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Weoley weekend & concert
17 April 2008
The NSC’s concert at Weoley Hill Village Hall last Sunday (13th April) raised an impressive £600 for the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital in South Africa. A spokesman for the Hospital’s fund-raising Trust described this “wonderful donation” as “fantastic news”, explaining that 100% would go to a new operating theatre complex.
Almost all the sum raised represented donations from audience and NSC CD sales – not bad going for a venue with a capacity of just 100. The charity gig was the culmination of a productive and happy intensive rehearsal weekend, extending the benefits of all the hard work well beyond the musical.
A full account of the weekend will be posted shortly on our Past Events review page.
9th December 2007
13 December 2007
A second CD, the China tour and a BBC TV appearance with Lord Robert Winston – it might seem that all the NSC’s major news items for 2007 were done and dusted before the spring was out.
Its December rehearsal was a quiet classic however, a vindication of the NSC’s objectives of fostering excellence and creativity. There were three ‘saxperts’ to direct and advise: the Choir’s own Nigel Wood, musical director and soprillist; international recitalist, educator and champion of new music and new collaborations, Gerry McChrystal, and a new guest conductor, Professor of Saxophone at the Royal College of Music, top rank performer and recording artist, Kyle Horch. Gerry was there primarily to conduct the National Saxophone Ensemble and Kyle primarily to conduct the Choir, but by the end of the day all players had been exposed to both – talent spread generously.
The National Saxophone Ensemble is another new arrival for 2007. It has a special responsibility for assessing new music and the Choir has promoted new writing from the outset, so it was particularly satisfying that the three new pieces introduced to this rehearsal were all by Choir members.
For a full rehearsal report, please see Past Event Reviews.
Sax to the Max - North West
14 November 2007
Last Saturday saw the NSC venture to the North West for the first time, for an appearance at Westholme School Theatre in Blackburn.
The Choir were joined by over 20 extra saxophonists of all ages from all over Lancashire, who took part in an afternoon workshop with Richard Ingham, before performing with the NSC in the evening concert.
Luckily Nigel's soprillo was finally returned after spending 2 months in the post, and he was back with a vengance with a stunning performance of Waltzing Soprillda. Other highlights included an uplifting performance by the school choir who treated the audience to a range of showstoppers to open the evening.
The Choir's enthusiasm and energy was both inspiring and infectious, and provided an enjoyable evening for all concerned.
Blackburn is go!
5 November 2007
The NSC's second 'Sax to the Max' day is due to take off this Saturday at Westholme School Theatre in Blackburn.
After the very sucessful workshop in Grimsby earlier this year, saxophonists from all over Lancashire (and much further afield in some cases!) are flocking to take part in the event, helmed by choir conductor Richard Ingham, and Musical Director Nigel Wood.
For tickets to the concert, please see our 'forthcoming events' page.
Great Bowdon Recital Trust - 7th October
8 October 2007
Fronted by Keith Allen, the NSC played to a capacity crowd yesterday afternoon at the Great Bowdon Recital Trust.
With a stunning performance from soloist Gerard McChrystal, and the choir in top form, the audience were delighted in a concert where the only disappointment was that Nigel's soprillo got stuck in the post!! :(
Full Reviews to follow shortly...
NSC Artsfest Review
4 October 2007
With Nigel Wood on holiday for the NSC’s third Birmingham ArtsFest, the 16th September saw the Choir undergo a significant rite of passage when it appeared for the first time without its founder, conductor and soprillo soloist. The indefatigable, energizing and inspirational direction of Richard Ingham meant that the Choir was never in any danger of being left rudderless, and had he been in the audience, Nigel would no doubt have been proud that on this occasion at least, his ensemble managed very well without him.
He would have been particularly pleased with the tight teamwork of the guerrilla-style music-making required as players made three raids out from its base at Birmingham Conservatoire to performing spots that ranged from the surreal (desolate, windy canal-side), frankly impossible (Centenary Square, competing with fully amplified main stage act), to the positively civilized, at Birmingham Art Gallery.
Nigel’s lessons in presentation remained firmly in place too, as Bolero soloists worked the crowds even in perilous proximity to open water on the canal and in the fine but very cramped art gallery. Dominic Lawson’s debut as soprano soloist in Waltzing Soprillda was masterful and received with enormous enthusiasm – particularly when he was seen returning to the monstrous bass sax. Richard leading his own Mrs Malcolm on spoons, Michael Brogan’s whooping introduction to Shetland Sequence and the irresistible schmaltz of Bohemian Rhapsody – it all added up to an exuberant and extrovert package. Audiences themselves had to expend a good deal of energy and initiative seeking out the Choir on such a chaotic and packed day and it was good to present them with music that so clearly delighted them.
Clare Mackney
The NSC workshop returns!
28 September 2007
The NSC is bringing its acclaimed workshop day to Blackburn!
An afternoon of music, learning and fun for all ages!
See and hear the full might of the massed saxes!
Learn new music with the NSC!
Meet and rehearse with some of the country's top saxophonists!
Join the Choir on stage for their evening concert finale!
The workshop will take place in the Westholme Theatre in Blackburn on the 10th November 2007.
Applicants must be Grade 3 standard saxophone or above.
For more details please email workshop@saxchoir.com
Introduction and Riffs
25 July 2007
In February 2006 Roger May's Introduction & Riffs was declared winner of the National Saxophone Choir's inaugural Composition Competition. The features that placed it a unanimous first among an impressive field of contenders were its listening and playing qualities, its diversity and use of contrast and its potential as a striking premiere - a judgement borne out by a high profile and acclaimed first airing at the 14th World Saxophone Congress in Ljubljana, Slovenia on 8th July 2006. Alternative sopranino and bass sax parts are provided, allowing them to be played on the soprano and baritone respectively.
Roger won the 2006 National Saxophone Choir of Great Britain Composition Competition with Introduction & Riffs, a work that epitomises his vivacious rhythmical style and rich, jazz-inspired harmonies.
Whilst studying for an MMus in composing for film from the London College of Music and Media, he won the Wilfred Josephs prize for his orchestral epic, Bariolage. He has also been the recipient of the Aldworth Philharmonic's Young Composer Award, was a featured composer at the BASBWE conference, and composed the score to Time with Nyenne, winner of the Narcisse Award at the Neuchatel International Fantasy Film Festival.
He currently divides his time working in concert and media music as a composer, arranger and conductor. Further details can be obtained from his website, www.rogermay.co.uk.
Introduction & Riffs is a vibrant, energetic work with a showcase central fugue and is available from Saxtet in a standard ensemble version. It was first performed at the World Saxophone Congress in Slovenia in 2006 and has subsequently been performed in such places as the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and St John's Smith Square.
Introduction and Riffs is now available from www.saxtetpublications.com for purchase.
NSC World Tour
25 July 2007
13,407 Miles, 20 saxes, over 10 performances, chopsticks, bartering, and the interesting world of international sign-language, NSC’s most ambitious tour to date was as much a cultural exchange as a musical one. Under the direction of Nigel Wood and Richard Ingham, the trip was a great success, and the NSC would like to thank Trinity Guildhall Examinations, and China Bluestar for their sponsorship.
Next stop Thailand 2009...
NSE
25 July 2007
Due to popular demand the NSC is pleased to announce it has now set up a sister group, The National Saxophone Ensemble (NSE) to cope with ever increasing membership, and would like to invite all dedicated saxophonists to join (minimum entry ABRSM Grade 8). Directed by Sarah James and assisted by Claire Tomsett, the NSE made its inaugural performance alongside NSC at this year’s Artsfest in Birmingham. Interested?
NSC on MySpace
5 April 2007
Can't get enough of the NSC? Well, you can find us at www.myspace.com/saxchoir. We have some great photos from our Edinburgh trips and the intrepid China players have started to post a blog. Why not visit our site and become our friend?