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LGBT History Month 2008: Islington

13 Pinkies – including newbies like myself – turned out for a ‘command performance’ at Islington Town Hall’s opening event for LGBT History Month, 1 Feb 2008.

It was a great privilege to ‘play Islington’ as the borough has always been at the centre of London’s LGBT history – from the first gay rights demonstration by Stonewall and the first ‘out’ Mayor (Robert Crossman) to groundbreaking community organisations like the London Lesbian and Gay Switchboard and London Friend. Islington also boasts the largest number of same sex cohabiting couples in London. Ahhhh!

After a careful warm-up with our maestro Michael – we entered the rather grand, oak-panelled and red-carpeted venue to the rousing applause of some 60 plus assembled guests.

A hush descended as Michael struck up the opening chords of Come What May on the electric keyboard. The well-polished harmonies really kicked in at the end of the song and we were rewarded with tumultuous applause from an enthusiastic crowd – including Out Lesbian Deputy Council Leader, Lucy Watt. An impassioned rendition of “Hymne a l’Amour” followed, with the choir coping admirably with some tongue-twisting French lyrics.

Then is was ‘Heads down on four!’ for the Abba Medley – accompanied by the paired pelvic thrusting provided by Susan and Mark. The song was a suitably camp finish to a memorable evening. Thanks must go to Michael for accompanying us so beautifully, Phillip for his amusing announcements and Lynne for organising the booking and the last rehearsal for this season.

by Charlie
Bass

Pinkie spotlight – Lynne

My name is Lynne.
My section is 1st soprano.
I joined the Pink Singers in 1999, 2000.
I joined the Pink Singers because my friend Caron at University wanted to join and I came along for moral support. In those days we rehearsed at the Drill hall. My most vivid memory of that rehearsal was of Al sticking a piece of apple in her nose and feeling really out of my depth, although I was only just coming out at the time. My friend joined the choir I decided not to, however I became an avid supporter. After deciding I could sing and I really wanted to join but was scared, I joined the choir in the summer of Gala and helped on the Pride parade, by jumping on and off the bus handing out flyer’s. Meeting my wife Annie in the choir was an unexpected and wonderful bonus.
My favourite thing about being a Pinkie is the people, the performing, the places I have sung in, the challenge, the fun, the friendships and not forgetting the frolics (swimming in Frieburg & sauna in Helsinki being a highlight).
When I am not rehearsing you can find me working hard on the choir organisation and until recently being a Brown Owl and Guider.
When I get the time I love partying, kayaking, canoeing, walking, climbing, swimming, dancing, good food, spending time with my friends, reading, going to the theatre, concerts, sci fi, board games and cards. I am working on adding relaxing into the mix.
The song that I would most like us to perform is the Bond medley for the moves, Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves for its power, Mr Sandman with snare drum & Fields of Gold as it is special to me and Annie.
The song in our repertoire that should be laid to rest is anything in French apart from Diraton, I really really try to get to grips with the language but its always a struggle.
Pieces never to resurface Ala Bamba & Up Town Girl.

Various Voices update – January 2008

As many of you will know, I am our choir’s elected member on the Various Voices 2009 Planning Group. To clarify, the responsibilities of Planning Group members are as follows:
– to represent the interests of the stakeholder choir to which they belong (whether this is the Pink Singers, LGMC or Diversity)
– to act as a conduit for communicating information between their choir and the Planning Group and vice-versa and
– to work collectively as a Group to ensure the successful planning and delivery of VV09.
Continue reading “Various Voices update – January 2008”

Tales of the Pinkie – Andy Quan

“I had tried out another choir. Their rehearsal space was in a basement, the tea break chaotic, and we were required to stand for the entire practice. When I wandered into the Pink Singers, into a room with light streaming through the windows, there were chairs to sit down, and we had our break in the Drill Hall cafeteria with tasty snacks!
But of course, those were minor pleasures. The greater ones were found in the people there who welcomed me warmly, the songs we sang (if I remember correctly, we sang No One Is Alone and Big Spender on my first day), and who was this east European fellow at the front of the room directing with such humour and skill? I joined the Pink Sisters and sang with them for over a year, from 1998 to 1999. It was not a large group of people and I liked it that way. With only a few tenors, it was important for me to be there for rehearsals and performances and I felt needed! I loved the mix of people, women and men, from many countries. Most important was that London was the largest city I’d ever lived in, and I’d found it tough to make friends, and if succeeding in that, arranging to match up our busy schedules. After a while in the choir, I realised that the Pinkies were giving me connection and community. I felt a satisfying glow to see the same people every week and to do something together that we loved. Continue reading “Tales of the Pinkie – Andy Quan”

Winter Concert: Amour and More

A special dash of ooh-la-la
All you need for a magical night out is three ingredients: dazzling singing, a supportive audience and a special dash of ooh-la-la. Apologies to our French guests for that dreadful reference, but their presence really made Amour And More, our winter concert one of the most memorable ever!
Continue reading “Winter Concert: Amour and More”

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