London's LGBT+ Community Choir
As well as celebrating our 25th anniversary this year, the Pink Singers also sang at Pride for the 25th time, an event that we are proud to say that we have not missed once in the last 25 years since 1983 when we were first formed. A lot has changed since those early years, and it seems that our achievements run in parallel with the victories that the gay & lesbian community have won. Continue reading “Pink Singers – 25 years of Gay & Lesbian Pride!”
As far as I know I am the youngest Pinkie ever to join. I was 19 at the time, just off the plane from Finland. Being so young also means that I wasn’t even born when Mark Bunyan and the late Brian Kennedy formed the Pink Singers in May 1983. It seems amazing to think that when I was just a twinkle in my fathers eye, the Pink Singers were born.
I cannot remember how I found out about the Pink Singers, it was probably while browsing through Diva or perhaps on the Internet, but anyhow, in the late summer 2003, I took up all the courage I had and went along to a rehearsal.
I remember wearing a bright yellow jumper and a big smile on my face. During that time the Pinkies rehearsed at the Drill Hall and we were not as many Pinkies as we are now in 2008. Now we cant even accept more altos as we have too many already. Continue reading “Tales of the Pinkie – Nathalina”
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
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.
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”