Monthly Archives: December 2015

Looking forward

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Well, here we are at the dawn of a new year so it’s time to look forward to what the future will bring. The Choir starts rehearsals again on January 7th and we have several concerts booked, a potential trip away and our 50th anniversary to anticipate.

New year, new beginnings and one of the most exciting happenings for us will be the arrival of our new accompanist.

RICO GERBER

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Those who are familiar with choral singing will understand that a huge part of a choir’s success is due to the accompanist. In this respect Stithians Ladies Choir has been very fortunate indeed in recent years. When our wonderful George Smith died in March 2014 we, amazingly, found his replacement right here in Stithians village. Nigel Guzek shared his pianistic talents with us until October 2015 when he relocated to Somerset. Then, luckily for us, our esteemed deputy accompanist, Kathryn Downing, held the fort over the Autumn and Christmas periods.

Rico, originally from South Africa, joins us with an enviable reputation as a pianist, composer, accompanist and conductor, both in Cornwall and further afield. We are really looking forward to spending a rewarding time with him and, once again, we are grateful to the Gods of Music who sent him our way!

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A HAPPY CORNISH NEW YEAR TO ALL OUR READERS!

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A Stithians Tradition

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Fun at Christmas

Photocredit: John Colgate

Many Cornish villages have traditions which the community maintain with a sense of pride and belonging. Stithians has several to do with Christmas, one being a Carol service in the village hall involving three of the village musical institutions – the brass band, the men’s choir and the ladies’ choir. The hall is not huge and the atmosphere is warm and cosy by the time  the audience is shoe-horned in.

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Photocredit: Peter Asplet

The carols of Thomas Merritt feature strongly, together with performances from the band and both choirs. But one Carol features every year because the composer was born in the village. Lewis H  Pascoe wrote a version of “While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks By Night” probably between 1905 and 1910. He was the organist of Stithians Penmennor Methodist Church from 1903 to 1944 and the first accompanist of St. Stythians Male Choir 1913-26.

Occasions such as this are vital to the continuity of the Cornish choral tradition. Long may it continue!

A MERRY CORNISH CHRISTMAS TO ALL OUR READERS

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A Stithians Christmas

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Today, Sunday, we sang at the village carol service ar Stithians Methodist Church. We shared the singing with Stithians Male Voice Choir and a hearty congregation and were enchanted by the village school hand bell ringers. The occasion was made even sweeter by tea and mince pies afterwards!

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It has been exceptionally mild this December and we have been fortunate that our journeys to concerts so far have been blessed by the weather gods – no rain! Fingers crossed for Tuesday when we sing in the village hall.

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A memorable performance

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On Friday 11th we were privileged to take part in a service in Truro Cathedral for Christian Aid. It was a lovely occasion with a packed Cathedral, rousing singing and a distinctly festive feel.

Cavernous spaces are challenging to sing in as it is difficult to hear the people around you and appreciate the overall sound. However the Choir really raised its game and sang with a beautifully pure, rounded tone and deep sincerity. They also looked smart in their red and black winter uniform.

Here is a recording, made by an audience member with a teeny weeny recording device and regrettably, a lot of extraneous noise. I hope it is useful for the Choir to hear itself and have a lasting memory of a lovely occasion.

Hodie Christus Natus Est

from A Ceremony Of Carols by Benjamin Britten

Two more songs to follow soon!

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