What music do I really like?
Huw Jenkins
I recently looked at the list of music I’d listened to on Spotify in the last few months. It made me realise how narrow-minded and insular my musical listening becomes when I’m not being challenged by others.
A classical guitar teacher in lockdown
Anthony Pigg
Something to sing, dance and even shout about for people with dementia and their companions.
Jenny Leitch
Support Shelter to support homeless people through what’s expected to be the UK’s biggest virtual carol concert. "Home. Hope. Song" is at 7pm on Thursday 3rd December. It’s free to watch, but you’re invited to make donations to Shelter. Click here for details.
From the start of the second lockdown, RCS tenor Chris Lee has been reflecting on what has helped him stay well over the past eight months. Here is what he learnt.
Being purposeful – looking back at the end of the day (at a to-do list in my case) aim to have a few activities that you’re pleased to have got done. These worthwhile achievements could be quite small – cleaning the kitchen or clearing the leaves from the pavement outside your house.
RCS Bass and regular provider of the programme notes for our concerts Neil Heywood writes.....
My earliest memory of music - cold nights at Christmas, when the village silver band would play carols outside the house. Magic for a little boy. Soon after I learned to play all the twiddly bits of Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring on a mouth organ (fortunately not recorded? - ed). The peak of my instrumental career, I’m sorry to say.
When the Royston Choral Society is in action, Ian is a tenor. Here he explains his desert island selection…
This was far from an easy job because the music I like covers a wide range of genres. Choosing just eight pieces was nigh on impossible. So I have selected not necessarily my favourite pieces but music that made lasting impressions at various times. Roughly in chronological order these are:
RCS Alto Janet Backer writes.....
Earliest Memory - My Dad playing the piano. Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata and Bach's Jesu, joy of man's desiring were particular favourites.
First public performance - A recorder recital at junior school (sadly not recorded - ed).
Is singing safe?
The coronavirus pandemic means that Britain’s 40,000 choirs have all been silenced, brass and woodwind players too.
Meet the scientists assessing the dangers of blowing instruments and singing in spreading Covid-19
RCS Soprano Suzanne Knowles writes.....
As probably the longest-serving member of the Royston Choral Society, apart from Dick Prince, since joining in 1979, I thought I could let you know some of my choice of music for that desert island as well as recount other musical memories.
Bach’s Christmas Oratorio I think the opening overture and first chorus is the happiest piece of music ever.
