Whitehall Choir
Virtual committee meeting originally scheduled for Thursday 24 September.
The following issues were discussed by email:-
Christmas CD: we have had one tentative response to a magazine/radio review of our Xmas CD (and one "no"), so fingers still crossed. (Subsequent information – our disk is to be reviewed in The Gramaphone!)
New members: We have over 15 people wanting to join us this term - auditions will be after rehearsal next week and the week after (after that we can only take new people next term, numbers permitting) - thanks to Kate for marshalling. Unfortunately we will only be able to take a proportion of these folk (Sam will correspond with part reps separately on this) – action Sam
SJSS Concert Friday 27 November 2009: Our next concert at SJSS has a relatively large orchestra so we will be close to the stage limit. Part reps are asked to keep a close eye on rehearsal attendance as ever. – action part reps
St Martin in the Fields, Friday 15 January 2010; We will be performing Brahms Requiem with the Brandenburg Sinfonia. A form will be distributed via part reps asking for volunteers – action Sam
Banqueting House Monday 22 March 2010: The cost of tickets at the Banqueting House has, slightly annoyingly, increased to £21 each. This still includes the food, drinks etc, but is rather an increase. We have tried to negotiate, and they have been sympathetic - but they just need this increase to cover costs (they feed a choir of 65 too of course). In discussion with Ken and Jonathan we have decided to go ahead with this, as the fixed price combined with Paul's love of the venue combine to make it attractive for a range of reasons.
The programme for this concert was discussed at a subsequent short committee meeting during the rehearsal break on 29 September. The problem we have is that there is not much choice remaining of works for piano and voices. An a capella programme for the whole concert would be too much for us to manage. The idea of performing Puccini’s Messa di Gloria was debated and although it has an orchestra accompaniment, we would never do it with an orchestra. It is a crowd pleaser and the piano reduction is entertaining to listen to so, it was decided to choose this to complement the Poulenc Chanson Francaises.
Come and Sing, May 2010: we still await confirmation from Clapham that they can host a Come and Sing next May.
Other events: Paul has kindly held a slot in his diary for us on the Tuesday before Christmas - Tues 22 December. Committee members are asked for ideas for a social/fundraising event/venue? Does this sound a good idea? Or - does anyone have an idea for a one-off caroling gig (preferably a paid one!) - action all
We have booked future concerts up to Autumn 2010, as per our summer meeting/decisions. These are now available to members on the website.
Next meeting: Monday 9 November 2009
Jonathan Williams
Secretary