Previous concerts
A look at the programmes of previous concerts given by The Addison Singers shows the range of repertoire of the choirs.
'Jazz with a Twist' - Saturday 10 December 2011
The concert on Saturday at Twyford School was a triumph played to a packed house. The evening began with a shaky start with Jill, at the piano, unfortunatel managing to turn over 3 pages at once during the Ensemble's first piece though hardly anyone noticed. What followed was a delight with Ensemble, now boosted by extra males and overseen as usual by Matthew, produced their most polished and relaxed work to date. 'Taking in Devil May Care' and 'Old Man River' (Steve Buchanan in the Paul Robeson role) did full justice to Jill Jaman's wonderful arrangements. The Jazz Choir then entertained with 2 numbers, where the enjoyment of the singers was evident in a bouncing version of 'Straighten Up and Fly Right', followed by 'Feeling Good', both beautifully arranged by Jill. The summer workshops had clearly inspired the Choir with these two numbers and their singing reached amazing heights of dynamic range and confidence. Stephanie Goodwin took us into the interval with a stunning performance of 'Slap That Bass' ably accompanied by Paul Downing's bass. Could the rest be this good?
No problem about that, the second half started with a gem. Jill Jarman and the Trio took her 'Beyond Blue II' blues for a walk. Liz Edwards soaring violin was beautifully matched by Jill's piano, emotion in a cool frame, exquisite! There is no greater contrast than what followed, the Ensemble gave us a Glee version of Queen's 'Somebody To Love' in which Tom Dalglish and Anita Rajeswaren led the rousing rendition with a gutsy duet. The Ensemble switched to a controlled and wonderfully presented 'Sentimental Journey', the star of their evening. Christmas being what it is the Jazz Choir gave us 'I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus', try as I might I couldn't help but enjoy it. When they then moved into Jill's arrangement of 'Lover Man' they outdid themselves with a warm and sensitive rendition.
Two classic numbers finished the bill. 'Sing, Sing, Sing' by the Ensemble took the tricksy number and made it behave, and the finale gave us the combined choirs in 'It Don't Mean a Thing'. Good time music, swing and doo wops abounded to send the audience off tapping their feet.
Review by Fellow Traveller
Classical Concert - Saturday 3 December 2011
A massive sellout concert with the gloriously beautiful Little Organ Mass by Haydn -Congratulations and thanks to all who performed and especially to George Vass our guest conductor. His personal note...
'Just a short note to thank all the members of the Oratorio and Chamber choirs for their wonderful singing last Saturday ...the Chamber Choir did a fabulous job with all four of their pieces. I've had an email from Cecilia McDowall (see below) in which she praised the choir highly and I know that the soloists and orchestra had a lovely time too. I know it can't have been easy having a guest conductor, but everyone seemed so very friendly and to enjoy the experience hugely. I hope that we'll meet again soon and if ever David needs cover for a rehearsal he can't manage, don't hesitate to call.' - George Vass.
'Such a lovely evening, this evening and I thought the choir did so well - really splendid! Very impressed with Pippa (such a nice person, too) Rose, too (the mezzo). Thank you so much - I found a lot of the choir members were saying how good it had been to have had you for this term and had discovered new ways of doing things. The feeling I had was they know you have stretched them and I thought it all showed very clearly. And so many were seriously impressed with Orchestra Nova, as well they might be! The orchestra was fantastic (what a line up!)' - Cecilia McDowall (Dec. 2012).
Let Thy Hand Be Strengthened, one of Handel's lesser known Coronation Anthems, provided a fine opening to the Classical Concert at St Michael & All Angels. George Vass, invited by David as Guest Conductor for the autumn term, ably directed his own orchestra (Orchestra Nova), whose sensitive and taut playing shone throughout the evening. The size of accompaniment really gave the choir the opportunity to sing to their strengths, and the balance between voices and instrumentalists worked really well, which is not always the case with larger accompanying forces.
The Oratorio Choir were at their most successful in Haydn's Little Organ Mass and Vivaldi's Gloria, and I particularly enjoyed the opportunity to play St Michael's own magical chamber organ. Although the Chamber Choir had suffered from seriously disappointing attendance during the term, the warmth of the audience's reaction showed how well the singers met the challenges of the contemporary repertoire: works by Gabriel Jackson, Cecilia McDowall (in the audience and mysteriously hiding her years) and Pawel Lukaszewski. - Matthew Hough
'Fiesta!' - Saturday 16 July 2011
Our congratulations to all in a buzzy evening of contemporary Jazz full of life, variety and humour with both the choirs pulling off some demanding arrangements from Jill Jarman and others.
We were also joined and warmly entertained by Capital Chorus (www.capitalchorus.co.uk) an award-winning barbershop group. See the music programe on our Jazz Music page for more information.
Rossini - 'Petite Messe Solennelle' - Saturday 9 July 2011
A truly remarkable concert was given at St Michael's this weekend by the classical choirs including an absolutely hypnotic performance of Nocturnes by Morten Lauridsen. Rossini's piece, full of good humour and memorable tunes, was performed unusually with accompaniment by piano & harmonium. A fantastic nights work!
Shipley Festival Concert - Sunday 8 May 2011
The Addison Singers Chamber Choir joined singers from local choirs for this concert at the Shipley Festival. Alongside Mozart's ever-popular tiny masterpiece, the choirs sung pieces by Howard Skempton, with whom the AS has enjoyed a close and long-standing working relationship and Haydn's 'Little Organ Mass' in which our own Claire Irvine sung the soprano solo.
The festival music sung was:
Ave Verum Corpus - Mozart
He Wishes for the Cloths of Heaven - Howard Skempton
Concerto for Violin & Oboe - J S Bach
We Who with Songs - Howard Skempton
Little Organ Mass - Haydn
Voices, Pans & Jazz Concert - Friday 15 April 2011
Congratulations to the Jazz Choir and Ensemble for their triumphant performance in the Brandenburg Choral Festival at the New Players Theatre, WC2. Not an ideal choral venue but it was energetic from start to finish and Jill's jovial and informative banter between pieces added to the atmosphere. Matthew led a robust delivery from the Jazz Ensemble, even though the lack of male voices sometimes makes the singers seem a little nervous. Our thanks to the Hertford Choral Society as there were several comments from members of them who had performed during the first half saying how much they had enjoyed the music! Well done Jill, Matthew and all the singers, Jazz rocks! See the full program on the Voices, Pans & Jazz concert page.
'Addison Jazz by Request' - Saturday 9 April 2011
Our jazz concert at the Twyford School was a huge success with many of the audience saying it is was the best Addison Jazz concert ever. It kicked off to a cracking start with the Jazz Choir singing two numbers without music, and yes, it made a huge difference. The choir was 'grooving' and the atmosphere was musically hot with every number working well. The Jazz Choir performed with so much more confidence and verve than normal and the Jazz Ensemble sounded rich and full. Jolene's solo in 'Blues in the Night' with the Ensemble coming in half way through worked really well. Both hers and Kay's solos went down a treat with the audience.
Jill admitted to having a lot of fun playing the piano duet/accompaniment to a 'Handful of Keys' with Matthew. They felt somewhat guilty, hiding behind the piano and belting out the number with such gusto, but then that's what music is all about! This was perhaps one of our best concerts, and Jill believed it to set new standards in performance for the jazz section of the Addison Singers. See the full music programe on our Jazz Music page.
Haydn's 'The Creation' - Saturday 2 April 2011
The Oratorio Choir tackled another classic of the choral repertoire at St Michael's in Chiswick. Although at first glance it appeared that the choir didn't have a great deal to do, rehearsals quickly demonstrated that the music they had to sing needed as much concentration and stamina as any other piece we have sung.
The OC rose to the challenge with every chorus having huge energy and focus and supported by a really first class orchestra - the Bernardi Chamber Orchestra. Our three soloists excelled themselves - giving so much character to each of their solo contributions. The piece certainly went down well with our large audience and it must be counted amongst the best of our recent performances. So, well done as this has been an extremely demanding term with all the extra performances and everyone has stepped up to the plate.
The Brandenburg Choral Festival - Friday 25 March 2011
'Many thanks for all your efforts last night. All in all it wasn't an easy concert with two new difficult pieces and a new venue. I was particularly pleased with 'He wishes for the Cloths of Heaven' - which I think was the best performance we have done. Our composer (Edwin Roxburgh) was also delighted with the new 'Lament' and sends you all his grateful thanks.
Congratulations to Moira and Claire for singing such excellent solos and to Matthew for his usual sympathetic accompanying.
The response from the organiser of the festival was very up-beat - and we are talking about next year for both the Chamber and the Oratorio Choirs' - David Wordsworth.
Review from Bob Porter - Concert Organiser
A really well conceived programme nicely balancing two old favourites (Ave Verum and Jean Racine) with some challenging James Macmillan and Lennox Berkeley.
Well sung by the Addison Singers and sensitively directed by David Wordsworth
Also including two pieces that I had not heard before but loved - Howard Skempton He wishes for the Cloths of Heaven and a first performance of a new piece by Edwin Roxburgh (present for the concert) called Lament, echoing the Lamentation theme running through the Festival chapel concerts
taken from the Festival website
http://www.brandenburgchoralfestival.co.uk/march_concerts.php
See the full concert programme here.
Two Pianists at One Piano - 24 February 2011
Who would have thought back in the autumn of last year, when our Musical Director offered to do a performance to help raise funds for the choir, that it would have morphed into the successful and fun night it did! Thank you David Wordsworth and Janet Obi-Keller for bringing a new perspective to the Addison Singers repertoire. It was also great to see Jazz and Classical members together. Thanks to everyone who took part and to those of you who were unable to attend, I'm sorry you missed a very memorable Addison Singers night. Check out what you missed here!
Sing Grainger - 'The Harmonious Songsmith'
Percy Grainger Festival 17 February 2011
A website review from Hilaire
a Melbourne born published writer of poetry and prose.
The Australian composer and eccentric Percy Grainger died 50 years ago this coming Sunday, on 20th February 1961. Last night we attended the opening concert in the short Celebrating Grainger 2011 season at London's Kings Place, and what a joyous and oft-times moving event it was. The concert, entitled The Harmonious Songsmith, featured a selection of Grainger's glorious choral arrangements of folk and other songs, showcasing his wide range of settings, from verses by Kipling, to versions of English, Scottish, Australian and Danish traditional tunes. Performed by the Addison Singers with soloists Yvonne Kenny (soprano), Stephen Varcoe (baritone), David Webb (tenor) and the delightful Annie Fredriksson (soprano), and with virtuosic piano accompaniment on some of the songs by the season's artistic director Penelope Thwaites and the Addison Singers' Matthew Hough, this was a programme full of choral delights and discoveries. While many of the songs have an infectiously jaunty side, Grainger's arrangements also often display deft and haunting emotional touches. 'Under a Bridge', a Danish folk song, is wonderfully playful; Kipling's 'Soldier, soldier' is devastating and tragic (and, more tragically, still relevant), and his 'The Widow's Party' quite riotous. After the interval we were treated to the sublime shanty 'Shallow Brown', the piece that first woke me to Grainger's musical world. Every time I hear it, I'm still amazed at how such simple resources, in this instance, a piano and a dozen male voices, can so vividly render the ebb and flow of the sea, and a woman's yearning for the return of her sailor-love. The concert ended with the uplifting and rousing song 'I'm Seventeen Come Sunday', a triumphant flourish to send us humming on our way. A day later, I'm still humming Grainger's wonderful tunes.
February 18, 2011.
Congratulations go to the Chamber Choir, who performed on Thursday 17 February to a near capacity audience at Kings Place with the opening concert of the Grainger Festival. In the presence of the High Commissioner for Australia and singing with Yvonne Kenny, one of the most distinguished sopranos of her generation - it was an inspirational performance by the Chamber Choir conducted by David Wordsworth with Matthew Hough on piano.
There were over a dozen Addison 'groupies' not to mention several TV and theatrical celebrities who were spotted in the audience enjoying the performance.
Thank you to those of you who went to explore in Sing Grainger. See the full music programme for the Grainger concert here.
See pictures for the Grainger concert here.
Joint Carol Concert 16 December 2010
Despite the sudden drop in temperature and illnesses a well attended and stirring concert was given by all the choirs in St Mary's, Ealing. Amongst the usual carols was an arrangment of the all familiar 'Chestnuts Roasting' as well as the Oratorio Choir's rendition of 'Cantique Noel' and Jill Jarman's 'Winter'. Our thanks go to David Wordsworth, Matthew Hough and Jill Jarman and those who worked generously behind the scenes to organise it.
"The Inspiration of Harold Arlen" Jazz Concert 11 December 2010
Those concert goers heard 'Over the Rainbow' and other fantastic arrangments in our latest concert. Some excellent solo performances from the Addison Trio and singers especially Stephanie Goodwin. Our thanks to one and all. A review to follow.
J S Bach's 'Misa in G' Classical Concert 4 December 2010
The Oratorio and Chamber choirs, supported by the Bernardi Chamber Orchestra, performed a stunning rendition in a sell out concert this weekend of J S Bach's 'Misa in G' at St Michaels in Chiswick.
After the choirs spirited performance of 'Cantique de Noel', David Wordsworth was warmly embraced by a gentleman from the audience who was Stephen Montague, the arranger, and here is an extract from the email he sent our conductor.
"...I thoroughly enjoyed it. Very ambitious programme and performed with flair, style and enthusiasm. Well done indeed!"
Chamber Choir & 'Aria' Concert, 6 November 2010
Watch a YouTube video here of the concert.
Included in this fireworks night was a fabulous evening of songs and solo piano. It was a real treat both from our own Chamber Choir and the amazing all female singing group from Glasgow, Aria Group, with Matthew Hough taking on Scott Joplin and Gershwin! A big thank you to all of the volunteers who helped make this event run smoothly and for supporting Marie Curie Cancer Care as the event raised a fabulous £339.78.
There was a varied programe of music from 'Aria' who sang; 'Gloria' (Vivaldi), 'The Lord's Prayer' (Molotte), 'Gaelic Blessing' (Rutter), 'Iona Boat Song' (Roberton), 'Tonight' & 'America' (Bernstein/Sondheim), 'Someone to Watch Over Me' (G/I Gershwin), 'Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend' (J Styne), 'Something Inside So Strong' (Siffre), 'Money, Money, Money' (Andersson/Ulvaeus), 'You'll Never Walk Alone' (Rogers/Hammerstein).
The Chamber Choir sang; 'Five Childhood Lyrics' (Rutter), 'Robert Bridges Songs' (Finzi), 'Sure on ths Shining Night' (Lauridsen), 'A Song of Orpheus' (Schuman).
'Chilcott, Ravel and Bernstein' Summer Classical Concert, 3 July 2010
Despite a beautiful evening and the attractions of football and tennis, it was pleasing to see a good-sized and enthusiastic crowd gather at the Grosvenor Chapel. The Oratorio & Chamber Choirs gave a wide ranging programme that was much enjoyed by the audience - and hopefully by the choirs too.
Howard Skempton was present to hear the first performance of the chorus & piano version of his piece 'That Music Always Round Me' with the Oratorio Choir singing this tricky piece very well indeed. As always with Howard's music, what looks easy on the page is far from straight-forward in performance and the composer expressed his pleasure both with the performance of his piece and the programme as a whole.
The Oratorio Choir also gave good performances of two songs from Bernstein's 'Candide' (in the middle of which Fiammetta Ryan's rendition of 'Glitter & be Gay' was I know much enjoyed), but I was particularly pleased with the performances of Bob Chilcott's 'Fables' - full of character and contrast - making a most satisfying final piece.
The Chamber Choir seemed almost relaxed in the second half, singing four of Finzi's 'Songs of Robert Bridges' - hardly surprising after the demands of Ravel's 'Trois Chanson' in the first - a very impressive achievement for any group of singers.
I can't finish my report without mentioning Matthew Hough - who apart from singing with the Chamber Choir and accompanying the Oratorio Choir with his customary flair, gave a very accomplished performances of some Chopin piano solo's - performances that brought loud cheers from both choir and audience. So well done to all!
The summer break is a long one - but I look forward to seeing you all again for another exciting programme towards the end of September.
David Wordsworth - July 2010
'The Rhythm of Life' Summer Jazz Concert, 26 June 2010
This concert celebrated the wonderful and notorious Rat Pack of the 1950's and '60s, a name given to them by Lauren Bacall. It featuring songs made famous by the singing greats of Sammy Davis Jnr., Dean Martin, Shirley MacLean and of course Frank Sinatra.
Competing with a full summer of sport the Jazz concert raised their glasses with the likes of 'That's Life!', 'Aint That a Kick in the Head', 'Chicago' to 'Mr Bojangles' and the wonderfully bittersweet 'If My Friends Could See Me Now'. The Addison Trio kicked a real grove backed by our returned bassist Paul Downing with some sublime blowing by the clarinettist, Ian East.
The evening rounded off with an energetically crisp performance by the Jazz Choir of the title song followed by the Ensemble, suitably attired, bidding the evening farewell with 'One For My Baby'.
Matthew Hough writes...
"Sumer is icumen in...'
The Rhythm of Life really rocked at the Oratory School, especially when the Jazz Choir revelled in their rendition of the eponymous number, their last contribution to a highly successful evening, in part celebrating the achievement of Jill's being awarded a doctorate just the day before.
In tribute to the Rat Pack, the programme comprised a trio of Jazz Trio items (two by Jill, wittily entitled 'Something about Camels' and 'Chick Pea'), and a sextet each for ladies' voices and the mixed ensemble.
The concert was rounded off by One for the Road, performed by the elegantly attired (albeit with the gentlemen's ties awry to reflect the sultry atmosphere of the summer evening and the languid mood of the song) and smoothly up to speed sophisticates of the Jazz Ensemble.
The Quality of sound and quality of performance were noticeably enhanced by the committed efforts to memorise - a precedent that might well have to be followed on future occasions."
Faure Requiem at the Madeleine Church, Paris 2010
On Saturday 1 May 2010 members of the Oratorio and Chamber Choir with their Music Director, David Wordsworth and organist Ed Kemp-Luck performed the amazing Faure Requiemin at the Madeleine Church, Paris.
With the church filling during our allocated one hour rehearsal slot there was no time for nerves and by the time we began the performance it was full - what a fantastic sight! The performance went without a hitch as the choir and the soloists; Rosemarie Sherrington (soprano) Chris Birks (tenor) and Andrew Potter (bass) rose to the occasion. For everyone involved it was an amazing and moving experience and will be added to the choirs rather impressive list of venues in which it has performed! Read more here.
'Its Show Time!' Spring Jazz Concert, 28 March 2010
Featuring songs from films such as 'Windmills of your mind', 'The first time ever I saw your face', 'Aint Misbehavin', 'I want to walk like you', 'In the Mood', 'My Favourite Things' and 'Somewhere' the concert produced a really tight performance from the Jazz Ensemble.
Jill Jarman's running explanation brought interesting snippets particularly with a personal favourite the songmiester Michel Legrand dueting with Oscar Peterson. Accompanying a low, sultry solo performance of 'Oh, Lady be Good' with Stephanie Goodwin, the Addison Trio clicked with some phenomenal playing. The Jazz Choir met this and produced a strong lively performance with 'America' from the legendary 'West Side Story'.
Spring Classical Concert, 20 March 2010
The concert, comprising of two contrasting Requiems, Faure's well known and a very recent composition by Howard Goodall written in 2008, was spellbinding. The performance, in a packed church, was also competing with the closure of both tube lines and subsequent traffic chaos and a fun fair near the church. Faure's Requiem was performed as the composer originally intended and David Wordsworth commented "Both pieces are mainly reflective with a sense of quiet acceptance". The choirs, joined by our regular partners the Bernardi Chamber Orchestra, will also be performing Faure's piece in Paris in May 2010.
Joint Carol Concert, 17 December 2009
Following the success of last year a carol concert was held at St Michael's & All Angels in Bedford Park, W4 featuring all four Addison Singers choirs - Jazz Choir and Ensemble, Oratorio and Chamber Choirs including a selection of carols for choirs and audience. We also raised awareness and funds for Marie Curie Cancer Care. This exciting concert featured some of the usual Christmas stalwarts such as 'Ding, Dong, Merrily on High', 'Oh Little Town of Bethlehem' and 'While Shepherds Watched' as well as some unusual and inspiring songs from our recent concerts. The Jazz Ensemble sung a magnificent arrangement of a spiritual called 'Steal Away' . The Jazz Choir, not to be outdone, performed 'Balm in Gilead' while the Oratorio Choir sang John Joubert's 'Torches', the Chamber Choir Eric Whitacre's 'Lux Aurumque' with everyone coming together to sing 'In The Bleak Mid-winter'.
Jazz Classical Concert, 12 December 2009
The Saturday concert and was a resounding success. Jill
Jarman took the audience and choirs through a brief history of Jazz from its African roots through Sprituals to Blues, Ragtime, Classic American Jazz and '60s soul. Matthew Hough's performance skill brought an amazing early piano Rag to life.
Featuring both choirs with 'Chocholoza' (African welcoming song) there was the spiritual 'Balm in Gilead', Scott Joplin's 'The Entertainer', Irving Berlin's 'Alexander's Ragtime Band', Gershwin's 'I Got Rhythm' and classic soul hits 'Son of a Preacher Man' and Otis Redding's 'Sittin' On The Dock of the Bay'.
Autumn Classical Concert, 5 December 2009
Featuring Cecilia McDowall's: Magnificat this was a rip roaring concert of Handel's well loved Choruses from Zadok the Priest (Coronation Anthem), 'Sing unto God' and, of course the perennial favourite, the Hallelujah from The Messiah. Also featured were 'The People shall Hear' (from Israel in Egypt) and 'The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba'.
Chamber Choir Concert, 7 November 2009
At the Church of the Ascension, our Chamber Choir was well received where they performed a mixed programme of choral and a cappella music with organ accompaniment in aid of the 70th Anniversary Appeal.
'Summer of Love' Jazz Concert, 12 July 2009
Along with the Addison Trio with the violinist Elizabeth Edwards the Jazz Choir sang 'Let's Do It', 'Only Time', 'My Romance' and an inspirational version of the Andrew Sisters show stopper 'Mr Sandman'. The Jazz Ensemble songs included 'It Had to be You', 'All of Me', 'Sweet Georgia Brown' and 'Lover Man'. Jodie Paxton sang the hauntingly beautiful 'I Ain't Gonna Let You Break My Heart Again'.
Summer Classical Concert, 11 July 2009
The music for the concert revolved around folk and traditional music.
The Chamber Choir sang arrangements of English folk-songs by Timothy Salter - 'Blow the Wind Southerly', 'The Trees so High' and 'The Tailor & the Mouse', all well-known, and these versions treated the originals with loving respect. John Rutter's realisations of traditional children's rhymes 'Five Childhood Lyrics' presented more well-known tunes in stylish and witty transformation, culminating in a virtuoso arrangement of 'Sing a Song of Sixpence'! Britten's 'Flower Songs' set 'floral poems' by English poets with that composers acknowledged genius.
The Oratorio Choir also sang folk-songs seen through the eccentric imagination of Percy Grainger - 'The Lost Lady Found' (from Lincolnshire), 'Ye Banks & Braes' (for singers and whistlers!) and 'Australian Up-Country Song' (sung in tribute to at least one member of the choir), whilst the gentlemen gave the first performance of 'The Hunt is Up' - a recently discovered song for male voices & piano duet. John Gardner turned to the words of well known hymns for inspiration in his 'Five Hymns in the Popular Style' in which the choir were joined by bass, percussion & piano duetists. There can't be many treatments of such texts as 'Abide with Me' and 'Brightest and Best of the Sons of the Morning' that sounded quite like this! Finally, a folk inspired classic 'Misa Criolla' by the Argentinian composer Ariel Ramirez, full of the energetic rhythms and exotic sounds of Latin America.
'Blue Bossa' Spring Jazz Concert, 29 March 2009
It has been just over fifty years since the Bossa Nova syncopated its way into our musical lives and this Brazilian sound was The Jazz Choir celebrated at our spring concert.
The choirs performed songs like 'Once I Loved' and 'No More Blues', written by Antono Carlos Jobim, the 'Father' of the Bossa Nova style. There were some old favourites such as 'Blue Skies' and 'What a Wonderful World', alongside some newer classics including 'Don't Worry, Be Happy' by Bobby McFerrin and 'All Night Long' by Lionel Richie.
The choir was delighted to have the fantastic percussionist Jeff Lardner join the Addison Trio and heard plenty of Brazilian magic in this hot and up-beat concert. The Jazz Choir was conducted by Jill Jarman and the Jazz Ensemble by Matthew Hough.
Classical concert, Saturday 21 March 2009
The Bernardi Chamber Orchestra and four excellent young soloists join the Oratorio Choir to perform two major and contrasting works, Beethoven's Mass in C and Lux Aeterna by Lauridsen.
The American composer Morten Lauridsen has in the last decade become one of the most widely performed of living composers. 'Lux Aeterna' was written in 1995 in response to the death of his mother, and focuses on warmth and consolation. Lauridsen writes: 'Lux Aeterna is an intimate work of quiet serenity that expresses hope, reassurance, faith and illumination.' Beethoven had little time for organised religion, feeling he had no need for the church to come between him and his God. He composed only two Masses, the great Missa Solemnis written towards the end of his life and the 'Mass in C', commissioned by Hungarian Prince Nikolaus Esterhazy in 1807 for the name-day of his wife, Princess Maria.
Unfortunately the rehearsal time was inadequate for the premiere and the Prince was clearly not impressed. He was heard to ask: 'But Beethoven, what is this that you have done now?' He later admitted that he thought the work 'ridiculous and detestable'. Beethoven, apparently, stormed off in a rage. It was not until the late 1800s that the Mass became more regularly performed and although some say it is overshadowed by the Missa Solemnis it contains moments of great drama and beauty.
Carol concert, 18 December 2008
This was a first for us: a concert featuring all four choirs of the Addison Singers, with around 120 singers taking part. The programme included performances of Jill Jarman's Voices of Change by the Jazz Choir and Ensemble, Mathias's A Boy is Born by the Chamber Choir, and Chilcott's The Twelve Days of Christmas, as well as a selection of popular carols for choir and audience. An enormously enjoyable, sociable and festive evening.
Classical concert, 13 December 2008
The main work in this concert was Britten's St Nicholas, performed by the Oratorio Choir with guest appearances from tenor and treble soloists and semi-chorus. The Chamber Choir sang a selection of carols including a premiere, and the Oratorio Choir also sang Vaughan Williams?s Fantasia on Christmas Carols and an arrangement of The Twelve Days of Christmas by the choir's President, Bob Chilcott. Read a review of the concert.
'Voices of Change' - winter jazz concert, 29 November 2008
This performance, by the Jazz Choir, Jazz Ensemble and Soloists with the Addison Trio, included lots of old favourites such as 'Georgia on My Mind', 'God Bless the Child' and the Burt Bacharach classic, 'Walk on By'.
The finale was Voices of Change, a new piece composed by Jill Jarman, conductor of the Jazz Choir, for voices accompanied by piano, bass and sax. 'The highlight of the evening was Jill's beautiful, moving and uplifting composition, Voices of Change'. Read more about Voices of Change.
Classical concert, 12 July 2008 A new venue for our summer concert: the Grosvenor Chapel in Mayfair, where an enthusiastic audience heard a varied programme that included
- A Little Jazz Mass by Bob Chilcott
- Spirituals from 'A Child of our Time' by Tippett
- Two songs from 'Porgy and Bess' by Gershwin
- Three Shakespeare Songs by Vaughan Williams
- Three Nocturnes by Morten Lauridsen
- Piano solos - Gershwin and Chopin - played by Matthew Hough
Jazz concert 5 April 2008
'A handful of keys' - - performed by the Jazz Choir, Soloists and Jazz Ensemble with the Addison Trio, conducted by Jill Jarman (Jazz Choir) and Matthew Hough (Jazz Ensemble). Programme also included How sweet it is to be loved by you, Stella by starlight, In the wee small hours of the morning, Lady be good, My funny valentine, Quiet nights of quiet stars, How deep is the ocean.
Classical concert Saturday 29 March 2008
A capacity audience filled St Michael's Church to hear the Addison Singers perform the Mozart Requiem, with the Bernardi Orchestra and four young professional soloists. The Chamber Choir sang Three Motets by Cecilia McDowall, the Nunc Dimittis by Holst, and Three Motets by Howard Skempton. We were delighted to have both Cecilia McDowall and Howard Skempton in the audience. The programme also included Joby Talbot's setting of the Ave Verum Corpus and Touch Light by Michael Berkeley. Read the review by Janet Obi-Keller ( Head of Music @ City Lit.) on the ChiswickW4 website (opens in new window).
Jazz concert 9 December 2007
'An evening with Glen Miller' - performed by the Jazz Choir, Soloists and Jazz Ensemble with the Addison Trio, conducted by Jill Jarman (Jazz Choir) and Matthew Hough (Jazz Ensemble).
Classical concert Saturday 1 December 2007
Rutter - Mass of the Children
Vaughan Williams - Festival Te Deum
Janacek - Otcenas
Part - Pater Noster
Stravinsky - Mother of God and Virgin
Tchaikovsky - The Liturgy of St John of Chrysostom (excerpts)
Summer jazz concert, 1 July 2007
'From the American songbook' - the programme included Fields of Gold; The Boy from New York City, Hit me with a Hot Note, Love Walked In, and many more great numbers.
Summer classical concert, 24 June 2007
This well attended concert, conducted by David Wordsworth, took place at The Bush Hall - a new venue for the Addison Singers. The lighter-than-usual programme featured, from the Chamber Choir, folk-song arrangements by Copland and Canteloube and English part-songs from the 16th and 20th century performed by the Chamber Choir. The Oratorio Choir gave spirited performances of some well-known operatic choruses by Bizet and Verdi, and some new arrangements of Gilbert & Sullivan songs. In addition, Matthew Hough performed as solo pianist as well as accompanist, and guest soloist Alice Hyde (soprano) sang a selection of William Bolcom's Cabaret Songs.
'All That Jazz!' spring jazz concert, 1 April 2007
This performance by the Jazz Choir, Soloists and Jazz Ensemble with the Addison Trio was conducted by Jill Jarman (Jazz Choir) and Matthew Hough (Jazz Ensemble). Addison Jazz presented a great selection of favourites for jazz-lovers, ranging from Kern's 'All the Things You Are', Porter's 'I've Got You Under My Skin', Weill's 'Mack the Knife', the Manhattan Transfer classics 'Java Jive' and 'Operator' to Mandell's 'The Shadow of your Smile' and Garner's 'Misty'. There was a touch of gospel too, with a semi-improvised version of 'Amazing Grace' and Oscar Peterson's 'Hymn to Freedom' and of course the title song,'All That Jazz!'
Spring classical concert, 31 March 2007
At this concert the Chamber Choir gave the world premiere of a new piece by Gavin Bryars, commissed by the Addison Singers: 'A la dolce ombra de le belle frondi', from his Fourth Book of Madrigals. They also performed John Rutter's new and very beautiful setting of the 'Ave Maria', and continuing the choir's association with Howard Skempton, his setting of words from the Song of Solomon, 'Rise up, my love'. They also sang Purcell's anthem for double choir, 'Hear my prayer, O Lord'.
The Oratorio Choir performed Finzi's stirring anthem, 'God is gone up'; 'The Beatitudes', by the Addison Singers' President, Bob Chilcott; and Haydn's 'St Nichoas Mass', written to celebrate the name-day of his patron Prince Nicolaus Esterhazy on 6 December 1772.
In preparation for the Addison Singers' trip to Poland in May, both choirs sang works in Polish: the Oratorio Choir a psalm setting by a remarkable Renaissance composer, Waclaw of Szamotul, while the Chamber Choir sang 'Three Lullabies' by the contemporary composer Henryk Gorecki.
The choirs were conducted by David Wordsworthand accompanied by Matthew Hough - organist.
'Take Five' - winter jazz concert, 10 December 2006
The Jazz Choir, Soloists and Jazz Ensemble with the Addison Trio were conducted by Jill Jarman (Jazz Choir) and Matthew Hough (Jazz Ensemble) in a programme that included 'Take Five', 'Misty', 'Birdland', 'You're Everything', 'Walk between the Raindrops', 'Feeling Groovy', and 'Honeysuckle Rose'.
Winter Classical Concert, 2 December 2006
In this concert, conducted by David Wordsworth, the Oratorio Choir and Chamber Choir were accompanied by the Bernardi Chamber Orchestra. The imaginative programme consisted of both the familiar and the new, including the world premiere of an arrangement of the traditional American carol 'Jesus, Jesus, Rest Your Head' by Bob Chilcott, the world renowned choral conductor/composer and President of the Choir. The Addison Singers were joined by children from St John Baptist Primary School in Bromley for Chiswick composer Cecilia McDowall's Christmas cantata 'Christus Natus Est', a colourful collection of carols newly arranged and brightly orchestrated. The Chamber Choir sang unaccompanied works by Poulenc and Martland, and the concert's rousing conclusion was some of the most popular seasonal choruses and arias from Handel's Messiah.
Summer Classical Concert, 8 July 2006
Oratorio Choir
Benjamin Britten - Rejoice in the Lamb
Edward Elgar - Give Unto the Lord
John Ireland - Greater Love Hath No Man
William Bolcom - Two Meditations, one of the Addison Singers'
Anniversary commissions
Chamber Choir
Richard Rodney Bennett - Farewell to Arms
John McCabe - The Evening Watch
James Macmillan - A New Song
The concert also included a cello solo by Jonathan Few and an organ solo by Edward Kemp-Luck.
'Divas of Jazz', 2 July 2006
Jazz Choir, Soloists and Jazz Ensemble with the Addison Trio - programme included 'When sunny gets blue', 'I wish I knew,' 'The Way You Look Tonight', 'Get happy'.
"The energy and enthusiasm of conductors Jill Jarman and Matthew Hough are infectious, and I have never left one of their concerts without feeling exhilarated." (Richmond and Twickenham Times, 28 July)
'Hit the road, Jack', 2 April 2006
In an evening inspired by Ray Charles the spring concert given by the Jazz Choir and the Jazz Ensemble with the Addison Trio included: 'Hit the road, Jack', 'St Louis blues', 'My blue heaven', 'Smile', 'He's got the whole world in his hands', 'Stormy weather', and a rousing performance of 'Route 66'!
Oratorio and Chamber Choirs, 25 March 2006
The Oratorio Choir accompanied by the Bernardi Chamber Orchestra sang Haydn's Mass in Time of War (Paukenmesse), with a quartet of soloists from the Royal College of Music, and also a new work, The Listening Tree, by Jill Jarman - one of the Addison Singers' Anniversary commissions.
"We especially enjoyed the Haydn piece. The combined choir and orchestra blended so well. The conductor did a magnificent job all through the piece." (a member of the audience)
The Chamber Choir performed Palestrina's Stabat Mater, Howells' O Salutaris, and a new work, The Great Breath, by Howard Skempton, another of the Addison Singers' Anniversary commissions.
Jazz Choir and Jazz Ensemble, 11 December 2005
Jazz Choir
Solitude; 'tain't what you do, I got it bad, Do nothing till you hear from me, Perdido, I let a song go out of my heart
Jazz Ensemble
Mood indigo, Sentimental mood, Don't get around much any more, In a mellow tone, I can't give you anything but love, If you can't sing it you'll have to swing it
Oratorio and Chamber Choirs, 10 December 2005
Oratorio Choir
Handel - The King Shall Rejoice
Mathias - Ave Rex
Cecilia McDowall - new commission, The Angels for the Nativity
Mozart - Missa Brevis in C
Chamber Choir
Chilcott - And Every Stone Shall Cry
Schutz - Singet dem Herrn
Berkeley - Look up, Sweet Babe
Carols
Oratorio Choir, 20 November 2005, New York
Around fifty members of the choir took part in a concert at Carnegie Hall, New York, at the invitation of Bob Chilcott, performing his 'Jubilate', and Handel's Coronation Anthem 'The King Shall Rejoice'.
Read more about the Addison's Carnegie Hall concert.
Oratorio and Chamber Choirs, 9 July 2005
Oratorio Choir - music for voices and brass:
Chilcott - Jubilate
Bliss - The World is Charged with the Grandeur of God
Rutter - Cantus
Chamber Choir
David Matthews - Moments of Vision (world première)
William Schuman - A Song to Orpheus
Eric Whitacre - Sleep
Jazz Choir and Jazz Ensemble with the Addison Quartet, 3 July 2005
This concert at Hammersmith Town Hall paid tribute to great jazz songs with lyrics about places or travel. The Ensemble sang of Basin Street Blues, the Ray Charles classic Georgia, and Manhattan, while the Choir took a trip somewhere over the rainbow, heard a nightingale singing in Berkeley Square, and asked 'fly me to the moon'. The Addison Quartet, featured the liquid sounds of Mark Alloway?s saxophone and clarinet. The conductors of the Jazz Ensemble and Choir, Matthew Hough and Jill Jarman, also joined the band on piano.
The concert included the premiere of 'London in the rain', a new song showcasing the lyric writing talents of Stella Barnes (winner of the Addison lyric competition), set to music by conductor and composer Jill Jarman.
Jazz Choir and Jazz Ensemble - 'Let there be love', 20 March 2005
This concert in the Polish Centre Theatre was a sell-out, and a reviewer called it 'a well organised, slickly arranged, top quality performance' - read more.
Jazz Choir
Too close for comfort*, Come rain or come shine, All in love is fair*, The song is you*, This masquerade*, Walk between the raindrops
Jazz Ensemble
There will never be another you, I've got you under my skin, Willow weep for me*, It never entered my mind, Stompin' at the Savoy*
*Arrangements by Jill Jarman
Classical - Oratorio and Chamber Choirs, 19 March 2005
This well-attended concert at the Church of the Holy Innocents in Hammersmith was accompanied by Matthew Hough on organ, and featured singers from both choirs as soloists. We were delighted to have the composer Howard Skempton in the audience. His piece 'He wishes for the Cloths of Heaven', was beautifully sung - twice - by the Chamber Choir: it was encored, by popular demand.
Oratorio Choir
Monteverdi - Beatus vir; Cantate Domino
Bach - O Jesu Christ, mein Lebens licht
Buxtehude - Magnificat
Mozart - Ave Verum Corpus
Walton - Jubilate Deo
Lotti - Crucifixus
Chamber and Oratorio Choirs
Maw - One foot in Eden
Chamber Choir
Tallis anthology, English and Latin anthems including If ye love me; Hear
the voice and prayer; Laudate Dominum; O nata lux
Morten Lauridsen - O nata lux
Skempton - He wishes for the Cloths of Heaven
Christmas 2004
The Addison Singers were invited to sing at two Christmas events in West London, a Service of Nine Lessons and Carols at St Peter's Church, Fulham, and a Carol Concert in aid of the charity
Colon Cancer Concern.
Jazz concert, 1 December 2004
The programme for this concert included some arrangements by Keith Roberts, its former conductor, and also a surprise piece for Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Choir and audience! A piano, bass, guitar and jazz violin quartet accompanied the choir and ensemble.
Jazz Choir
'Someone to Watch over Me', 'I've Got a Crush On You', 'On a Clear Day', 'That's Life', 'Skylark'.
Jazz Ensemble
'Embraceable You', 'Nice Work if you Can Get it', 'I'm Beginning to See the Light', 'Ain't Misbehavin', 'Autumn Leaves'.
Oratorio and Chamber Choirs, 27 November 2004
This concert had a local flavour with 'Ave Maris Stella', a beautiful piece for soprano solo, choir and strings by Cecilia McDowall who lives close to St Michaels & All Angels where the concert took place. The Addison Singers again joined forces with the Bernardi Chamber Orchestra, a highly accomplished group who contributed two orchestral pieces to the programme.
Oratorio Choir
Ave Maris Stella - Cecilia McDowall a new commission.
In Terra Pax - Finzi
Mass in G - Schubert.
Chamber Choir
Motets by Brucker and Mendelssohn
Hymn to the Virgin - Francis Pott
New carols by Stephen Hough and Kenneth Hesketh.
Jazz concert, 15 July 2004
Jazz Choir
Rescue Me, Midnight Train to Georgia, I Feel Pretty, Puttin' on the Ritz, You're the Top, September Song, All the Things You Are.
Jazz Ensemble
A Foggy Day, But not for Me, When I Fall in Love, I Second That Emotion
Oratorio and Chamber Choirs, 10 July 2004
Oratorio Choir
Borodin - Polovtsian Dances
Fauré - Pavane
Vaughan-Williams - Serenade to Music
John Rutter - three of the Birthday Madrigals.
Chamber Choir
William Mathias - Shakespeare Songs
English Folk Songs arranged by Ralph Vaughan Williams.
In May 2004 the Chamber Choir and Jazz Ensemble had additional performances, at the Shipley and Barnsley Festivals.
Oratorio and Chamber Choirs, 3 April 2004
Oratorio Choir - with the Hanwell Children's Choir and accompanied by organ, harp and percussion:
Bernstein - Chichester Psalms
Brahms - Geistliches Lied, Op. 30
Fauré - Cantique de Jean Racine
Chilcott - Canticles of Light (London première)
Chamber Choir
Arvo Pärt - I am the True Vine, Littlemore Tractus
Leighton - Drop, drop, slow tears
Skempton - We who with songs.
Jazz Fiesta, 28 March 2004
For this Latin flavoured concert, the Jazz Choir and Ensemble were joined by the Martin Blackwell Quartet.
Jazz Choir
Songs and 'Latin style' arrangements by Keith Roberts:
Slightly Out of Tune, Besame Mucho, One Note Samba, Mood Indigo, Send In the Clowns, Black Coffee
Jazz Ensemble
Gershwin - Someone to Watch Over Me, Slap that Bass
Duke Ellington - Take the A Train, Perdido
The Girl from Ipanema
Oratorio and Chamber Choirs, 13 December 2003
Oratorio Choir, with the Bernardi Chamber Orchestra
Vivaldi - Gloria in D
Handel - Dettingen Te Deum
Chamber Choir
Christmas Motets, ed Rutter
Colin Matthews - The Angel's Carol (first London performance)
Michael Berkeley - Cradle Song
Jazz Concert, 7 December 2003
Ragtime, soul, musicals, pop, French and Spanish songs, Barbra Streisand, Billy Joel, lots of Cole Porter, some smooth bluesy classics, and All That Jazz!
Oratorio and Chamber Choirs, 12 July 2003
The Addison Singers were joined by members of the Walbrook Singers and Ealing Youth Choir for this concert, entitled Music for Royal Occasions:
Oratorio Choir
Walton - Coronation Te Deum
Parry - I Was Glad
Mathias - Let all the People Praise Thee
Vaughan Williams - O Taste and See
Handel - Zadok the Priest
Chamber Choir
Tomkins - When David Heard
Gibbons - O Clap Your Hands
Macmillan - A Child's Prayer, A New Song
Jazz concert, 18 July 2003
Jazz Ensemble
They Can't Take That Away from Me
Angel Eyes
Satin Doll
Medley 'The Manhattan Transfer in Concert', featuring Birdland, Spice of
Life, Tuxedo Junction
Jazz Choir
Come Fly with Me
Keith Roberts arrangements:
Manhattan, Night and Day, The Things We Did Last Summer, Chattanooga Choo Choo, California Dreaming
Oratorio and Chamber Choirs, 5 April 2003
Oratorio Choir with The Bernardi Chamber Orchestra
Lennox Berkeley - A Festival Anthem
Taverner - The Lord's Prayer, Love Bade Me Welcome
Fauré - Requiem (1893 version by John Rutter).
Chamber Choir
Lennox Berkeley - The Lord is my Shepherd
Maurice Duruflé - Quatre Motets sur des themes Gregorians
Pierre Vilette - Three Motets: O Quam Amabilis Es, Jesu, ducis Memoria, Panis Angelicus.
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