NEWS
Our Chairman was very surprised, delighted and honoured to be nominated in her capacity as Chair of Phoenix Choir to attend the Sussex Women of the Year Lunch in May this year. The purpose of the biennial lunch is to celebrate the achievements of and the contribution made by so many inspiring women who live or work in East Sussex or Brighton and Hove.
The event this year also supported Family Support Network and the work they do to support neurodiverse children and their families.
"The weather was beautiful, as was the venue and the lunch! The ladies there were from all walks of life and most knew no-one else. The uniting factor was that all have made real contributions to their communities in one or other, whether it was for Riding for the Disabled, support for those who've experienced family suicide, organizing regular village quiz evenings or setting up a business to reuse preloved school uniform.
There was a very jovial atmosphere with lots of conversation as well as speeches from the Chairman, Violet Hancock; representatives of Family Support Network, Toya Mendez and Phillipa Fleming; and the Guest speaker, Louise Minchin."
Come and Sing Day with John Rutter 2017
A fantastic day was had by everyone when Phoenix Choir hosted A Come and Sing Day with John Rutter recently. Singers of all ages and abilities attended, coming from across East Sussex but also as far away as Yorkshire, Wales and Cambridge.
John Rutter is probably the best known and loved living British composer. His music, both sacred and secular, has mass appeal being tuneful and expressive with sumptuous harmonies. He was in sparkling form with his infectious enthusiasm on the day as he guided the 300 odd singers through his chosen pieces which ranged from some old favourites such as Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus to Rachmaninoff’s ‘Bogoroditsye Dyevo' and some newer pieces of John’s own such as ‘A Flower Remembered’ which he was commissioned to write in commemoration of the Japanese Tsunami victims. Each piece was introduced with a pertinent and often amusing back story in almost comic stand-up style which kept the singers both informed and highly entertained throughout the day. Phoenix Choir’s accompanist, Gavin Stevens, did a sterling job in providing excellent and sensitive accompaniment.
During the afternoon break John Rutter took time to chat and sign music and everyone enjoyed tea and cake. One singer remarked ”It’s great to be in the midst of so many people enjoying themselves so much.” Fiona Evans, Chair of Phoenix Choir said it had been an absolute privilege to host the event and she was delighted with how the day had gone. She praised the Phoenix team whose hard work had made the day such a success. She added - “Musical top tips, singing, laughter and John Rutter – what else you could you possibly want from a day out?” As seen in the Eastbourne Herald 6.10.17
For more photos of the fantastic day we spent singing with John Rutter go to the Gallery.
All photos courtesy of Rachel Kiley of Rachel Kiley Photography
