Several people have asked me what Players for Pleasure events are coming up so here goes...


In early October, I've arranged for an informal recital to take place at Dyrham Park, which is a fabulous National Trust property near Bristol/Bath.

It's mostly for advanced pianists and singers, but some woodwind as well. The piano has been kindly tested by a forum member and is a Bechstein apparently, with a lovely tone, a bit bigger than a baby grand. As well as playing the Bechstein in the main hall, we also have the use of the Orangery (provided it isn't raining) for anyone who wishes to sing or play a wind instrument with digital piano accompaniment (subject to accompaniment offers)

I already have some names of people who are interested (including those who offered to test the piano who will have first refusal as previously promised) and numbers are necessarily limited. However, if anyone else would like to register an interest, please let me know. The event is particularly for adult learners but teachers are also very welcome

The next concert in Leeds will be on 2nd January 2010.

This is open to all instrumentalists - piano, orchestral, and non-orchestral like voice, sax, recorder etc. Any level is welcome - the audience will only be fellow performers and their guests, and it's just as rewarding to watch a beginner take their first nervous and tentative steps as it is to listen to a polished performance from an experienced player. This will be the 5th Leeds concert and photographs from the previous concert in May can be found at this link.

In March 2010, I'm planning to hold a concert similar to the Leeds one at a venue in Tamworth, West Midlands. I'll confirm a date once I've finalised the venue.

The summer concert in Leeds will be on Saturday 5 June, info as mentioned above for the January concert.

Also next summer, I'm in contact with Nostell Priory, another National Trust property, with a view to Players for Pleasure performing a recital there, similar to Dyrham Park in October this year. Nostell Priory has agreed in principle to have our group there, subject to confirmation nearer the time. A forum member has kindly been to test the pianos there, and exciting plans are afoot for a great event


Look forward to meeting lots of new forum friends, as well as the old familiar ones

skylark
organiser, Players for Pleasure


PS. Please would you email me if you have my email address, or otherwise PM me. Thank you!

I like Leeds events .

Just hope I have recovered enough from New Year's Eve to play properly

I may have a bit of a debate between or though.

Can I do half a solo on each, Skylark?

We'll probably all be in the same boat and won't notice




Whatever you like Flossie! Throw in a bit of singing as well if you want

There's likely to be fewer people and fewer large ensembles than in the summer, which will enable slightly longer slots or more slots for solos and duets/trios

I shall try and make Leeds in January, it will depend on the availability of public transport on what is a public holiday up here! Hope I can make it!

I hope so too! I hope you'll sing again as well - you have a lovely voice

Looking forward to it!
N

I would generally be interested. But I am coming from Germany, if I decide to be part of one event. So winter isn't my first choice and of course, it should not collide with exam dates (March). But if you have any info, I would appreciate it, if I would get informed.

Belated hand up to say please keep me informed!

Skyers, you've a PM (well, two, I forgot to put my email address on )

Same here! And let me know if you want to do any accompanying again



It would be lovely to meet you Lemontree I'll PM you, probably tomorrow as I've got to go shortly.



It must be a couple of years since I last saw you - it would be great to see you again! I'll email you - again, I'll probably have to do it tomorrow.

PS. Are you going to Upton, Sarah?

I don't even know which Upton it is or when or what consider me seriously out of the loop it'd be great to see you (and others!) again! I'm a bit finanically challenged and health-deficient (how PC am I?? ) at the moment but I'm definitely keeping my eyes peeled for events that are not too far from home. Look forward to email...

Oooh I shall definately come to the Tamworth event. Possibly Leeds in the summer too.

Lois

That would be great! Look forward to meeting you!

Please put me down for Leeds and Tamworth

Nicia

Seeing Nova post in this thread has reminded me that I discovered the other day my unlawful possession of her Grade 6 piano accompaniments, mercifully lent to me at the Leeds fest concert. I'll be In Town sometime over the next few days, Nova, as I plan to go and see the organ at St Clement's, and so will put it through the door! Sorry to have taken it home by mistake!

Ok, so long as it's not too challenging!



I hadn't missed it, but thanks anyway. No hurry.

N

Put me down for Leeds in both January and June. I'm not too sure about Music Stand for the June one though - I bet he'll be busy with GCSEs.

I am up for a bit of (basic) duet playing this time, as long as it's easy and no one has too high expectations of me. Also I'll need the music way in advance...

As it turns out, I don't think I can make the Bath one, but I'd definitely like to come to the Leeds ones again.

I'd like to do a duet on my violin with someone, and I need easy music too.

I don't have any music though... at least not at the moment.

I will say now that I refuse to do any sort of violin duet, so please no one ask! I'm rubbish at them and it's too humiliating.

I promise if I can come that I will sing though. (Oh gosh, what have I just agreed to?)

You're good on your violin, False_harmonic - you just don't seem to believe it.

If I can eventually play my violin even half as well as you do then I'll be pleased.

Look forward to seeing you all again!

I saw musicguru earlier - those who came to the January concert this year met musicguru but he wasn't able to come to summer concert. He's a choirmaster and he's offered to source some music and direct a choir at the January concert

You did?! Wow! I'm sure he'll steer a buoyant ship at the January concert!

If anyone wishes to see him and some singers and an accompanist before then, turn up to St Mary's, Whitkirk on September 5th...

Hi Flossie, I have some nice violin duets which have easyish second parts if you are interested?
N

How often/recently do you need to have (had) lessons to count as an adult learner?

I'll consent to a solo, but I can't count well enough to do duets, I need far more practise than half a morning!

hmmm ... might do... depends on whether the accompanist is any good




Hi Aeolienne - it's not as formal as that - if you're interested in coming, do send me a PM for more details

Edit: I think I'll start a separate thread as Leeds and Dyrham Park are getting mixed up here

Re Leeds in January...

... a sax player who hasn't been before has asked me if there may be a sax ensemble. We haven't had a sax ensemble in the last couple of concerts so I'm happy to incorporate one into the January concert if there are enough sax players. If anyone's up for a sax ensemble, please either post or email me and I'll put you all in touch

I think Music Stand will be keen to do this - could bring tenor, soprano or alto - and I know someone who can play bari if she's going...



I don't think you'd be keen to play a violin duet with me, though I'm strictly a beginner! I meant a piano duet...

Oh. I don't know why I assumed you were talking about violin. I can't help you on the piano duet front.

Nova - I would love to do a violin duet if you're still offering.

Feel free to give me a shout if anyone requires another violinist for anything.

Hi Flossie, yes, that will be fun, I'll look some stuff out for us.
N

Nothing too difficult though - I'm still a beginner. I can do easy position changes only, and am not good at fast things because my fingers aren't flexible enough yet (although this will hopefully improve...).

Would you like to do another duet?

N

We can definately make the January concert. Emsoboe and her friend will probably boith be along.

If anyone is interested in duets they will happily oblige

Me too! I couldn't make it to Leeds in May, but I'd love to come in January.

Any chance of doing a solo on both oboe and piano? Please?

I'm also up for a duet/trio. Emsoboe? I know we were going to do one in May, so maybe we could reschedule for January?

That would be great! I think duet would be fine unless there is likely to be another Oboist. Her friend is essentially trombone but does play Bassoon. If there is another Oboist then perhaps an easyish double reed ensemble.

Yes, please. I'd really like that.

Yes there's going to be another oboist

amber_piano - yes at this concert I'd like to be able to offer two solo slots by cutting down on the large ensembles and maybe the duets. I think what I'll say at this stage - bit early yet to be planning - is that performers can probably count on, say, four slots in total, being a mixture of solos, duets, trios, but if you want to play a couple of solos, then please don't count on being in more than a couple of duets. I might be able to extend this though when I know how many people are coming as I'm not expecting as many as at the summer concert. In practice I'd like to think that there will be opportunity to be in more duets/trios but let's see how it goes

Sax ensemble - just 3 so far, unless St George and I get to grips with our respective tenor and soprano, but that seems a bit unlikely Has anybody got any music for a sax trio/ensemble?


Edit: Just to update, names in this thread for Leeds January so far are:

Chris H
Drumchick???
emsoboe
false harmonic (possibly)
Flossie
gedall40
Lemontree (possibly)
Lucky045
Miss Ross
Music Stand
mwl1
Nicia-Clarinet-Flute
nova
skylark

plus some others who haven't posted

We've got a flexible ensemble piece that is quite easy and can include Sax and Clarinet. It might be of some use.

Great! Do you have anything particular in mind yourself? We could do some more Telemann if you like, or something more recent maybe.
N

Include me in please

And me

Duly added!

Amended list:

Babybird2
Chris H
Drumchick???
emsoboe
false harmonic (possibly)
Flossie
gedall40
Lemontree (possibly)
Lucky045
Miss Ross
Music Stand
mwl1
Nicia-Clarinet-Flute
nova
oldnotes
skylark

plus some others who haven't posted

More Telemann would be great, nova!


I was wondering if anyone (not necessarily for this concert) would be intersted in maybe putting together a wee traditional-sounding group - maybe just a voice, accoustic guitar, flute and maybe a fiddle? I've got music that would work... Let me know if you're interested!

And me!

Will do!


Amended list:

amber_piano
Babybird2
Chris H
Drumchick???
emsoboe
false harmonic (possibly)
Flossie
gedall40
Lemontree (possibly)
Lucky045
Miss Ross
Music Stand
mwl1
Nicia-Clarinet-Flute
nova
oldnotes
skylark

plus some others who haven't posted

I don't think Drumchick will be joining us this time as she has a part-time job and can't take time off due to several Ranger camps in the near future.

I imagine Emsoboes friend may will want to come again and I'll ask him to pick a forum name.

Flute.