THE FRIENDS OF THE MUSIC

Newsletter Number 21, Autumn 2014

Friends launch choral and organ scholarships H oly Trinity is delighted to announce the introduction of its prestigious new Choral Scholarships, funded by The Friends of the Music. Details of the scholarships to the Holy Trinity Church Choir were publicised in September and application forms circulated to schools in the area. The first three successful recipients are: Solomon Hayes, countertenor, Year 13 King Edward VI School; Edward Mulryne, tenor, Year 11 Stratford School and Ben Dennes, bass, year 12 King Edward VI School. Each will receive a stipend of £500 per annum to contribute towards the pay-ment of vocal lessons and purchase of any music their teachers feel they might require to aid their development and progress. The annual scholarship scheme commences in November and is open to anyone aged 15 or over in full-time education.

Something to sing about!

In addition, the Friends are funding a first Organ Scholarship, which has been awarded to James Fellows, a pupil at Warwick School. James is already well known to our congregations. He regularly plays at Sunday services and, in July, performed his debut Soundbites’ recital. Director of Music Benedict Wilson’s infectious enthusi-asm for the scheme quickly won the Turn to Page 4

Our first Choral Scholars (from left) Edward Mulryne, Ben Dennes and Solomon Hayes. And James Fellows, very much at home at the Holy Trinity organ

A summer when the music

“I knew that much more

than organ music

featured within this

special place. All

this for free? Yep, that’s

the magic of Soundbites”

Review Stratford Herald

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  Eleanor and Benedict Wilson 

Chester Trip July 19

Wednesday Soundbites 

Singing in Chester Cathedral

simply never stopped

River Serenade Benedict Wilson, Peter Durk, Tim Raistrick, Joe Woodman, Sam Bridges Solomon Hayes, Ben Dennes and James Packer.

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What an eclectic, exciting and entertaining summer of music we have enjoyed at Holy Trinity. From our Director of Music’s innovative lunchtime recitals, Soundbites, playing to large audiences; Sam Bridges and Friends’ memorable evening of easy-listening on the banks of the Avon (accompanied by the odd glass or two of Pimm’s); the visit in August of the splendid, award-winning Christohorous Children’s Choir from Germany and, later the same month, the moving testimony in song and words of the Swaziland Voice for the Voiceless Choir. Joined on the coach by many Friends, the choir even found the time to sing Evensong at Chester Cathedral. Christophorus Children’s Choir

Dear Friends

A s we now reach autumn, I reflect on a very successful year of music in Holy Trinity Church. In our church services the excellence of the Choir, Music Group and

musicians continues to maintain an important role in worship. Through its support of the music of Holy Trinity Church, The Friends of the Music endeavours to raise the profile of the considerable quality of musicianship that has been in evidence at the concerts and regular lunchtime weekly recital series Soundbites. Credit should be given to our Director of Music, Benedict Wilson, who persuaded the committee to organise Soundbites as a means of raising funds for the encourage-ment of young musicians through organ and choral scholar-ships. Other fundraising events this year have included an intimate and delightful concert of divine Renaissance choral music performed by Hymnos in the Chancel; River Serenade, a very successful outdoor concert organised by Sam Bridges; fine performances by the fifty strong Christophorus Children’s Choir from Altensteig in Germany and, in stark contrast, the resound-ing brass of the Shipston Town Band. And, most movingly of all, a choir of young people from the poverty stricken and remote areas of Swaziland, singing songs of hope and giving “a voice to the voiceless” in a homeland ravaged by AIDS. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who support the Friends through donations, encouragement and by regularly attending our events. I am very lucky to be supported not just by a hard-working committee, but also by others who offer help. A particular “thank you” must go to Hazel Mellor and Margaret Dale who supply a feast of sandwiches and cakes every Wednesday for Soundbites. Thank you all. Your support is very much appreciated. Best wishes, Jane Hornby Chair of The Friends of the Music

Continue from Page 1 support of the clergy and the Friends. Benedict told the Friends’ committee: “I think it is important that a church with Holy Trinity’s reputation, and which holds a strong musical tradition, should offer a scholarship scheme, not only to draw in the best talent that Warwick-shire has to offer, but also to be recog-nised musically nationwide.” Over the course of the next year, the choir will be producing its first commer-cial CD, giving recitals and concerts, performing premieres and commissions and touring next summer to Estonia. In addition to attending choir practices and services, the new Scholars will be expected to: Maintain the high standards of

the choir musically and set a good example to others in the choir

Assist with the training of choristers and help with musical outreach.

Take on solos and give a Wednesday Soundbites recital at least once a year.

Participate in other music events promoted by the Friends.

The scholarships are being funded in part through the generous donations collected at the end of each Sound-bites’ recital (proving so popular that they are being continued throughout November). So please support the recitals and all the Friends’ musical activities in the months ahead.

Newsletter

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The Friends of the Music AGM will be on Sunday February 1, 2015 in the Parish Centre. Time to be confirmed. A short business meeting and presenta-tion of choir and music awards will be followed by the service of Candlemas in church. As usual there will be musical entertainment and refreshments. Non-members are welcome to attend the AGM, but if you would like to join now, con-tact Jane Hornby on 01789 263966 or email: jane.hornby1@btinternet.com.

A for your diary...

Sign up and help the Friends make beautiful music!

THANK YOU... to Colin McDowall, John Cheal, John Burgess , Felicity

Howlett, Mark Brooks Ronnie Mulryne and Pat Pilton, who took

the pictures