NEWS
AROUND THE UK If you have any news you would like to share, email editor@makingmusic.org.uk LONDON
Pressing the play button Leisure-time music groups rise to the challenges of lockdown As the COVID-19 pandemic descended on us and the world hit the pause button on regular daily activity, most of our members found themselves having to cancel or postpone their regular activities and upcoming events. However their creativity has reached new heights in finding ways to continue to stay in touch with group members and continue with making music. Like many instrumental groups, the Devon Philharmonic Orchestra took to Facebook Live to run weekly rehearsals, which was picked up by the BBC, and which you can view online on the local BBC England news page. New member group Moseley Misfits, an instrumental community group in Birmingham, took to hosting free weekly public music sessions, open to anyone to join, with added social activities and quizzes. 6
HIGHNOTES Summer 2020
Notorious Choir has been testing out Google Hangouts and Zoom. Success was varying but the group have a host of ideas to try out. Sectionals, learning new vocal techniques with guest speakers, and other activities are proving to be possible avenues to explore. Musical director Clare Edwards says, ‘Whatever happens we are going to meet each week, catch up, sing and have some fun together. It won’t be exactly the same as being in the same room – but we will get as close as we can.’ Meanwhile, Staffordshire choir Songbirds in Harmony, who have been busy rehearsing via Zoom, covered Mariah Carey’s ‘Hero’ in a video recording dedicated to all keyworkers battling the pandemic. What has your group been up to? Do let us know at editor@ makingmusic.org.uk or get in touch on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
Photo: Leo Geyer conducts the Devon Philharmonic in an online rehearsal
Since 1876, members of the Royal Choral Society have performed Handel’s Messiah at the Royal Albert Hall almost every Good Friday. The concert has only been cancelled twice before, due to the London Blitz (1940 and 1941). This year, it wasn’t possible for the 144th performance to go ahead but, determined to recognise this important tradition, the choir performed ‘together’ in isolation. On Good Friday, music lovers were invited to join in and sing Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus as it was planned to have been sung at the Royal Albert Hall, but now as part of the Royal Albert Home series. The performance was led by a video of the Royal Choral Society singing from their own homes with conductor Richard Cooke joining in from his garden. royalchoralsociety.co.uk YORKSHIRE
“... thanks for today, it’s lovely to feel our group is part of a huge musical family all over the UK … the local meetings are nice but this really makes you feel part of a UK collective.” Online member meetup participant. (See p.15)
The Yorkshire Wind Orchestra were disappointed to postpone their 25th anniversary concert in May. However, they instead decided to make a lockdown recording of ‘Happy Birthday.’ They asked their MD, Keiron Anderson, to write an arrangement, and members of the wind orchestra have been recording their individual parts ready to be combined into a final video. Realising their timpani were locked away in their rehearsal venue, they managed to get Mark Wagstaff, percussionist with Opera North, to record the timp part. The final video will be available on the group’s social media and website in support of the Yorkshire Ambulance Service Charity along with a PDF version of the arrangement. facebook.com/ YorkshireWinds/
