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NSC News
7 Wonders
18 December 2008
Tickets are now available for the premiere of the NSC's most ambitious project to date, 7 Wonders.
Full of colour and contrast, the project is a musical evocation of the seven 'new' wonders of the world (www.new7wonders.com) in seven short movements, each featuring a different member of the saxophone family and each written by a different composer.
The premiere will be the centrepiece of a concert that celebrates all aspects of the Choir's repertoire, from cutting edge and contemporary, through rich classical arrangements and fierce and feisty folk, to the lighter material of its festival and busking appearances.
Venue: CBSO Centre, Birmingham
Date: Friday 20th March 2009
Time: 7.30p.m
Tickets: £10, £8 (concessions and members of the Clarinet and Saxophone society of Great Britain), £5 (children)
Available: Symphony Hall Box Office 0121 780 333, or online at http://www.cbso.co.uk/?page=concerts/index.html&m=03&y=2009&d=20
Music for the world's smallest saxophone
1 October 2008
Nigel Wood’s Soprillogy - the first ever album dedicated to the world’s tiniest saxophone – is already attracting accolades and airtime. Sax superstar Snake Davis has described the CD as “a masterpiece”, international recording artist and performer Gerard McChrystal has acclaimed it as “a truly moving, energetic and passionate album”, and renowned soloist, composer, educator and editor of the Cambridge Companion to the Saxophone Richard Ingham has greeted it as “an astonishing display of technical bravura, displaying outstanding musicianship and a fearless head for heights.” It’s already been featured on Chris Gumbley’s Radio Stafford’s Jazzbeat slot, and can be heard on www.bbc.co.uk/entertainment/jazz.
This is impressive achievement for the little soprillo, an instrument that only got a lukewarm reaction when its manufacturer Benedikt Eppelsheim first introduced it to the public in 1999. Nigel chanced on it a few years later and immediately adopted it to complete the family of saxes represented in the National Saxophone Choir. It featured in the 2005 premier of Ben Palmer’s Chimes and has been an integral element of Choir repertoire ever since.
However, Nigel soon realized that it had far more potential than a mere piccolo-equivalent, and so commissioned Philip Buttall to write Waltzing Soprillda (CD track 6), an exhilarating romp through two centuries of musical history. When performed with the Choir at the 2006 World Saxophone Congress in Slovenia it received a standing ovation, and it was this that inspired and encouraged Nigel to assemble the 15 tracks on Soprillogy, all specifically arranged or composed for the Soprillo.
The music encompasses elements of contemporary, world, baroque pastiche, jazz, folk and pop influences but ultimately defies categorization, simply reflecting Nigel’s personal, eclectic tastes. Nigel now hopes that the album will provide a resource for future Soprilloists (most of the titles will be published by Saxtet Publications), and an inspiration (even provocation!) to continue his pioneering journey into the heights of the saxophonic world.
Soprillogy Music for the world’s smallest saxophone; Nigel Wood (Soprillo), Jonathan Taylor (piano), Karen Street (accordion), Tanya Houghton (harp); SXP002 67.07
On sale from: www.saxtetpublications.com > catalogue > recordings; £12 plus p&p. £2 from every sale to The National Saxophone Choir of Great Britain, Registered Charity No. 1124193
Websites: www.soprillo.com; www.saxtetpublications.com; www.saxchoir.com; www.eppelsheim.com
NSC moves to secure its future
7 August 2008
As you may have gathered from our new footer on the website, the National Saxophone Choir of Great Britain is now a registered charity, No. 1125139. The registration process was a lengthy one, so there’s a sense of relief within Choir ranks that this important move in securing the NSC’s future has at last been achieved.
The charity’s trustees are Principal Guest Conductor Richard Ingham, Richard Edwards (editor of CASS, the magazine of the Clarinet and Saxophone Society of Great Britain, and loyal supporter of the Choir from the outset) and Clare Mackney, NSC Chairman.
Charitable status will be a valuable asset in fundraising, and schemes to help friends and fans support the Choir and its work will be announced here shortly.
7th August
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?