St Cecilia concert - programme

Would Leonard Cohen have been a lutenist?

In the 16th century, long before mp3 files and that now old fashioned  medium the CD (or in my house the LP!) people wrote and sang songs, about  deep feelings of life and mortality and matters of the heart and accompanied them on the lute.

Nowadays we often talk of singer songwriters. The death last week of Leonard Cohen  reminds us strongly of this tradition.  Yes, I think that if he had lived in an earlier time he would have been a lute song writer.

On Sunday afternoon we have a chance to hear music from  this time. Mary Morgan, soprano and Steve Graham, lutes,  return with a short programme of music, for solo lute and songs. Music by Thomas Campion,,  Morley and many others.       Come and hear them, you wont regret it.

4.00 pm Sunday 20th November. Cannington Parish Church. admission £8.00 students and children free.  Tea and home made cake for all!

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IT'S NOVEMBER AND S.CECILIA

What a simply splendid concert we had last month with the Phoenix Singers! It was gratifying also to have a good sized audience. It would help me to build numbers if you could spread the word, maybe a bring a friend?

November brings us to our annual St Cecilia tide concert. This time we welcome Mary Morgan, soprano and Steve Graham, lute for another of their evocative concerts. They last came three years ago and generously gave their talents to raise money for the renovation of the organ. It should be a really good afternoon. Yes, I did type afternoon as we shall meet on a Sunday afternoon and enjoy tea afterwards.

As soon as I have details of the programme I will publish it here and on the Facebook page

Not long now!

The Phoenix Singers

Taunton chamber choir ‘The Phoenix Singers’ under their music director, Andrew Maddocks, are delighted to be coming to the Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin, Cannington, as part of the Cannington Music series of concerts. The concert, which takes place on Saturday 15th October commencing at 7.30pm, is entitled ‘Contrasts’ and will provide the audience with an exciting programme of very diverse styles and periods of music.

The first half of the concert focuses on sacred music spanning five centuries from two beautifully crafted motets of Thomas Tallis (O natus lux) and William Byrd (Christe qui lux es) in the 16^th Century to the ethereal and more recent music of American composers, Eric Whitacre and Randall Thompson, using multiple voice-part settings of the single word, Alleluia. The Estonian composer, Arvo Pärt, will also feature strongly in this part of the programme including his setting of Psalm 96 (Cantate Domino), and Bogoroditsye Dyevo (Ave Maria).

To follow this reflective part of the evening, the second half of the concert will see the Choir perform music that celebrates the words of Shakespeare in this the 400^th anniversary of his death. Musical settings of the bard’s words by John Rutter (Birthday Madrigals and Fancies) and an exquisite arrangement by Bob Chilcott of William Walton’s ‘Touch her soft lips and part’, music from his Henry V film score.

Tickets for the event are priced £8 and are available in advance on-line at www.thephoenixsingers.co.uk or by phoning 01823 432704. They will also be on sale at the door.

PHOENIX SINGERS

What a splendid concert we were given by Zephyr a few weeks ago! It is time now for another real treat.  The Phoenix Singers make a very welcome return. You can read the details in their poster below.

As you see on the poster here is a link to their website www.thephoenixsingers.co.uk

A while ago they sent me their provisional programme and here it is. I will post the final one when I have it.  I am sure you will agree that it  should be a wonderful evening.

• Christe qui lux es et dies – Byrd

• Alleluia – Randall Thompson 

• Littlemore Tractus [+ organ] - Arvo Part

• Bogoroditse Djevo - Arvo Pärt 

• Organ solo?

• Cantate Domino canticum novum  - Arvo Pärt 

• Alleluia – Eric Whitacre 

• O nata lux – Tallis 

INTERVAL

Madrigals:

• Sing we and chant it – Morley 
• Lady, when I behold – Wilbye 

Fancies - Rutter

• The Riddle Song 
• Tell me where is fancy bred 
• There is a garden in her face 

• Solo song & readings 

Madrigals:

• Mother, I will have a husband – Vautor 
• Adieu, sweet Amaryllis – Wilbye 
• Lady, your words do spite me – Wilbye 

Shakespeare Songs – Mathias

• It was a lover and his lass 
• Sigh no more, ladies 

• solo song & readings 

• Who is Silvia? - Harris 
• Touch her soft lips and part – Walton arr Chilcott 

Birthday Madrigals – Rutter

• It was a lover and his lass 
• Come live with me 

LATE SUMMER DELIGHTS

August is half way gone and now we are looking forward to the next in our series of concerts. We stopped for two months during the holiday period but we are back next month for what promises to be an exciting evening of music..

Together Ruth Molins and Sally Jenkins  make Zephyr,   a flute and harp duo, based in Somerset.  We have met Sally before. She is the Director of The J Singers who gave our Christmas concert last year.  

Let Sally tell you about themselves -

"In March 2015, Sally Jenkins (harp) and Ruth Molins (flute) performed  Mozart, Concerto for Flute and Harp with Exeter Symphony Orchestra and have since developed an exciting musical partnership performing both treasured and hidden gems of the flute and harp repertoire.  Sally is an experienced pedal and early triple harpist who has performed at the Royal Albert Hall and Birmingham Symphony Hall, her musical skills were developed by Jeanette Bevan (Royal Ballet Orchestra), Meinir Heulyn (Welsh National Opera Orchestra) and Frances Kelly (Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment). Ruth is a 'virtuosic' flautist currently studying flute with orchestral specialism under the guidance of Susie Hodder-Williams (Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra). She read Music and English Literature at Cardiff University, studying flute with Susan Buckland, playing in masterclasses with Anna Noakes, Jonathan Snowden and Michael Cox. She enjoys a successful freelance career.!

With harp playing described as 'other-worldly' and a flautist who 'lives every note with such grace and poise', ZEPHYR promise to enchant.   

"We'll be performing a big range of music from American Sketches to some Ravi Shankar - sorry we've not completely firmed up the programme yet. "

There is more information on their website http://www.ruthmolins.com/zephyr-duo.html where you can also hear some of their music.

It should be a wonderful evening so put the date in your diary

Cannington Music. the Parish church of S Mary the Virgin, Cannington, nr Bridgwater.
Zephyr, a flute and harp duo
7.30 pm Friday 9th September 2016 £8.00 at the door only

We look forward to seeing you!

referendum blues?

If you are not too traumatised by staying up late for the results why not join us?

post referendum

When we fixed the date for this concert we had no idea that the Referendum would be fixed for the day before.   When we meet we shall know if we are in or out of the EU.  I do not say out of Europe. Europe is more than the EU - witness my lovely Belgian missus!
We are having an exciting year for voting. First a Muslim mayor for London, now  a huge decision on the future of this country and, later in the year, possible great changes in the USA.

So my choice of music will be European and American. Some old, some very modern but all I hope entertaining.  Once again I aim to sing!  And, once again, it will be a shortish concert with time to chat and share a glass afterwards.

Programme for Sunday

CANNINGTON MUSIC

The Parish Church of S. Mary the Virgin, Cannington

1892 a good year?

Michael Martin, piano and organ

3.30pm Sunday 29^th May 2016

Erik Satie              Gymnopedie no 1

Isaac Albéniz       Tango

Edward Elgar       Chanson de matin

Charles Harris      After the ball was over

Satie                     Vexations

Cole Porter           So easy to love

Jacques Ibert        A giddy girl

Edwin Lemare      Andantino in D flat

Herbert Howells   Psalm Prelude II

Swann / Tolkien    I sit beside the fire and think

Scott Joplin          Bethena, a concert waltz

Satie                     Gnossienne no 3

After sitting through all that you will deserve some tea and cake!

We hope you will enjoy the concerts we have arranged for the rest of the year which are summarized below.

June Friday 24^th 7.30 pm The day after that referendum I will give a organ concert, not all of it entirely serious! I may have to slip in something to do with Europe and gloom/joy depending on your preference!

September Friday 9^th 7.30 pm Zephyr, a wonderful flute and harp duo. More details of the programme later.

http://www.ruthmolins.com/zephyr-duo.html

October Saturday 15th 7.30 pm The Phoenix Singers, director Andrew Maddocks, are one of the West Countries most proficient choirs and are making a very welcome return visit. The Deer's Cry. Including music by Arvo Part, Thomas Tallis, William Byrd and Palestrina http://www.thephoenixsingers.co.uk/index.php

November Sunday 20th in the afternoon. St Cecilia Concert with Mary Morgan, soprano and Steve Graham lute

How to keep in touch with your computer, tablet or smart phone

We have a Facebook page and also a Group on Facebook. If you use Facebook just type Cannington Music into the search bar at the top and both should appear in the list. If you “like” the page or join the group you will be able to see all the postings.

I also write a Blog on the music in the church. This gives notice of all upcoming concerts and often lists the whole of the programme details. Happy reading.

http://canningtonmusic.blogspot.co.uk/

Lastly, we keep an email publicity list and I send emails before every concert. The trouble is you must remember to inform me if you change your address. It happens a lot that people forget and it is hard to keep it up to date.

If you send an email to cannington.music@gmail.com I will add you to this list . It would help me no end if you make the subject “ Mailing list” Do the same if you are not sure if you are on the list! Please note this is NOT my personal address.

Michael Martin, Director of Music 01278 422895

1892 a good year? A concert

Cannington Music

The Parish Church of S. Mary the Virgin, Cannington, near Bridgwater

This is a painting I made a few years ago of my home in Bridgwater. 

It is called My house is a very nice house.

I have lived here now for twenty years and am very happy. It was built, by Pollards , in 1892 and, last year I realised how many other things I like also come from that era ( I was listening to a bit of Eric Satie at the time. ) and thought it might make the theme for a concert.

So here it is, a mélange of goodies, for piano and organ, originating in the last decade of the 19C. Some of them written in 1892 and some by composers who were born that year. I think you will find it an interesting and varied mix. It is fairly lighthearted and will range from “serious” music to ragtime and jazz. I should warn you – I shall sing!

This is another of our Sunday afternoon events It will be take about 45 minutes, no interval and. if I find the time. I shall bake some lemon Drizzle cake ( Chocolate cake as well.....?) to go with the tea we shall serve you afterwards.

Michael Martin, piano and organ

Sunday 29 May, 3.30pm. 2016     £5 at the door only

SOMERSET SONGSTERS CONCERT

Here is a bit more information about the concert, 7.30 pm on Saturday 29 May.  The cost is £7 but includes a glass of wine  We know that you will enjoy it, so why not drum up a few friends and make it a night?

The full line up of the Songsters is 15 people, singing in various groupings, as and when they are available.

Ann Hains *

Pat Moore*

Mary Morgan *

Hazel Reed

Francis Webb *

Sue Webb

Kevin Fisher *

Andrew Hinckley

Chris Hudson

Stuart Gifford

Chris Marchmont

Rob Morgan *

Murray Porter

Mark Rudd 

Martin Sumpter *

Tonight the  seven marked with an * will be performing. Full details in the printed programme on the night

1. Ladies Chorus – There's No Business Like Show Business

2. Mary – Smoke gets in your Eyes

3. Rob – The Mother's Lament

4. Ann/Kevin Duet – People will say we're in Love

5. Pat -Wonderful, Wonderful Day

6. Men's Chorus - The Roses of Success

7. Mary – Indian Love Call

8. Rob – By the Bright Silvery Light of the Moon

9. Ann - Mother of Mine

10. Kevin - The River of No Return

11. Rob/Mary Duet – Let's call the whole thing off

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1. Cast - M.O.T.H.E.R

2. Mary – You're the Cream in my Coffee

3. Ann/Martin Duet – Who Wants to be a Millionaire

4. Rob – The Farmer’s Boy

5. Pat – Wouldn't it be Lovely 

6. Mary/Rob duet – I Wonder Why

7. Kevin - Hushabye Mountain

8. Ladies Chorus - Que Sera Sera

9. Ann – I'm just a girl who can't say no

10. Rob - And Her Mother Came Too

11. Mary - Long Ago and Far Away

12. Men's Chorus (ladies helping) – Busy Doing Nothing

 

SOMERSET SONGSTERS

Our second concert of 2016 is almost upon us. We always have a break during Lent.

Now we are in the midst of the Easter period, we are starting again.

This concert takes place during the Flower Festival and is of a suitably lighthearted nature.

The Somerset Songsters are a very talented group of singers, some of whom will be familiar to you! For instance the show is produced by Rob Morgan and features his wife Mary, as well as some ten others

The concert is entitled “and her Mother came too” which tells you what to expect. It is a lovely mix of popular music over the last 80 or 90 years and includes many familiar hits, such as

• There's no business like show business by Irving Berlin,
• Smoke gets in your eyes,
• Lets call the whole thing off
• and of course Berlin's And her mother came too

A really good time is guaranteed, as is a glass of wine in the interval.

We start at 7.30 pm on Saturday 30 April and it will cost you £7.00 which includes interval refreshments. Pay at the door.

Michael Martin 01278 422895

PROGRAMME FOR 2016

Cannington Music - Programme for 2016 The Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin, Cannington, near Bridgwater

February  9th. Those of you came know what a wonderful concert of Ragtime and early jazz we had with Original Rags. We must book them again!

April   30th Saturday 7.30 pm  Somerset Songsters. “And her mother came too” A light-hearted musical entertainment by a successful and talented Somerset group. This is the same weekend as the Flower Festival in church so why not indulge yourself with both? £7.00

May   Sunday  29, in the afternoon, I will play the concert postponed from last year.  Piano, organ and singing,  “1892, a good year?"  explanations on the day!

June  Friday  24th 7.30 pm The day after that referendum I will give a organ concert, not all of it entirely serious! I may have to slip in something to do with Europe and gloom/joy depending on your preference!

September  Friday  9th  7.30 pm       Zephyr, a  wonderful flute and harp duo. More details of the programme later.
http://www.ruthmolins.com/zephyr-duo.html  

October  Saturday 15th 7.30 pm The Phoenix Singers, director Andrew Maddocks, are one of the West Countries most proficient choirs and are making a very welcome return visit.  The Deer's Cry. Including music by Arvo Part, Thomas Tallis, William Byrd and Palestrina   http://www.thephoenixsingers.co.uk/

November  Sunday 20th in the afternoon. St Cecilia Concert with Mary Morgan, soprano  and Steve Graham lute

How to keep in touch with your computer, tablet or smart phone
 We have a Facebook page  and also a Group on Facebook. If you use Facebook just type Cannington Music into the search bar at the top and both should appear in the list.  If you “like” the page or join the group you will be able to see all the postings.

I have also started  writing a Blog on the music in the church. This gives notice of all upcoming concerts and often lists the whole of the programme details.  Happy reading. http://canningtonmusic.blogspot.co.uk/

Lastly, we keep an email publicity list and I send emails before every concert.  The trouble is you must remember to inform me if you change your address. It happens a lot that people forget  and it is hard to keep it up to date. It depends on you!

If you send an email  to   Cannington.Music@gmail.com   I will add you to this list . It would help me no end if you make the subject “ Mailing list”  
Please note this is NOT my personal address.

Michael Martin, Director of Music      01278 422895  

Original Rags

Dont forget the Original Rags concert on Tuesday, Pancake Day. Mike Denham, piano, and Steve Graham, mandolin and trumpet, play ragtime and early jazz. 
7.30pm at Cannington Parish Church. £8.00 at the door

A NEW YEAR, A NEW SEASON

We are in for a real treat in our first concert of 2016.

Original  Rags is not only the title of a splendid piece by Scott Joplin, but also the name of a top class duo. Mike Denham, piano, and Steve Graham mandolin and trumpet, play classical ragtime and early jazz. 

Most listeners are familiar with Scott Joplin who wrote the Entertainer among many other pieces, but the music tonight will be far ranging

.

 They played for us about ten years ago and it was a great success with a full audience, so don't miss out!  Since it is Shrove Tuesday, Pancake day, Mardi Gras,  we shall have a bit more to eat ?  Pancakes? Maybe not but blinis maybe!

You will remember Steve's beautiful lute playing two years ago when he gave a concert with Mary Morgan.

So tell your friends and come have a good night

Tuesday 9th February at 7.30pm  £8.00 at the door only.