A night at St. Mungo’s

This week saw a small group of Pinkies putting on a show for a very worthwhile charity event. We had been invited by the homelessness charity St Mungo’s to perform for both clients and staff at the launch of their 2011 Action Week. The focus of this special week is on enabling homeless people to rejoin society with an emphasis on accessing healthcare and advice on getting back into employment.

Not only was our performance going to be treat for the audience but it also gave us the chance to show off some of the numbers we will be performing at Razzle Dazzle on 16 July. The concert also included some excellent solos from Phillip, Chris, Sally-Ann and some Debussy on the piano from our very own Musical Director, Murray, along with a group number from the very talented Gin and Harmonics.

It was a wonderful evening and various numbers from Tchaikovsky to Tina Turner had the audience giggling with glee and tapping their feet in delight and I feel proud that the Pink Singers were involved in both entertaining and supporting such a great charity.

Tim

Timeline datestamp: 28 June 2011

You’ve got to work that voice


Putting on a great choral performance is about making sure that the musical instruments we use, our voices, are in tip top shape. All the Pink Singers love singing, but not all of us know how to create that perfect sound without tiring ourselves out at the same time. Enter the gorgeous Fiona Dobie who took us through a vocal workshop two weeks ago. Here two of our tenors, Simon and Chris, talk about what they learned.

Simon
Simon

“Having had vocal training in the past I was looking forward to the choir’s vocal workshop with Fiona. I was not disappointed: Fiona’s teaching style is wonderfully simple but engaging.
With such a large group to instruct, Fiona concentrated on the foundations for a strong voice. Starting with posture she has us all getting in touch with our pelvic floor and tucking our ‘tails’ in, a most amusing sight in the studio mirrors! Then came simple warm-up exercises that we can use at home before note-bashing, as well as in rehearsal. Next she tackled sustained breath control – particularly relevant this season as the choir is to perform Samuel Barber’s ‘Agnus Dei’. With the basics covered, Fiona applied what we had learned to some of our current repertoire, ironing out some problems straight away. Continue reading “You’ve got to work that voice”

Singing out with Bristol

Stephen

I was last in Bristol 25 years ago when I was hosting a promotional event for Club 18 – 30 Holidays! Well, that was an intriguing chapter in my life, but this time I’m back with Europe’s longest established LGBT choir and my first trip away with the Pinkies.
Everyone’s very excited at our guest appearance with Sing Out Bristol and the chance to preview a whole new bunch of songs that we’re just introducing to the repertoire, but by the time I get to the venue for the afternoon rehearsal the air is stiff with tension and complexions are looking too wan. Ironically, this is the joy of Pinkies folk. We do what we do because it is tremendous fun, but equally there’s a real determination to do it as best as we can. Continue reading “Singing out with Bristol”

Like you’ve never seen us before

7.30pm 16 July 2011 Bloomsbury TheatreThe clock is ticking and last minute preparations are being made to the Pink Singers’ summer concert, Razzle Dazzle – celebrating musical icons of the gay and lesbian community. The choir has been working tirelessly all season learning the repertoire and choreography in order to give you, the audience, the best possible performance on 16 July.
The choir’s artistic director, Oliver, talks about why he hopes this concert is going to be extra special.

Oliver
Oliver, artistic director

“Since I became the artistic director I’ve been itching to put on a real ‘show’ with the Pinkies. Once we’d decided that the musical theme was going to be gay and lesbian icons I knew this was the time to do it. We’re a fabulous LGBT choir and I wanted the concert to highlight individual talents and personalities, but not be restrained by the usual choir concert format. Fans of the Pinkies shouldn’t worry – they will still get to hear the mixture of classical and contemporary music they’re used to, but hopefully they will be surprised and excited by the style of production and the ‘little extras’ we have planned!
The visual aesthetic pulls inspiration in part from the cabaret clubs of Paris and one of my aims is that the audience will be drawn in and they feel part of the show. We’re performing at the Bloomsbury Theatre, which is a new venue for the Pinkies, and is the perfect space to create a more intimate feel. Continue reading “Like you’ve never seen us before”

Athens Pride – kiss me everywhere!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YHNX8naKolM
The Pink Singers had the privilege of being invited to Athens to help celebrate lesbian, gay, bi and trans Pride 2011 with them. We were excited to be going, but little did we know just how thrilling 4 and 5 June would turn out to be. The organizers and the people of Athens made us feel especially welcome, and the thunderstorms quickly gave way to sunshine and the sounds of celebration. Here’s a quick video of that amazing weekend. In keeping with the Athens Pride tagline, “Φίλα Με Παντού”! Continue reading “Athens Pride – kiss me everywhere!”