Corinium Players workshop
On September 6th, the Eden Stell Guitar Duo gave a workshop and joint concert with the Corinium Players, a group of young guitarists, aided and abetted by a few equally enthusiastic adults from Cirencester, Gloucestershire, UK. This workshop also provided an opportunity to ‘fine-tune’ the ensemble’s programme and optimise their chances of achieving a winning place at the GOFI contest in Germany which they were competing in later that month (GOFI blog coming soon).
The day started early with Chris Stell putting the CPs through their paces. The players responded brilliantly to his coaching and conducting suggestions, working on achieving a much greater dynamic range and contrast, and characterising the music as an ensemble. Chris’ enthusiasm knows no bounds in his desire to get the music perfectly honed, and the CPs motivation to hit those musical goals was a testament to their dedication.
Mark Eden took over from Chris after the CPs well-earned lunch break. Armed with a re-working of an arrangement of Queen’s ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ that he had been working on all morning with CP’s Musical Director, Sandra Dukes, the ensemble’s concentration was tested to its limits after the morning’s session, but they were quick to pick-up the new ideas and prepared well for the evening’s concert.
Final rehearsals and pointers generated some fun ideas for the possible encore performance of the ‘Return to sender’ Elvis number with US style pilot sunglasses.
The evening’s concert was an enormous success. The CP’s have a strong local fan base in Cirencester and the church was full as ticket sales had been going well all week. The audience warmed to the fun and engaging programme presented in a relaxed and light-hearted way by Sandra Dukes.
Musical items included …
Minuets I&II – Handel (arr. Robinson), Chariots of Fire – Vangelis (arr. Hare), 7.53 on Time – Lindsey-Clark, Sugar Plum Fairy – Tchaikovsky (arr. Gray), ‘Viva Jujay’ – Trad (arr. Charlton), Palladio – Jenkins (arr. Gary Spolding), Bohemian Rhapsody – Mercury (arr. Dukes), Return to Sender – Blackwell (arr. Dukes)
Composer and performer Vincent Lindsey-Clark made a surprise visit to hear the CP’s performance of his ‘Seven Fifty-three on Time’. This fun and catchy piece with nine parts is becoming a regular concert item for many guitar ensembles. Vincent was impressed and delighted with the CP’s performance.
The second half featured the Eden Stell Guitar Duo’s multimedia concert of music and images entitled ‘Music for an Island‘ from their latest CD BGS117. It was a tough act following the Corinium Players, and the duo concluded an enjoyable and stimulating workshop and concert.
Find out what happened at GOFI here at WYGF.org soon!
Report by Mark Eden
9 comments
Thanks Mark and Chris for an inspiring day – we love working with you guys and had a fantastic concert in the evening.
Can’t wait for 5th May for the workshop with VIDA and World Youth Guitar Festival in August!!
Hi Sandra
Chris and I had a great time with the CPs – we always do. Working with them is fun and exciting, and they really understand the enjoyment of making music together. Can’t wait to hear you all again at WYGF 2009 and with Vida GQ in May. Bravo!
Good to see my face in those pics!
Looking forward to WYGF next year – highlight of my summer.
I had a really great time with Mark and Chris and I’m looking forward to seeing them again when Vida come to play with us next year and at WYGF. Thanx Mark and Chris!
thanx Mark and Chris for coming to help us! we really needed your help and it really paid off. But Mark, did you have to change Bohemian Rhapsody at the last minute!?! And thanx Helen for writing such nice things about us.
from your joint no.1 fan, Helen (Ella Brown’s your definite no.1 fan).
Hello !!
I am your NO.1 fan !! Not that Ella or Helen. Anyway thanks for coming down it was an awesome day. I loved your Music for an island concert and the performance of generator at the end. Cnat wait for VIDA in March ‘09 and WYGF in August ‘09. And im liking the new site ! Cya soon xxx
josh
Many thanks for your comments and appreciation, especially about the website – keep them coming! It’s wonderful to hear your thoughts, and I’m glad you like ‘Music for an Island’ as it’s quite different to what Chris and I have done in the past. Vida GQ will have a great programme for WYGF 2009, so looking forward to meeting you all soon.
I am ABSOLUTELY, POSITIVELY, DEFINITELY, UNDENIABLY and WITHOUT DOUBT Helen Sanderson’s no.1 fan!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Can’t wait to see you in May! Mum says Hi! from Ella Brown xxxxxxxxx
Hi Ella. Many thanks. You may also be the only one!
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