We performed the second of our two concerts in association with the MBF at the end of May. The first was in Norwich (which you can read about in a previous post), and this one was in Bristol at the beautiful Lord Mayor’s Chapel. We sang to a large and appreciative audience, and we received a good review from the Bristol ‘Evening Post’: -

…they presented a varied programme, starting with music from Latin America, in which they sang three contrasting numbers and the harmony was brilliantly controlled….Three arrangements of well-known songs really showed their versatility. The Billy Joel number was followed by an exquisite performance of Eric Clapton’s ‘Tears in Heaven’, in which all the pathos was cleverly presented. musical Director Kit Perona-Wright gave us several little-known facts about the music, and had complete control of the singers. 8 out of 10

David McKee, alongside other members of The Serlo Consort, led an afternoon workshop for students working towards their music GCSE & A-levels. In addition to vocal technique, the students worked through a series of pieces in different styles related to their exams with some even on the listening papers.

They managed to sing in parts both accompanied and unaccompanied, and we finished off the session by performing in the Cathedral itself. It was a fun day for everyone involved - so look out for more workshops in the future!

Our concert, in association with the MBF, held in Norwich Cathedral last Saturday was extremely well received by the audience. The critic from the Eastern Daily Press wrote: -

Here was a mixed vocal group it is a pity to miss….it was an entertaining hour of high-class singing. Conducted by their founder, Kit Perona-Wright, who also accompanied many items, the programme - in neatly defined sections - moved from finely balanced sounds of Latin American Music and joyfully rhythmic pieces, to the master of polyphony, William Byrd.

A lighter section emphasised the group’s versatility, brilliantly showing that The Serlo Consort can relax into a song. I’m so glad I was aware of their visit!

We repeat the concert at the Lord Mayor’s Chapel (Park Street), Bristol, and hope to see many of you there. Tickets available on the door, or from us directly.

Many favourable comments have been received since our performance of the brilliant work, ‘The Passion according to St. John’ by J. S. Bach.

Our major sponsor, Elphick Estate Agents, wrote to say “Congratulations on the concert last Saturday, it was much appreciated and very well received on the evening, and I wish you all the best for the future.”

Other audience comments include: “Words cannot express how much we enjoyed the performance of ‘The Passion’ in Ashtead. You are all to be congratulated on a first-class concert!” Mr J. Dix

“Once again, my thanks to you for another wonderful concert. Yesterday was a great success: an excellent choir, excellently conducted with excellent accompaniment!” Mr P. Hudson

“The concert was absolutely fabulous! I don’t know what my husband and I were expecting, but we left feeling in awe.” Mrs S. Whitehead

” I felt the need to drop you a line to congratulate you and the choir for a finely tuned & evocative performance on Saturday. From the build-up of the opening chorus to the final chorale, the superb musicianship of all concerned shone through. Your inspired direction of the performers makes the group excel, and it has (and will continue to be) a privilege to listen to your performances.” Mr P. Abnett

We are pleased to announce that we have secured the use of Norwich Cathedral to use for our concert in April. This is a change from using the church of St. Peter Mancroft.

We are delighted to be able to use such a magnificent building for our concert, and hope to see many of you there on Saturday 26th April as possible!

The publicity for the ‘St. John Passion’ taking place on Saturday 8th March, 2008 in Ashtead (Surrey) has unfortunately been printed with one digit missing from the contact telephone number.

We apologise for any inconvenience that this may cause you, and urge you to use the number from this website - which IS correct!

0208 7611565 (it is a number 1 that is missing from the publicity). Obviously the e-mail address, the websiter address, and the postal address are correct. 

A year after The Serlo Consort was asked to work with Robin Gibb on his Christmas Carol Album, the choir is going to make its first CD recording. It will contain a mixture of items of a ‘reflective’ nature, and will be available for purchase at some stage from February/March 2008.

We are going to record the album in the glorious acoustic of St. John the Evangelist (by kind permission of the Vicar and PCC), Upper Norwood, and will be joined by Stephen Farr on the organ. Stephen is one of our Honorary Patrons and Director of Music at St. Paul’s Church, Knightsbridge (until recently, Director of Music at Guildford Cathedral).

Please look on this website in the New Year for more details……

Several new editions are available for purchase! Prepared by the group’s Artistic Director, Kit Perona-Wright, please check the catalogue (publications page) for updated items, such as:

• Byrd Ne Irascaris
• Tomkins O praise the Lord
• Perona-Wright Thou art Peter

and many more…..! Contact us for further information, or to place an order.

The concert of Latin American Baroque music that we performed at the end of September was a huge success! We had a large and very appreciative audience, many of whom immediately requested that we perform the concert again soon. The editions prepared by our Artistic Director for a small instrumental ensemble and voices worked perfectly, and many comments were made about the use of space in the church building (antiphonal effects, 3 separate choirs, processional and recessional music, etc). A triumph that we are sure to repeat another time!

David McKee, our Assistant Director, and Sarah Hughes were married over the summer at a beautiful ceremony in Norwich Cathedral - where David is currently a layclerk. Despite a firealarm being set off in the speeches (!), the day was a memorable event - from the service itself, to the reception in the cloisters and splendid cathedral refectory. The weather was perfect, and we send them every blessing as they start this new life together!