Documents

Chairman's Report May 2007

This is the fifth time I have had the pleasure in reporting on another year's activities, and again I am happy to say it has been a full and satisfying year. It all started immediately after last year's AGM with our version of 'Water Music', which included the chromatic but delightful 'Rio Grande'. As in many previous performances, Tim showed us what he and a set of 88 ivories could produce. But there was more. Our multi talented Lilian played orchestra to Tim on the second set of 88 and what a result. Tim, I thank you on behalf of us all for your continuing dedication to making each and every one of our concerts something special. And Lilian, who I affectionately call 'Fingers' - thank you for playing second fiddle, double bass, French horn etc etc. Magnificent.

Moving on the to the ENO Sing project in July. Here was an opportunity many of us took to experience choral singing on a massive scale and also to perform on the world famous London Coliseum stage. Those of us involved will remember 'genesis' and look back upon it from many different perspectives. The gathering of so many committed amateurs was the notion behind the event and it truly worked. This was a demanding two day event with much preparation of 'genesis' and the extract from Peter Grimes rewarding us all with a memorable and enjoyable occasion. The prep had been the key to success - of this there is no doubt, and at this stage I must highlight the attention to detail which Christine gave to this and to every single item we have presented to the public. I am acutely aware that her application to the task of binding us and others harmoniously is a huge responsibility - but every time Christine brings out the best in us and we are rewarded with magical memorable musical moments. To say just thanks to you Christine seems insufficient but I do so on behalf of us all.

And next came our third Italian adventure - this time to Lucca, Pisa, Florence and elsewhere in Tuscany. It may be that if Coro Il Baluardo from Lucca had not come to London on tour, this venture would not have taken place. Joint events with this local choir made for very enjoyable times. Our Italian friends made us so welcome and poured an immense amount of energy into ensuring all went according to plan. The ten days flashed past in a blur of song, architectural and historical grandeur, fine dining and almost perfect weather - and who was responsible - LENTO - the behind the scenes group from VS who planned and executed this event from start to finish. May I place on record my personal thanks for a job well done and pass on appreciation in its fullest from all who benefited from their work.

And it didn't all end on August 12th because on 25th we met up with Coro Il Baluardo again, this time at All Saints, Mayfair for a joint concert as part of their tour in England. Claudio and his singer's generosity continued since this was a fund raiser for All Saints and it proved to be a delightful evening.

Summer over, it was back to some new music for the autumn concert _'As Time Goes By', and some old favourites as well. We gave our second performance of 'genesis' along with several arrangements allowing us to show off some of the many solo talents we have amongst us. Christmas also saw a medley of various melodies and readings in a very traditional and well patronised programme.

Thereafter our concentration was to be on the event of the year - the St. Matthew Passion. The choice of such a demanding work paid dividends in its attraction of new faces at the workshop in January, with many staying with us for the whole term to participate in a superb performance on 31st March. Hard learning paid off and to be accompanied by a choice orchestra - The Jericho Ensemble - hand picked by Christine, and to be in the company of such supportive and enthusiastic soloists, again all identified by Christine, made all the difference. The facilities granted to us at All Saints, Woodford Wells and a huge commitment behind the scenes from so many, made this our finest performance of the year. I wish to express my sincere gratitude to all involved in making this such a special event and in particular to all who sang for their commitment.

We have looked back a little, but if we take time to glance back even further we shall see that this year would have seen the 50th anniversary of The Ivor Evans Operatic Company - the group which formed the basis for our present organisation. And it is timelt to say that there\ are still two members of VS who were there 50 years ago. I wont say who they are but June and Olive will be able to tell you !Looking forward I note that 2008 is our 10th anniversary year and it is the committee's wish that this be marked in a special way. Another event such as we have produced these past three years i.e. The Matthew Passion, Missa Solemnis and Elijah would be fitting. Also celebrating Elgar's 150th seemed a good starting point and various options have been discussed. But we do have one over riding consideration. Producing such an event demands a considerable investment of funds and even with our realistically priced tickets and reasonable subscriptions, we cannot hope to break even. As example, even though we had a full house for the St Matthew Passion the overall costs demanded that something like £3000 be found from our own resources or elsewhere.

The bottom line is therefore that we need to raise funds for our celebration. Traditionally we have had the help of Redbridge Arts Council by means of a grant on application where appropriate. However we already know that the availability of such funding may be severely limited in the future and this applies equally to The Arts Council for England and The National Lottery fund, the latter from whom we did manage to secure funding in 2006. At this stage then I request that each and everyone of us considers how we may be able to raise some or all of the funds required and that suitably motivated members will assist in setting up a group or sub-committee to drive this initiative along. Many options are available, ranging from simple sales to an expansive 'Patrons' or 'Friends' organisation, commercial fostering and sponsorship. Initially we need time and energy to consider this in detail and I appeal to you all to give this some thought and to share those thoughts with one of the committee. Don't just leave it to someone else - have your say! Meanwhile I cannot let this moment pass without paying tribute to the committee - a group who have dedicated themselves to The Valentine Singers and our progress in far too many ways to define now. Unlike myself, some have been committee members for many years and now consider it time to stand down. Rosemary Sultani has made this decision but will continue to encourage us all to sell those all important tickets. On behalf of us I thank you Rosemary for your long service to us all.

Many others not on the committee could be singled out for their continuing part in making VS what we are - web-site management, poster distribution, section rep, tea making, flyer distribution, music procurement and handling, mail shot organisation etc etc etc - these and many more tasks are fulfilled week in week out, quietly and consistently and with a huge amount of good will. We owe our current status as producers of high quality events, to these unsung heroes just as much as the up front committee. Attention to task has been the hallmark of success and my thanks seem totally inadequate. I have already noted that attention is what our musical director gives to every aspect of every performance and it is rightly what she demands and deserves of us. To say thank you Christine for your constant energy, attention, deliberation and direction is not enough so I ask you all to stand and give her three cheers

Top ^