The Pink Singers’ 2011 summer concert — Razzle Dazzle — draws inspiration from the cabaret nightclubs of Paris and will have the range of styles regular fans have come to love, but with a gay twist: songs from gay songwriters and composers or made famous by gay performers. There was an embarrassment of riches to choose from, such is the huge contribution of members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community to our musical heritage. Amongst those whose work will be featured are Barber, Britten and Tschaikovsky, Leonard Bernstein, KD Lang and Stephen Sondheim. Continue reading “Razzle Dazzle – willkommen!”
Tag: London
A burst of song, an album of photos
The Pinkies’ summer season has started, and the winter is now a distant memory. We had a challenging few months, but it all came together and we put on what was for many one of our best concerts ever. Of course, it helped that we were joined on stage by the always-entertaining Manchester Lesbian & Gay Chorus, and had such lovely photos taken by the guys at Boy Oh Boy photography. Enjoy the slideshow! Continue reading “A burst of song, an album of photos”
‘A Burst of Song’ breaks a leg
It is quite safe to say that in an LGBT choir we are bound to have more than our fair share of Elaine Paige devotees. She has her own radio show on BBC Radio 2 at 1 pm every Sunday, and you can imagine that a number of us tune in religiously to hear her present her favourite songs from musical theatre on the way in to rehearsal. Simon is clearly one of these Pinkies and he lent his dulcet tones to promote our upcoming concert ‘A Burst of Song‘.
In her radio show, Elaine supports amateur singing and theatrical groups by giving them the chance to speak to a national audience in the ‘Break A Leg’ segment. In case you missed it, you can hear Simon’s little blurb in her last show after the break. He’ll definitely convince you to get tickets to come see us at Cadogan Hall on 8 January 2011! Continue reading “‘A Burst of Song’ breaks a leg”
We stand against hate crime
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXrWH_SGvDg
It was 23 October 2010. The sun shone earlier in the afternoon when the three larger London LGBT choirs – Diversity choir, London Gay Men’s Chorus and the Pink Singers, gathered to rehearse on the steps of Trafalgar Square. A sudden rain shower as the sun was setting, however, dropped the temperatures to near freezing, but it did not deter us. We were singing for a good cause: to say “no” to hate crime, and tell the victims of hate crime that they are not alone. Here are some of the sights and sounds of the evening.
Photos follow after the break. Continue reading “We stand against hate crime”
Why I will be at the London Vigil Against Hate Crime
I’ve lived a fairly sheltered life as a lesbian. No overt homophobia, I wasn’t bullied at school but then I didn’t know about gays and lesbians until I was in my 20’s and at drama school and it wasn’t until a little later that I realised that lesbianism explained my feelings towards women and not towards men. I never felt there was something wrong with me and have always lived my life as an “out” lesbian and been accepted as such by colleagues and family. Clearly this is not the case with many of my friends and last year I was brought face to face with a monstrous hate crime when various news reports told us of the death of Ian Baynham who was attacked in Trafalgar Square whilst out celebrating.
Even if I’d not been a member of the Pink Singers I’d have attended the vigil that night but being able to be an active participant gave me a huge sense of community and a feeling that I was helping to make a stand to say enough is enough. Singers came from many of the lesbian and gay communities around the country, not just London and we all joined together with one voice to sing for Ian and all our brothers and sisters who have experienced hatred and persecution around the world. Continue reading “Why I will be at the London Vigil Against Hate Crime”