VCH Presents The King's Singers

THE KING’S SINGERS: GOLD 50 23 February 2018

THE KING’S SINGERS WITH THE SINGAPORE SYMPHONY CHILDREN’S CHOIR 24 February 2018

RUSSIAN AT HEART

1 April 2018 4pm I Victoria Concert Hall Russian-British violinist Alina Ibragimova joins SSO musicians in an all-Russian programme across three Russian greats in their characteristic musical modes.

The sweet yearnings of Tchaikovsky’s lyricism give way to the impish energy of Prokofiev and finally to the dark astringency and twilit enigma of Shostakovich’s Third String Quartet, which he considered one of his best.

Tickets: $38, $20 Concessions: $15

Alina Ibragimova, violin Ye Lin, violin Gu Bing Jie, viola Zhang Manchin, viola Ng Pei-Sian, cello Guennadi Mouzyka, double bass Pan Yun, oboe Li Xin, clarinet Gulnara Mashurova, harp

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SSO.ORG.SG/CHAMBER

GREAT MUSIC MUST SHINE. We want to take you on a new musical adventure to celebrate The King’s Singers’ 50th birthday. It’s an adventure that gives thanks for all the music that’s defined our first fifty years, inspired by the unique maverick spirit that guided the original six King’s Singers to keep every performance as fresh and varied as possible. We still share their mission today: the future of music deserves to shine as brightly as it can. This is about savouring the amazing diversity of music and musicians in our world today, holding up composers, songwriters and singers of all kinds side by side to create something truly special.

Come and join us for the ride.

THIS IS GOLD.

Timothy Wayne-Wright, countertenor Jonathan Howard, bass Patrick Dunachie, countertenor Julian Gregory, tenor Christopher Gabbitas, baritone Christopher Bruerton, baritone (left to right) Photo credit: Andy Staples Cover photo: Marco Borggreve

The King’s Singers were officially born on 1st May 1968, formed by six recentlygraduated choral scholars from King’s College, Cambridge. Their vocal line-up was (by chance) two countertenors, a tenor, two baritones and a bass, and the group has never wavered from this formation since. 2018 marks the 50th birthday of the group, and to celebrate, The King’s Singers are presenting their anniversary season: GOLD. Everything in this GOLD season, from triple-album to book and concert tour, celebrates the amazing musical heritage of The King’s Singers, and also looks at the bright future of vocal music in all its forms.

What really distinguished the group in its early years was its musical diversity.

The King’s Singers were a weekly fixture on prime-time television, celebrating popular music never usually touched by choral ensembles, and their unique British charm, combined with their musical craft, captured audiences’ hearts the world over. The group has consistently been welcomed on the world’s great stages throughout its history – from London’s Royal Albert Hall to the Opera House in Sydney or New York’s Carnegie Hall – as well as being ambassadors for musical excellence

across the globe. Two Grammy® Awards, an Emmy® Award, and a place in Gramophone magazine’s inaugural Hall of Fame sit among the numerous accolades bestowed upon the group.

extensive repertoire. The group is determined to spread the joy of ensemble singing, and leads workshops and residential courses all over the world each season.

This love of diversity has always fuelled The King’s Singers’ commitment to creating new music. A panoply of commissioned works by many of the supreme composers of our times – including Sir John Tavener, Toru Takemitsu, John Rutter, Luciano Berio, Nico Muhly, György Ligeti and Eric Whitacre – sits alongside countless bespoke arrangements in the group’s

The world may have changed a lot in the fifty years since the original King’s Singers came together, but today’s group is still charged by the same lifeblood – one that wants to radiate the joy singing brings every day, and that wants to give life to audiences with their virtuosity and vision for an exciting musical future.

23 February 2018

THE KING’S SINGERS: GOLD 50 Patrick Dunachie, countertenor Timothy Wayne-Wright, countertenor Julian Gregory, tenor Christopher Bruerton, baritone Christopher Gabbitas, baritone Jonathan Howard, bass

THE FAMILY Dr Henry Ley: The Prayer of King Henry VI 1’50 Bob Chilcott: We are 2’50

THE JOY OF THE RENAISSANCE Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina: Sicut cervus 3’00 Thomas Tallis: In Manus Tuas 2’00 William Byrd: Sing joyfully 2’30

THE NEWCOMER Toby Hession: Master of Music 6’00

THE BEAUTY OF THE ROMANTIC ERA Sir Charles Villiers Stanford: The bluebird 3’40 Trad. arr. Sydney Lovatt: The little green lane 2’20 Ralph Vaughan Williams: Rest 3’30

THE MEDITATION Francis Poulenc: Quatre petites prières de Saint François d’Assise 6’30

THE SPIRIT Paul Simon arr. Andrew Jackman: Some folks lives roll easy 3’30 Trad. arr. Robert Rice: Down by the riverside 4’00 U2 arr. Bob Chilcott: M.L.K 2’20

THE VISIONARY Nico Muhly: To Stand in this House 11’00

Intermission 20’00

THE LOVE LETTER Bob Chilcott: Thou, my love, art fair 3’40

THE GENIUS Richard Rodney Bennett: The seasons of his mercies 6’20

THE PARTY BAG Classic audience favourites and brand new surprises from the lighter side of The King’s Singers’ repertoire in their signature close-harmony style

Post-concert Autograph Session (at Level 2)

Concert duration: 1 hr 30 mins All timings are approximate Go green. Digital programme booklets are available on www.sso.org.sg.

Scan the QR code in the foyer to view a copy.

23 February 2018

23 FEB

THE KING’S SINGERS: GOLD 50 Dr Henry Ley: The Prayer of King Henry VI Text: King Henry VI (1421 - 1471)

Domine, Jesu Christe, Qui me creasti, redemisti, Et preordinasti ad hoc quod sum; Tu scis quid de me facere vis; Fac de me secundum voluntatem tuam cum misericordia, Amen.

O Lord Jesus Christ, Who hast created and redeemed me And hast foreordained me unto that which now I am; Thou knowest what thou wouldst do with me; Do with me according to thy will, in thy mercy.

Amen.

Bob Chilcott: We are Text: The Human Family, Maya Angelou (1928 - 2014)

I note the obvious differences In the human family.

Some of us are serious, Some thrive on comedy.

Mirror twins are different Although their features jibe, And lovers think quite different Lying side by side.

Some declare their lives are lived As true profundity, And others claim they really live The real reality.

We love and lose in China, We weep on England’s moors, And laugh and moan in Guinea, And thrive on Spanish shores.

The variety of our skin tones Can confuse, bemuse, delight, Brown and pink and purple, Tan and blue and white.

We seek success in Finland, Are born and die in Maine, In minor ways we differ, In major we’re the same.

I’ve sailed upon the seven seas And stopped in every land, I’ve seen the wonders of the world, Not yet one common man.

I note the obvious differences Between each sort and type, But we are more alike, my friends, Than we are unalike.

I know ten thousand women Called Jane and Mary Jane, But I’ve not seen any two Who really were the same.

We are more alike, my friends, Than we are unalike.

We are more alike, my friends, Than we are unalike.

Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina: Sicut cervus Text: Psalm 42, verse 1

Sicut cervus desiderat ad fontes aquarum, Ita desiderat anima mea ad te, Deus.

Thomas Tallis: In Manus Tuas Text: Responsary for Compline

In manus tuas, Domine, Into your hands, O Lord, Commendo spiritum meam.

I commend my spirit.

Redemisti me, Domine, You have redeemed me, O Lord, Deus veritatis.

God of truth.

William Byrd: Sing joyfully Text: Based on Psalm 81

Sing joyfully unto God our strength, sing loud unto the God of Jacob.

Take the song, and bring forth the timbrel, the pleasant harp and the viol.

Blow the trumpet in the new moon, even in the time appointed, and at our feast day.

For this is a statute for Israel, and a law of the God of Jacob.

Toby Hession: Master of Music Text: Henry van Dyke (1852 - 1933)

Glory of architect, glory of painter, and sculptor, and bard, Living forever in temple and picture and statue and song, Look how the world with the lights that they lit is illumined and starred, Brief was the flame of their life, but the lamps of their art burn long!

Where is the Master of Music, and how has he vanished away?

Where is the work that he wrought with his wonderful art in the air?

Gone, it is gone like the glow on the cloud at the close of the day!

The Master has finished his work, and the glory of music is where?

Once, at the wave of his wand, all the billows of musical sound Followed his will, as the sea was ruled by the prophet of old: Now that his hand is relaxed, and his rod has dropped to the ground, Silent and dark are the shores where the marvellous harmonies rolled!

Nay, but not silent the hearts that were filled with that life-giving sea; Deeper and purer forever the tides of their being will roll, Grateful and joyful, O Master, because they have listened to thee, The glory of music endures in the depths of the human soul.

23 FEB

Just as a hart longs for flowing streams, So my soul longs for you, O God

Sir Charles Villiers Stanford: The bluebird

23 FEB

Text: Mary Coleridge (1861 - 1907)

The lake lay blue below the hill, O’er it, as I looked, there flew Across the waters, cold and still, A bird whose wings were palest blue.

The sky above was blue at last, The sky beneath me blue in blue, A moment, ere the bird had passed, It caught his image as he flew

Trad. arr. Sydney Lovatt: The little green lane Text: Anonymous

O little green lane, You’re rough and you’re plain, No beauty in you I’d be finding, But in the moon’s light You’re silvern and bright, ‘Tis royal you are in your winding: For Molly my queen, Tho’ in cabin so mean, Reigns there in her own simple splendour, But she’ll never learn That for her I yearn, I’ll ne’er grieve that pure heart so tender.

You little green lane, So rugged and plain, When Molly trips o’er you so lightly, Your carpet of green More brilliant is seen, The soul from her eyes looks so brightly.

My queen and my star, I worship afar, And ne’er shall she hear my deep sighing; Sure she shall not grieve, Or ever believe That for her my poor heart’s a-dying.

Ralph Vaughan Williams: Rest Text: Christina Rossetti (1830 - 1894)

Francis Poulenc: Quatre petites prières de Saint François d’Assise Text: Francis of Assisi (1181/2 - 1226)

i. Salut, Dame Sainte Salut, Dame Sainte, Reine très sainte, Mère de Dieu, O Marie qui êtes vierge perpétuellement, Élue par le très saint Père du Ciel, Consacrée par Lui avec son très saint Fils Et l’Esprit Paraclet, vous en qui fut Et demeure toute plenitude de grâce et tout bien!

Salut, palais; salut, tabernacle; Salut, maison; salut, vêtement; Salut, servant; salut, mère de Dieu!

Et salut à vous toutes, saintes vertus, Qui par la grâce et l’illumination du Saint Esprit, Êtes versées dans les coeurs des fidèles et, D’infidèles que nous sommes, Nous rendez fidèles à Dieu.

Hail, holy Lady, Queen most holy, Mother of God, O Mary, you who are ever a virgin, Chosen by the most holy Lord of Heaven, Consecrated by him with his most holy Son And the Holy Ghost, the Paraclete: you in whom was And remains all fullness of grace and all goodness!

Hail, palace; hail, shrine; Hail, house; hail, clothing; Hail, serving woman; hail, mother of God! And hail to all of you, holy virtues, Which by the grace and light of the Holy Ghost Are poured into the hearts of the faithful and, From being unfaithful as we are, Turn us to be faithful to God.

23 FEB

O Earth, lie heavily upon her eyes; Seal her sweet eyes weary of watching, Earth; Lie close around her; leave no room for mirth With its harsh laughter, nor for sound of sighs.

She hath no questions, she hath no replies, Hushed in and curtained with a blessed dearth Of all that irked her from the hour of birth; With stillness that is almost Paradise.

Darkness more clear than noon-day holdeth her, Silence more musical than any song; Even her very heart hath ceased to stir: Until the morning of Eternity Her rest shall not begin nor end, but be; And when she wakes she will not think it long.

23 FEB

ii. Tout puissant, très saint Tout puissant, très saint, Très haut et souverain Dieu; Souverain bien, bien universel, bien total; Toi qui seul est bon; Puissions nous te rendre toute louange, Toute gloire, toute reconnaissance, Tout honneur, toute bénédiction; Puissions nous rapporter toujours à toi Tous les biens.

Amen.

Almighty, most holy, Most high and sovereign God, Sovereign, universal and completely good; You who alone are good, Allow us to offer You all praise, All glory, all gratitude, All honour, and all blessing; May we always bring You Everything that is good.

Amen.

iii. Seigneur, je vous en prie Lord, I beg You, Seigneur, je vous en prie, Let the burning and gentle force of Que la force brûlante et douce de Your love votre amour Pervade my soul and remove from it Absorbe mon âme et la retire Anything that is less than heavenly, De tout ce qui est sous le ciel, So that I might die out of love of Your love, Afin que je meure par amour de votre amour Just as You chose to die out of love Puisque vous avez daigné mourir par amour For my love.

De mon amour. iv. O mes très chers frères O mes très chers frères Et mes enfants bénis pour toute l’éternité, Écoutez-moi, écoutez la voix de votre Père: Nous avons promis de grandes choses, On nous en a promis de plus grandes; Gardons les unes et soupirons après les autres.

Le plaisir est court, la peine éternelle.

La souffrance est légère, la gloire infinite.

Beaucoup sont appelés, peu sont élus.

Tous recevront ce qu’ils auront mérité.

Ainsi soit-il. Ainsi soit-il.

O my very dear brothers And my children that are blessed for all eternity, Listen to me, listen to the voice of your Father: We have promised great things, We have been promised things that are even greater: Let’s stay true to the former, and long for the latter.

The pleasure is great, but the punishment is everlasting.

The suffering is light, but the glory is infinite.

Many are called, but only a few are chosen.

Everyone will receive what they deserve.

So be it. So be it.

Paul Simon arr. Andrew Jackman: Some folks lives roll easy

Most folks’ lives, oh, they stumble Lord, they fall Through no fault of their own Most folks never catch their stars And here I am, Lord I’m knocking at your place of business I know I ain’t got no business here But you said, if I ever got so low I was busted, You could be trusted Some folks’ lives roll easy Some folks’ lives never roll at all They just fall, they just fall Some folks’ lives

23 FEB

Some folks’ lives roll easy as a breeze Drifting through a summer night Heading for a sunny day

23 FEB

Trad. arr. Robert Rice: Down by the riverside Lay that burden down Lay that burden down Lay that burden right down, right down I’m gonna lay down my burden down by the riverside Down by the riverside, down by the riverside I’m gonna lay down my burden down by the riverside And study war no more Ain’t gonna study war no more, study war no more Ain’t gonna study way no more Ain’t gonna study war no more, study war no more Ain’t gonna study way no more I’m gonna put on my long white robe down by the riverside Down by the riverside, down by the riverside I’m gonna put on my long white robe down by the riverside And study war no more Ain’t gonna study war no more, study war no more Ain’t gonna study way no more Ain’t gonna study war no more, study war no more Ain’t gonna study way no more Lay that burden down Lay that burden down Lay that burden right down, right down I’m gonna walk with the Prince of Peace down by the riverside Down by the riverside, down by the riverside I’m gonna walk with the Prince of Peace down by the riverside And study war no more Ain’t gonna study war no more, study war no more Ain’t gonna study way no more Ain’t gonna study war no more, study war no more Ain’t gonna study way no more I’m gonna lay down my burden down by the riverside Down by the riverside, way on down by the riverside I’m gonna lay down my burden down by the riverside And study war no more Lay that burden down Lay that burden down Lay that burden right down, right down

U2 arr. Bob Chilcott: M.L.K

23 FEB

Sleep Sleep tonight And may your dreams be realised If the thundercloud Passes rain So let it rain Rain down on him So let it be So let it be Sleep Sleep tonight And may your dreams be realised If the thundercloud Passes rain So let it rain Let it rain Rain on him

Nico Muhly: To Stand in this House Amicabilis Concordia Text: King Henry VI (1421 - 1471)

Domine, Jesu Christe, qui me creasti, redemisti, et preordinasti ad hoc quod sum, tu scis quid de me facere vis; fac de me secundum voluntatem tuam cum misericordia.

O Lord Jesus Christ, Who hast created and redeemed me, and hast foreordained me unto that which now I am; thou knowest what thou wouldst do with me; do with me according to thy will, in thy mercy.

The Door of this House Text: Bishop Thomas Ken (1637 - 1711)

O God, make the door of this house wide enough to receive all who need human love and fellowship, and a heavenly Father’s care; and narrow enough to shut out all envy, pride and hate. Make its threshold smooth enough to be no stumbling block to children, nor to straying feet, but rugged enough to turn back the tempter’s power: make it a gateway to thine eternal kingdom.

In Later Life

23 FEB

Text: Salman Rushdie (b.1947)

In later life he often spoke of the happiness of his Cambridge years, and agreed with himself to forget the hours of howling loneliness when he sat alone in a room and wept, even if King’s Chapel was right outside his window blazing with beauty. To stand in this house is to be reminded of what is most beautiful about religious faith: its ability to give solace and to inspire, its aspiration to these great and lovely heights, in which strength and delicacy are so perfectly conjoined.

A Finer Music Text: Zadie Smith (b.1975) Individual citizens are internally plural: they have within them the full range of behavioural possibilities. They are like complex musical scores from which certain melodies can be teased out and others ignored or suppressed, depending at least in part on who is doing the conducting. …All over the world, …the conductors standing in front of this human orchestra have only the meanest and most banal melodies in mind. …Those of us who remember a finer music must now try to play it, and encourage others, if we can, to sing along.

Bob Chilcott: Thou, my love, art fair Text: Christ to his spouse, William Baldwin (c.1515 - c.1563)

Lo, thou, my love, art fair; Myself hath made thee so: Yea, thou art fair indeed, Wherefore thou shalt not need In beauty to despair; For I accept thee so,

For fair.

For fair, because thine eyes Are like the culvers white, Whose simpleness in deed All others do exceed: Thy judgement wholly lies In true sense of sprite

Most wise.

Richard Rodney Bennett: The seasons of his mercies Text: John Donne (1572 - 1631)

If some King of the earth have so large an extent of dominion, in North, and South, as that he hath Winter and Summer together in his Dominions, so large an extent East and West as that he hath day and night together in his Dominions, much more hath God mercy and judgement together.

He brought light out of darknesse, not out of a lesser light; he can bring thy summer out of winter, though thou have no spring; Though in the ways of fortune or understanding or conscience, thou have been benighted till now, wintered and frozen, clouded and eclypsed, damped and numbed, smothered and stupefied till now, now, God comes to thee. Not as in the dawning of the day, not as in the bud of the spring, but as the sun at noon to illustrate all shadowes, as the sheaves in harvest, to fill all penuries, all occasions invite his mercies, and all times are his seasons.

23 FEB

God made Sun and Moon to distinguish seasons, and day, and night, and we cannot have the fruits of the earth but in their seasons; But God hath made no decree to distinguish the seasons of his mercies; In Paradise the fruits were ripe the first minute, and in heaven it is always Autumne, his mercies are ever in their maturity.

24 February 2018

THE KING’S SINGERS WITH THE SINGAPORE SYMPHONY CHILDREN’S CHOIR Patrick Dunachie, countertenor Timothy Wayne-Wright, countertenor Julian Gregory, tenor Christopher Bruerton, baritone Christopher Gabbitas, baritone Jonathan Howard, bass Singapore Symphony Children’s Choir Wong Lai Foon, choirmaster

THE THINKER Bob Chilcott: Days from ‘Even Such is Time’ 2’00

THE JOY OF THE RENAISSANCE Claude Le Jeune: Revecy venir du Printans 2’50 Juan Vásquez: Gentil señora mia 4’20 Ludwig Senfl: Das G’läut zu Speyer 1’10

THE TRAVELLER Camille Saint-Saëns: Les marins de Kermor 7’50

THE ROMANCE OF FOLKSONG Trad. arr. Goff Richards: Lamorna 1’50 Trad. arr. Bob Chilcott: Shenandoah 3’10 Trad. arr. Bob Chilcott: I bought me a cat 3’20

THE ACTOR John Rutter: Be not afeard 2’50

THE BOYBAND John Lennon & Paul McCartney arr. Bill Ives: I’ll Follow the Sun 2’30 John Lennon & Paul McCartney arr. Bob Chilcott: And I love her 3’10 John Lennon & Paul McCartney arr. Paul Hart: Honey Pie 2’30

THE POET

Bob Chilcott: Even Such is Time from ‘Even Such is Time’ 2’50 *

Intermission 20’00

THE FAMILY

Bob Chilcott: We are (World premiere of version for TKS and SA/SSA Choir) 2’50 * John David arr. Peter Knight/Christopher Bruerton: You are the New Day 2’40 *

THE ENTERTAINER Alexander L’Estrange: Quintessentially 7’00

THE PARTY BAG Classic audience favourites and brand new surprises from the lighter side of The King’s Singers’ repertoire in their signature close-harmony style

Post-concert Autograph Session (at Level 2)

* with the Singapore Symphony Children’s Choir Concert duration: 1 hr 30 mins All timings are approximate Go green. Digital programme booklets are available on www.sso.org.sg.

Scan the QR code in the foyer to view a copy.

WONG L A I F OON choirmaster

As a founder-conductor of the Singapore Symphony Children’s Choir, Wong Lai Foon has dedicated the past decade towards building up the ensemble to become the leading children’s choir in the nation. Since her appointment as Choirmaster in 2015, the SSCC has garnered much praise for its impressive choral tone, and its musically precise and polished performances, earning it the commendation of “one of the best children’s choirs in Asia” in a recent review.

In the past three years, Wong has spearheaded the expansion of the SSCC, which now comprises a Concert Choir, Training Choir, three preparatory choirs, a Boys’ Ensemble, and a Youth Choir. During this time, she also led the Concert Choir on two tours, performing at the Philharmonie de Paris in 2015 with the Maîtrise de Radio France as part of Singapour en France – le Festival, and at the Dewan Filharmonik Petronas, Kuala Lumpur, during a joint concert tour with the Singapore National Youth Orchestra in December 2016.

Commemorating the SSCC’s 10th anniversary in 2016, Wong directed the choir in a series of exciting performances and projects, including Mahler’s Third Symphony and Bizet’s Carmen with the Singapore Symphony Orchestra, as well as a collaborative concert with the Malaysian Philharmonic Youth Orchestra. Two new choral works by local composers were also commissioned to commemorate the SSCC’s tenth year; Water, by Chen Zhangyi, and A Child’s Voice, by Lee Chin Sin. Both pieces are on the SSCC’s debut CD, And I’ll Sing Once More.

In demand as a conductor with choirs across various segments of the community, Wong is the Resident Conductor of the Methodist Festival Choir, and the Assistant Conductor of The Philharmonic Chamber Choir. She has also previously prepared works for the Singapore Symphony Chorus and Singapore Lyric Opera.

She received her master’s degree in choral conducting from Westminster Choir College, under the tutelage of Joseph Flummerfelt.

S ING A P OR E S Y MP HON Y C HIL DR E N’S C HOIR

Formed in 2006, the Singapore Symphony Children’s Choir (SSCC) has established itself as the leading children’s choir in Singapore. It seeks to enrich the lives of young singers between the ages of 9 and 16, through a holistic choral training programme that nurtures artistic growth and personal development.

Since its debut performance in 2007, the SSCC has given many successful concerts, including appearances with the Singapore Symphony Orchestra (SSO) in Mahler’s Third Symphony, Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, Berlioz’s The Damnation of Faust, Orff’s Carmina Burana, Britten’s War Requiem, and Bizet’s Carmen. The SSCC is also a regular feature in the orchestra’s annual Christmas concerts. It has performed at the Philharmonie de Paris in a collaborative performance of Berlioz’s Te Deum with the Maîtrise de Radio France, as well as at the Dewan Filharmonik Petronas, where it partnered the Malaysian Philharmonic Youth Orchestra in concert.

The Singapore Symphony Children’s Choir continues to have an active performing calendar, having most recently performed at the Istana for the prestigious Cultural Medallion & Young Artist Award in October 2017. Their first CD, And I’ll Sing Once More, is now available for purchase.

The SSCC is proud to have Mr Christopher Ho and Mrs Rosy Ho as its Principal Champion.

Singapore Symphony Children’s Choir Ana Banchs Rodríguez Bryan Carmichael Jaime Chew Arjun Chhabra David Cho Chow Cheng Shon Sophie Du Toit Nia Edwards Maria Erika Goh Ikabella Heaps Shunsho Heng Caroline Hesse Erin Ho Hoo Ashley

Sonja Lam Arthur Lee Giselle Lim Javier Loke Kellianne Ng Oh Chin Aik Chloe Ong Anya Prabowo Michael Robinson Rebecca Schlesinger Megan Soh Samyukta Sounderraman Tiffany Tam

Tan Carine Emily Tan Lara Tan Justin Teng Jasmine Towndrow Amanda Tung Aloysius Wong Raeanne Wong Mao Yamaura Seia Yano Ashley Yeo Caleb Yeo Zhou Yixi

24 February 2018

THE KING’S SINGERS WITH THE SINGAPORE SYMPHONY CHILDREN’S CHOIR Bob Chilcott: Days from ‘Even Such is Time’ Text: Philip Larkin (1922 - 1985)

What are days for?

Days are where we live.

They come, they wake us Time and time over.

They are to be happy in: Where can we live but days?

Ah, solving that question Brings the priest and the doctor In their long coats Running over the fields.

Claude Le Jeune: Revecy venir du Printans Text: Jean-Antoine de Baïf (1532 – 1589)

Here again comes the Spring, the amorous and fair season.

Le courant des eaus recherchant Le canal d’été séclaircít: Et la mer calme de ces flots Amolit le triste courrous: Le Canard sé gaye plonjant, Et se lave coint de dans l’eau: Et la grú’ qui fourche son vol Retraverse l’air et sen va.

The currents of water that seek The canal in summer become clearer; And the sea calms her waves, Softens the sad anger.

The duck, elated, dives in, And washes itself happily in the water.

And the crane breaks its path, Crosses back and flies away.

Le Soleil éclaire luizant D’une plus séreine clairté: Du nuage l’ombre s’en fuit, Qui se joû et court et noir cît Et foretz et champs et coutaus.

The sun shines brightly With a most serene clarity: From the cloud the shadow flies And plays and runs and darkens And forests and fields and hillsides,

24 FEB

Revecy venir du Printans L’amoureuz’ et belle saison.

Le labeur humain reverdît, Et la prê découvre ses fleurs.

Human labour makes green again, And the prairie unveils its flowers.

De venus le filz Cupidon L’univers semant de ses trais, De sa flamme va réchaufér, Animaus, qui volet en l’air, Animaus, qui rampet au chams, Animaus, qui naget auz eaus.

Ce qui mesmement ne sent pas, Amoureux se fond de plaizir.

From Venus’ son, Cupid, The universe is seeded in milk, Is warmed by his flames.

Animals that fly in the air, Animals that slither in the fields, Animals that swim in the seas, Even the unsentient ones, Once in love, are melted by pleasure.

Rion aussi nous: et cherchon Les ébas et jeus du Printans: Toute chose rit de plaizir: Selebron la gaye saizon.

So let us laugh: and let us seek out The frolicking and the games of Spring All the world laughs in pleasure: Let us celebrate the happy season.

Juan Vásquez: Gentil señora mia Text: Juan Boscàn Almogàver (1490 - 1542)

24 FEB

Gentil señora mia, Yo hallo en el mover de vuestros ojos Un no sé qué, no sé cómo nombrallo, Que todos mis enojos Descarga de mi triste fantasia.

Busco la soledad por contemplallo, Y en ello tantos gustos de bien hallo, Que moriría, si el pensar durase.

Mas, este pensamiento es tan delgado, Que presto es acabado Y conviene qu’en otras cosas pase.

Porfio en más pensar, Y estoy diciendo: Si esto no acabase!

Mas, después veo que tanto gozar No es de las cosas que pueden durar.

My gentle lady, I find in the movement of your eyes An undefinable je ne sais quoi, That drives all my woes Away from my sad fantasy.

I seek out solitude to contemplate them, And in this I find feel so good That I would die, if these thoughts endured.

But this thinking is so slight That it soon fades away And it would be better to think of other things.

I try to think of them more, And say to myself: If only this would never end!

But then I realise that such delight Is not one of the things that can last.

Ludwig Senfl: Das G’läut zu Speyer (The Ringing at Speyer) Text: Anonymous

Now everyone come here and help me once in this hall, whoever likes ringing!

Soon start pulling, make a little noise!

GLING GLANG GLING

Ziecht an, ziecht an, wer mag und kann.

Mur, maun, mur, maun

Start pulling, whoever can and likes to!

MUR, MAUN, MUR, MAUN

Zue dem Fest tue das Best‘.

Drumb ich bitt‘, spar euch nit.

Jedermann soll hergon.

Nun kumbt, ihr Knaben all, greift an und läut‘ einmal, daß Glockschall‘.

Mar, mir, mur.

At the Feast Do your best!

So I’m asking you, Not sparing you.

Everyone should come here.

Now come on, all you boys, Get a hold and just have a ring, So the bell sounds out!

MAR, MIR, MUR

Ziecht an, lieben Gesellen, die mit mir läuten wollen.

Laßt aufgahn, nicht klagt‘ an, noch nicht fliecht.

Nit irret mich, sunst hör‘ auf ich.

Flux fu der dich.

Start pulling, my dear fellows, You who want to ring with me!

Let’s go up, No complaining, Don’t run away yet!

Don’t make me go wrong, Otherwise I’m stopping.

A curse be on you!

Laßt mehr angeh’n, da müeßt ihr zue mir herstehn.

Nu zue diesem Fest tuct allsambt das Best‘ nehmt ihn ziecht an rest mit Eil‘.

Streck‘ an, was in jeder mit der Macht kann.

So tuct zammsteh’n last’s wohl auf geh’n, daß so viel zwen.

If you let more have a go, Then you must stand by me.

Now at this Feast all do your best!

Take it, let the rest start pulling quickly!

Stretch out, whatever your strength allows!

Do it together like this!

Let it indeed go up.

So that it swings a lot like this.

So Hans und Paul, ziecht, seid nit faul.

Bitt ich mir sag‘ wan ist für Tag

Hans and Paul Pull like this, don’t be lazy!

Please tell me: What sort of day is this

24 FEB

Nun kumbt hierher all und helft mir einmal in diesem Saal wem’s Läuten g’fall’ und ziecht an bald, treibt wenig G’schall gling glang gling

24 FEB

was hab‘ wir heut‘ daß man so läut‘.

What have we got today That people are ringing like this?

Mit unsern Glocken laßt zammenlocken ziecht unerschrocken.

With our bells Let’s draw people together.

Let’s pull fearlessly.

Wie schnauft ihr mit dem Maul?

Jetzt klingt’s wohl und geht ganz recht.

Seht zue mit und klenkt mit.

Why are you gasping for air?

Now it’s sounding good and it’s going really well.

Watch with me And ring with me!

Wiewohl zwar Andacht bloß, Gott’sdienst ist groß geht über’s Gläut am Kirchtag heut’.

Solch Gläut mach mich betör’n ich mag mich selbst nit hörn.

Schau’ eben auf, zeuch gleich mit auf.

Although it’s only a Service, The worship is great.

It goes out through the ringing Today at the Festival.

Such ringing beguiles me.

I may not be able to hear myself.

Just look up, Demonstrate it along with me!

Nit ziecht so schnell, so klingt’s baß hell.

So fein greift rein So, so mein Knecht.

Hui, nun läut zusamm in Gottes Nam’ Wer kumbt, der kumbt, Hans, tue dich munter umb, daß Glock’ entbrunn und schau‘ mit zue, daß’s Seil nit brechen tue.

Don’t pull so quickly.

Or the bass sounds bright!

Take hold deftly like this, Like this, like this, my boy!

Whoosh, now ring together In God’s Name!

Whoever comes, Comes.

Hans, do cheer up, So the bell rings out!

And watch with me.

So that the rope doesn’t break!

So läut guet Ding, daß’s tapfer kling‘ Maus, her an Ring, das Opfer bring‘ weil man das Amt sing.

Ring the dear thing like this, So that it sounds out boldly!

You mouse, come here on the ring!

Bring your sacrifice, Because they’re singing the Office!

Nun läut’ zam in Gottes Nam. Wer kommen will, darf G’läuts nit viel, mag hertreten ungebeten zue der Metten.

Now ring together In God’s Name.

Whoever wants to come, (There doesn’t have to be a lot of ringing) May step this way Unasked To the Mass.

Die Schuler kommen schon, Glocken brummen, habt viel Singens, gilt Anbringens, so Pfarrer aufsteht, gen Opfer geht.

The pupils are already coming.

Bells are booming.

If you have a lot of singing.

It’s important to bring people along.

The priest then stands up And goes towards the sacrifice.

Nun läut’ zammen in Gott’s namen.

Wer will kummen, hat’s vernummen an dem Fest heut’ hab‘ wir lang gläut’ Mur maun.

Now ring together In God’s Name!

Whoever wants to come, Has heard it.

At the Feast today We’ve rung a long time. MUR MAUN

Camille Saint-Saëns: Les marins de Kermor Text: Théobald Saint-Félix

The first glimmers at the birth of dawn Have scarcely whitened the trembling tops Of the tall, darkened woods,

Que nous, hardis marins, de l’onde amants fidèles, Nous quittons notre toit pour gagner nos nacelles Que bercent les flots bleus,

As we, bold sailors, faithful lovers of the sea, Leave our homes to reach our barques, Which are cradled by the blue waves,

Nous aimons nos esquifs aux légères voilures, Nous aimons la tempête et les flots mugissants, De la mer en repos nous aimons les murmures, Céleste mélodie aux accords si puissants.

We love our boats with their light sails, We love the storm and the roaring waves, We love the murmurs of the sea at rest, A heavenly melody with such powerful chords.

Emportés par le vent loin de nos beaux rivages, Nous voguons sans souci des dangers, des orages, Chantant des airs joyeux!

Carried away by the wind, far from our beautiful shores, We sail along, unworried by the dangers, the storms, Singing joyful tunes!

Oh! Nous aimons alors voir se lever l’étoile Boussole du bon Dieu que la nuit au long voile Allume dans les cieux.

Oh! We then love to see the rising of the good Lord’s Guiding star that the night with her long veil Is lighting up in the heavens.

24 FEB

Les premières lueurs de l’aurore naissante Ont à peine blanchi la cime frémissante, Des grands bois ténébreux,

Nous aimons nos esquifs aux légères voilures, Nous aimons la tempête et les flots mugissants, Mais nous aimons surtout la voix bénie et pure D’une femme de coeur, mère de nos enfants.

We love our boats with their light sails, We love the storm and the roaring waves, But we especially love the blessed and pure voice Of a kind-hearted woman, the mother of our children.

Trad. arr. Goff Richards: Lamorna Way down to Lamorna Take her down to Lamorna I’ll sing to you a song It’s about a lady fair I met the other evening At the corner of the square She’d a dark and roving eye She was a charming rover We rolled all night in the pale moonlight Way down to Lamorna

24 FEB

‘Twas down in Albert Square I never shall forget Her eyes they shone like diamonds And the evening it was wet Her hair hung down in curls She was a charming rover We rolled all night in the pale moonlight Way down to Lamorna As she got in the cab I asked her for her name (Now what’s your name?)

And when she gave it to me Well, mine it was the same So I lifted up her veil Her face was covered over To my surprise, it was my wife I took down to Lamorna!

‘Twas down in Albert Square I never shall forget Her eyes they shone like diamonds And the evening it was wet Her hair hung down in curls She was a charming rover We rolled all night in the pale moonlight Way down to Lamorna Down to Lamorna Take her down to Lamorna Take her down She said “I know you now, I knew you all along.

I knew you in the dark, But I did it for a lark.

Now for that lark you’ll pay, for the taking of your Donnah, (You’ll have to pay!)

You’ll pay the fare for riding there, Way down to Lamorna!”

‘Twas down in Albert Square I never shall forget Her eyes they shone like diamonds And the evening it was wet Her hair hung down in curls She was a charming rover We rolled all night in the pale moonlight Way down to Lamorna We rolled all night in the pale moonlight Way down to Lamorna

Trad. arr. Bob Chilcott: Shenandoah Oh Shenandoah I long to see you Away, you rolling river Oh Shenandoah I long to see you Away, we’re bound away Across the wide Missouri ‘Tis seven long years since last I’ve seen you Away, you rolling river ‘Tis seven long years since last I’ve seen you Away, we’re bound away Across the wide Missouri Oh Shenandoah I long to hear you Away, you rolling river Oh Shenandoah I long to hear you Away, we’re bound away Across the wide Missouri

Trad. arr. Bob Chilcott: I bought me a cat I bought me a cat My cat pleased me I put my cat under yonder tree My cat says “Fiddle eye fee”.

I bought me a duck My duck pleased me I put my duck under yonder tree My duck says “Quack, quack” My cat says “Fiddle eye fee”.

24 FEB

I bought me a goose My goose pleased me I put my goose under yonder tree My goose says “Quaw, quaw” My duck says “Quack, quack” My cat says “Fiddle eye fee”.

I bought me a hen My hen pleased me I put my hen under yonder tree My hen says “Shimmyshack, shimmyshack” My goose says “Quaw, quaw” My duck says “Quack, quack” My cat says “Fiddle eye fee”.

I bought me a pig My pig pleased me I put my pig under yonder tree My pig says “Griffy, griffy” My hen says “Shimmyshack, shimmyshack” My goose says “Quaw, quaw” My duck says “Quack, quack” My cat says “Fiddle eye fee”.

I bought me a cow My cow pleased me I put my cow under yonder tree My cow says “Waw, waw” My pig says “Griffy, griffy” My hen says “Shimmyshack, shimmyshack” My goose says “Quaw, quaw” My duck says “Quack, quack” My cat says “Fiddle eye fee”.

24 FEB

I bought me a horse My horse pleased me I put my horse under yonder tree My horse says “Neigh, neigh” My cow says “Waw, waw” My pig says “Griffy, griffy” My hen says “Shimmyshack, shimmyshack” My goose says “Quaw, quaw” My duck says “Quack, quack” My cat says “Fiddle eye fee”.

I found me a wife My wife kissed me And I kissed my wife under yonder tree My wife says “Honey, honey” My horse says “Neigh, neigh” My cow says “Waw, waw” My pig says “Griffy, griffy”

My hen says “Shimmyshack, shimmyshack” My goose says “Quaw, quaw” My duck says “Quack, quack” My cat says “Fiddle eye fee”.

John Rutter: Be not afeard Be not afeard; the isle is full of noises, Sounds and sweet airs, that give delight and hurt not.

Sometimes a thousand twangling instruments Will hum about mine ears, and sometime voices That, if I then had waked after long sleep, Will make me sleep again: and then, in dreaming, The clouds methought would open and show riches Ready to drop upon me that, when I waked, I cried to dream again.

John Lennon & Paul McCartney arr. Bill Ives: I’ll Follow the Sun One day, you’ll look to see I’ve gone For tomorrow may rain, so I’ll follow the sun Some day, you’ll know I was the one But tomorrow may rain, so I’ll follow the sun And now the time has come And so my love, I must go And though I lose a friend In the end you will know One day, you’ll find that I have gone But tomorrow may rain, so I’ll follow the sun And now the time has come And so my love, I must go And though I lose a friend In the end you will know

24 FEB

One day you’ll find that I have gone But tomorrow may rain, so I’ll follow the sun I’ll follow the sun

John Lennon & Paul McCartney arr. Bob Chilcott: And I love her I give her all my love That’s all I do And if you saw my love You’d love her too I love her

Bright are the stars that shine Dark is the sky I know this love of mine Will never die And I love her

She gives me everything And tenderly The kiss my lover brings She brings to me And I love her

A love like ours Could never die As long as I Have you near me

A love like ours Could never die As long as I Have you near me

Bright are the stars that shine Dark is the sky I know this love of mine Will never die And I love her

John Lennon & Paul McCartney arr. Paul Hart: Honey Pie Honey pie! You are driving me crazy I’m in love but I’m lazy So won’t you please come home.

Oh honey pie! My position is tragic Come and show me the magic of your Hollywood song.

You became a legend of the silver screen And now the thought of meeting you Makes me weak in the knee.

24 FEB

Oh honey pie you are driving me frantic Sail across the Atlantic To be where you belong.

Bob Chilcott: Even Such is Time from ‘Even Such is Time’ Text: Sir Walter Raleigh (1588 - 1618)

Even such is time, which takes in trust Our youth, our joys, and all we have, And pays us but with age and dust; Who, in the dark and silent grave, When we have wandered all our ways, Shuts up the story of our days, And from which earth and grave and dust, The Lord shall raise me up, I trust.

Bob Chilcott: We are (World premiere of version for TKS and SA/SSA Choir) Text: The Human Family, Maya Angelou (1928 - 2014)

I note the obvious differences In the human family.

Some of us are serious, Some thrive on comedy.

Mirror twins are different Although their features jibe, And lovers think quite different Lying side by side.

Some declare their lives are lived As true profundity, And others claim they really live The real reality.

We love and lose in China, We weep on England’s moors, And laugh and moan in Guinea, And thrive on Spanish shores.

The variety of our skin tones Can confuse, bemuse, delight, Brown and pink and purple, Tan and blue and white.

We seek success in Finland, Are born and die in Maine, In minor ways we differ, In major we’re the same.

I’ve sailed upon the seven seas And stopped in every land, I’ve seen the wonders of the world, Not yet one common man.

I note the obvious differences Between each sort and type, But we are more alike, my friends, Than we are unalike.

I know ten thousand women Called Jane and Mary Jane, But I’ve not seen any two Who really were the same.

We are more alike, my friends, Than we are unalike.

We are more alike, my friends, Than we are unalike.

24 FEB

John David arr. Peter Knight/Christopher Bruerton: You are the New Day You are the new day.

I will love you more than me and more than yesterday if you can prove to me you are the new day.

Send the sun in time for dawn, let the birds all hail the morning.

Love of life will urge me say, you are the new day.

When I lay me down at night knowing we must pay, thoughts occur that this night might stay yesterday.

Thoughts that we as humans small could slow worlds and end it all lie around me where they fall before the new day.

One more day when time is running out for everyone, like a breath I knew would come I reach for a new day.

24 FEB

Hope is my philosophy, just needs days in which to be, love of life means hope for me, You are the new day.

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