re very happy about it! It gives all Kent Uni students the chance to experience this lively musical as it’s right on their doorstep this year. The Whistable Playhouse is a great space, but it’s nice to bring it onto campus.
DH: Can you give us a hint as to what we’re in for on the night ?
SR: n the night, though you should be prepared for your heartstrings to be tugged a little, you’re alo in for an evening of rockin music, super acting, and a witty and very raunchy look at bohemian life in the 1990s.
The production runs next week, from Wednesday to Friday. at the Gulbenkian Theatre: details and tickets online here.
Nobody Does It Better: a look back at Friday’s gig
Scholars’ Spotlight: Rebecca Fanning
Continuing the series profiling this year’s Music Scholars. This week, trumpet-specialist Rebecca Fanning.
I first picked up the trumpet aged 7 when my Mum asked me if I wanted to play a musical instrument. None of the music teachers at school had any space except the brass teacher who decided to take me on. After asking me what particular brass instrument I wanted to play and me not knowing there were any other brass instruments, I chose the trumpet!
I steadily worked my way through the clubs and bands at Redbridge Music School, attending Wind bands, Jazz bands and Brass Bands until I arrived in the Symphony Orchestra there. While with the Symphony Orchestra I was privileged enough to play at the Royal Albert Hall in 2012 which has to be the highlight of my Musical Education! I have also spent nine happy summers at Beauchamp House Summer Music Camps in Gloucestershire which is where I developed my love for music and built up my confidence to experiment with improvisation.
When choosing my University it was important for me to find a place where I could continue my musical education and Kent did just that. I have started lessons with Alex Caldon and I look forward to starting on new repertoire for my Diploma this term with him. It was a real privilege to have been given the opportunity by the music department to see Alison Balsom play the Hummel Trumpet Concerto, the same piece that I played for my grade 8 and whom I admire greatly for breaking the stereotype that the trumpet is not, stereotypically a ‘girly’ instrument.
I had a very busy first term playing with the University Concert Band, Big Band and Orchestra preparing for the grand opening of the Coyler-Fergusson building which was a truly fabulous event. The new building has provided a wonderful space where music can be celebrated on Campus and I look forward to using the facilities and working with the Music Department further during my time at Kent University.
Rebecca Fanning
See all the other features in this series here.
How do you measure a year ? Music Theatre Society presents ‘Rent’
It’s that time of year when the University Music Theatre Society is bracing itself for its annual production – previous shows have included ‘Into the Woods’ (read the review here) and ‘Carousel,’ and this year, the Society is really breaking new ground.
In this, the twentieth-anniversary year of its original performance, Musical Theatre Society is presenting ‘Rent,’ Jonathan Larson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning rock musical based upon Puccini’s tragic opera, La bohème.
The production runs from 27th – 29th March at the Gulbenkian Theatre, with shows starting at 7.30pm; tickets available online here.
It’s the first time that the Music Theatre Society will bring its annual production to the Gulbenkian, and it will leave you crying, laughing and loving every minute, so don’t miss out! Find out more on the production’s Facebook page here.
Bond to Basie: the conductor’s view
Over on the Concert and Big Band blog, On The Beat, conductor of the bands, Ian Swatman, looks ahead to Friday’s epic concert.
Read Ian’s thoughts here.