Sunday November 11, Carnegie Hall,
NYC, at 8.30pm
If you’re reading this for the first time, no it’s not a hoax, nor, I believe, is there another Carnegie Hall somewhere in the local area. This is definitely THE world-famous Carnegie Hall in New York City, in the good old US of A.
Details were confirmed and announced some while back, but with October almost upon us, it’s time to flag this up again – and especially as I was recently contacted by Malcom Moon, Marketing, Box Office and Promotions for Distinguished Concerts International New York (DCINY Productions) who are presenting the event.
Malcom wrote: ‘Conductor Marcus Alleyne and The South West Philharmonia Chorus (SWPC) were invited, some while ago, to participate in the New York Premiere of Patrick Hawes’s The Great War: Commemorating 100 Years.
‘The performance itself is scheduled to take place in Carnegie Hall’s Isaac Stern Auditorium on Sunday November 11 at 8.30pm, under the baton of composer and conductor Patrick Hawes.
These outstanding musicians from Plymouth will join with other choristers from around the world to form the Distinguished Concerts Singers International, a choir of distinction. Maestro Hawes will not only lead the performance, but will serve as animateur for what will also include a five-day residency in the city.’
Jonathan Griffith, Artistic Director and Principal Conductor for DCINY, explains how Marcus and his musicians initially got involved in this exciting international project: “The South West Philharmonia Chorus received this invitation because of the quality and high level of musicianship demonstrated by the singers as well as the exceptional personal recommendation given by Patrick Hawes.
It is quite an honor [sic] just to be invited to perform in New York. These wonderful musicians not only represent a high quality of music and education, but they also become ambassadors for the entire community. This is an event of extreme pride for everybody, and deserves the community’s recognition and support.’
The singers will spend 5 days and 4 nights in New York City in preparation for their concert. “The singers will spend approximately 9-10 hours in rehearsals over the 5 day residency,’ says Griffith. ‘Not all of the time is spent in rehearsals, since there is so much history and culture to see in New York City. However, the performance is the primary purpose for their visit to the city.’
Popular local musical director, Marcus, is delighted to confirm that some 50 choir-members from SWPC will be making the trip across the Atlantic, which is a tremendous number considering the logistics involved for each singer. In fact the local contingent will account for almost a third of the total number of singers on the night. Further information is available from Marcus by emailing him at info@swpac.co.uk
Of course, while no doubt all the choir’s many followers would love to be there at Carnegie on the night, that’s not going to be possible.
But, Marcus and crew have got this covered, too, as they will be performing the work in Plymouth’s Minster Church of St Andrew on Saturday November 3 at 7pm (note earlier start-time). And, to make the event accessible to as many as possible, Marcus has set the ticket price at just £5.
These are available by emailing info@swpac.co.uk or phoning 07891 001969
Philip R Buttall
Philip Buttall
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