One question we're often asked is "how do you formulate your programmes?" Well, the usual answer is that it's done in committee by the whole group, with Tim leading - he's currently in charge of programming and holds the KS library at his flat in London. We have around a dozen programmes each year that get sent to promoters and agents, but we also put bespoke programmes together whenever they're required - if there's a festival theme, an anniversary or other event to commemorate, or if a promoter has specific requirements.Last night's programme, in Cheltenham, fell into the category of "concept programme" - where a common idea or theme holds together music of differing styles, genres and eras. We had decided to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the publication of Lewis Carroll's "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland," and Johnny put together a programme of eclectic music from the Renaissance to the present day, including madrigals, laments, contemporary commissions, folksongs and pop. In short, the usual KS mix, but in an unusual order!UK festival audiences are always gracious and enthusiastic, and last night was no different. Interestingly, there were several pieces that five of us hadn't sung before, and one that even David didn't know! It was a real bonding experience to work on this music from a common starting-point, and for me the highlight of the evening was the opening piece, Gordon Langford's poignant arrangements of Spike Milligan's "Alice in Wonderland." It was a great way to start the evening, setting the scene for narrator Tim Pigott-Smith's wonderful characterisations - such a joy to share the stage with an acting legend!Next week, it's off to Royal Holloway for our second Summer School, and we can't wait to welcome this year's participants. Some are already in pre-formed groups, but others are arriving as individuals and will have the chance to meet like-minded singers and create brand new ensembles. The creative process is something I'm looking forward to, immensely, and I hope there are long-lasting legacies of our time with the students.
One question we're often asked is "how do you formulate your programmes?" Well, the usual answer is that it's done in committee by the whole group, with Tim leading - he's currently in charge of programming and holds the KS library at his flat in London. We have around a dozen programmes each year that get sent to promoters and agents, but we also put bespoke programmes together whenever they're required - if there's a festival theme, an anniversary or other event to commemorate, or if a promoter has specific requirements.Last night's programme, in Cheltenham, fell into the category of "concept programme" - where a common idea or theme holds together music of differing styles, genres and eras. We had decided to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the publication of Lewis Carroll's "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland," and Johnny put together a programme of eclectic music from the Renaissance to the present day, including madrigals, laments, contemporary commissions, folksongs and pop. In short, the usual KS mix, but in an unusual order!UK festival audiences are always gracious and enthusiastic, and last night was no different. Interestingly, there were several pieces that five of us hadn't sung before, and one that even David didn't know! It was a real bonding experience to work on this music from a common starting-point, and for me the highlight of the evening was the opening piece, Gordon Langford's poignant arrangements of Spike Milligan's "Alice in Wonderland." It was a great way to start the evening, setting the scene for narrator Tim Pigott-Smith's wonderful characterisations - such a joy to share the stage with an acting legend!Next week, it's off to Royal Holloway for our second Summer School, and we can't wait to welcome this year's participants. Some are already in pre-formed groups, but others are arriving as individuals and will have the chance to meet like-minded singers and create brand new ensembles. The creative process is something I'm looking forward to, immensely, and I hope there are long-lasting legacies of our time with the students.
One question we're often asked is "how do you formulate your programmes?" Well, the usual answer is that it's done in committee by the whole group, with Tim leading - he's currently in charge of programming and holds the KS library at his flat in London. We have around a dozen programmes each year that get sent to promoters and agents, but we also put bespoke programmes together whenever they're required - if there's a festival theme, an anniversary or other event to commemorate, or if a promoter has specific requirements.Last night's programme, in Cheltenham, fell into the category of "concept programme" - where a common idea or theme holds together music of differing styles, genres and eras. We had decided to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the publication of Lewis Carroll's "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland," and Johnny put together a programme of eclectic music from the Renaissance to the present day, including madrigals, laments, contemporary commissions, folksongs and pop. In short, the usual KS mix, but in an unusual order!UK festival audiences are always gracious and enthusiastic, and last night was no different. Interestingly, there were several pieces that five of us hadn't sung before, and one that even David didn't know! It was a real bonding experience to work on this music from a common starting-point, and for me the highlight of the evening was the opening piece, Gordon Langford's poignant arrangements of Spike Milligan's "Alice in Wonderland." It was a great way to start the evening, setting the scene for narrator Tim Pigott-Smith's wonderful characterisations - such a joy to share the stage with an acting legend!Next week, it's off to Royal Holloway for our second Summer School, and we can't wait to welcome this year's participants. Some are already in pre-formed groups, but others are arriving as individuals and will have the chance to meet like-minded singers and create brand new ensembles. The creative process is something I'm looking forward to, immensely, and I hope there are long-lasting legacies of our time with the students.
One question we're often asked is "how do you formulate your programmes?" Well, the usual answer is that it's done in committee by the whole group, with Tim leading - he's currently in charge of programming and holds the KS library at his flat in London. We have around a dozen programmes each year that get sent to promoters and agents, but we also put bespoke programmes together whenever they're required - if there's a festival theme, an anniversary or other event to commemorate, or if a promoter has specific requirements.Last night's programme, in Cheltenham, fell into the category of "concept programme" - where a common idea or theme holds together music of differing styles, genres and eras. We had decided to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the publication of Lewis Carroll's "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland," and Johnny put together a programme of eclectic music from the Renaissance to the present day, including madrigals, laments, contemporary commissions, folksongs and pop. In short, the usual KS mix, but in an unusual order!UK festival audiences are always gracious and enthusiastic, and last night was no different. Interestingly, there were several pieces that five of us hadn't sung before, and one that even David didn't know! It was a real bonding experience to work on this music from a common starting-point, and for me the highlight of the evening was the opening piece, Gordon Langford's poignant arrangements of Spike Milligan's "Alice in Wonderland." It was a great way to start the evening, setting the scene for narrator Tim Pigott-Smith's wonderful characterisations - such a joy to share the stage with an acting legend!Next week, it's off to Royal Holloway for our second Summer School, and we can't wait to welcome this year's participants. Some are already in pre-formed groups, but others are arriving as individuals and will have the chance to meet like-minded singers and create brand new ensembles. The creative process is something I'm looking forward to, immensely, and I hope there are long-lasting legacies of our time with the students.
One question we're often asked is "how do you formulate your programmes?" Well, the usual answer is that it's done in committee by the whole group, with Tim leading - he's currently in charge of programming and holds the KS library at his flat in London. We have around a dozen programmes each year that get sent to promoters and agents, but we also put bespoke programmes together whenever they're required - if there's a festival theme, an anniversary or other event to commemorate, or if a promoter has specific requirements.Last night's programme, in Cheltenham, fell into the category of "concept programme" - where a common idea or theme holds together music of differing styles, genres and eras. We had decided to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the publication of Lewis Carroll's "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland," and Johnny put together a programme of eclectic music from the Renaissance to the present day, including madrigals, laments, contemporary commissions, folksongs and pop. In short, the usual KS mix, but in an unusual order!UK festival audiences are always gracious and enthusiastic, and last night was no different. Interestingly, there were several pieces that five of us hadn't sung before, and one that even David didn't know! It was a real bonding experience to work on this music from a common starting-point, and for me the highlight of the evening was the opening piece, Gordon Langford's poignant arrangements of Spike Milligan's "Alice in Wonderland." It was a great way to start the evening, setting the scene for narrator Tim Pigott-Smith's wonderful characterisations - such a joy to share the stage with an acting legend!Next week, it's off to Royal Holloway for our second Summer School, and we can't wait to welcome this year's participants. Some are already in pre-formed groups, but others are arriving as individuals and will have the chance to meet like-minded singers and create brand new ensembles. The creative process is something I'm looking forward to, immensely, and I hope there are long-lasting legacies of our time with the students.
One question we're often asked is "how do you formulate your programmes?" Well, the usual answer is that it's done in committee by the whole group, with Tim leading - he's currently in charge of programming and holds the KS library at his flat in London. We have around a dozen programmes each year that get sent to promoters and agents, but we also put bespoke programmes together whenever they're required - if there's a festival theme, an anniversary or other event to commemorate, or if a promoter has specific requirements.Last night's programme, in Cheltenham, fell into the category of "concept programme" - where a common idea or theme holds together music of differing styles, genres and eras. We had decided to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the publication of Lewis Carroll's "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland," and Johnny put together a programme of eclectic music from the Renaissance to the present day, including madrigals, laments, contemporary commissions, folksongs and pop. In short, the usual KS mix, but in an unusual order!UK festival audiences are always gracious and enthusiastic, and last night was no different. Interestingly, there were several pieces that five of us hadn't sung before, and one that even David didn't know! It was a real bonding experience to work on this music from a common starting-point, and for me the highlight of the evening was the opening piece, Gordon Langford's poignant arrangements of Spike Milligan's "Alice in Wonderland." It was a great way to start the evening, setting the scene for narrator Tim Pigott-Smith's wonderful characterisations - such a joy to share the stage with an acting legend!Next week, it's off to Royal Holloway for our second Summer School, and we can't wait to welcome this year's participants. Some are already in pre-formed groups, but others are arriving as individuals and will have the chance to meet like-minded singers and create brand new ensembles. The creative process is something I'm looking forward to, immensely, and I hope there are long-lasting legacies of our time with the students.
One question we're often asked is "how do you formulate your programmes?" Well, the usual answer is that it's done in committee by the whole group, with Tim leading - he's currently in charge of programming and holds the KS library at his flat in London. We have around a dozen programmes each year that get sent to promoters and agents, but we also put bespoke programmes together whenever they're required - if there's a festival theme, an anniversary or other event to commemorate, or if a promoter has specific requirements.Last night's programme, in Cheltenham, fell into the category of "concept programme" - where a common idea or theme holds together music of differing styles, genres and eras. We had decided to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the publication of Lewis Carroll's "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland," and Johnny put together a programme of eclectic music from the Renaissance to the present day, including madrigals, laments, contemporary commissions, folksongs and pop. In short, the usual KS mix, but in an unusual order!UK festival audiences are always gracious and enthusiastic, and last night was no different. Interestingly, there were several pieces that five of us hadn't sung before, and one that even David didn't know! It was a real bonding experience to work on this music from a common starting-point, and for me the highlight of the evening was the opening piece, Gordon Langford's poignant arrangements of Spike Milligan's "Alice in Wonderland." It was a great way to start the evening, setting the scene for narrator Tim Pigott-Smith's wonderful characterisations - such a joy to share the stage with an acting legend!Next week, it's off to Royal Holloway for our second Summer School, and we can't wait to welcome this year's participants. Some are already in pre-formed groups, but others are arriving as individuals and will have the chance to meet like-minded singers and create brand new ensembles. The creative process is something I'm looking forward to, immensely, and I hope there are long-lasting legacies of our time with the students.
