Essex Branch
On Wednesday 18 August twelve Essex Branch players played in the courtyard of Ingatestone Hall, carrying on with our tradition, which had been temporarily halted by the pandemic. We were lucky to enjoy a sunny (albeit windy) day and it was great to play music in a real setting rather than sharing on a screen.
We have held our first face to face meeting at St George’s Church Hall in Brentwood on 4 September, when 15 Branch members turned up to enjoy the sound of real music. Our AGM took place on Monday 6 September, it was short and lively. The existing Branch committee existing of Madeline, Liz, Christine, Annelies and Janet has been reelected and we have one new member: Peter Walker.
On 5 February 2022 we much enjoyed a playing day with Ian Wilson as our guest conductor. We rehearsed a number of pieces, including Schein, Handel, Philips and the Pearls of Essex. We ended up with a mini-concert for ourselves.
On Sunday 7 August 12 members of the Essex Branch played in the courtyard of Ingatestone Hall, following on with our tradition. We much enjoyed it as we did the cream tea afterwards.
On 1st October The Essex Branch received a pastoral visit from Michael Graham, which was much enjoyed.
On Saturday 4 March 2023 we enjoyed a well-attended playing day with Helen Hooker.
Unfortunately we had to cancel our playing day on Saturday 3 June 2023, with Andrew Challinger as our conductor for reasons of ill health. However, we are very pleased that Sue Handscombe replaced him as our guest conductor and gave us a most enjoyable day with many challenges and lots of laughter.
On 6 August 13 of our members played in Ingatestone Hall as has been the tradition for many years and afterwards we enjoyed a cream tea.
On 22 August we sadly said farewell at the funeral service of Derek Duck who passed away on 8 August 2023. He had been a member of the Branch and served on the Committee as treasurer for many years. He was much liked because of his kindness and helpfulness to all of us, and in particular to new members and his astute observations about all things financial.
Our next meeting will take place on Saturday 4 May with the following programme:
Josquin La Spagna ATTBB LPM RB3
Gluck Suite: Orpheus e Eurydice SATB ms
Seiber Dance Suite, Vol.3 SATB Schott 12347
Anna Vriend Boer wat zeg je van mijn kippen SATB ms
Future sessions: 1 June, 6 July
5 October 2024: Playing day with Liz Alexander
The Essex Branch will organise a SRP workshop “Crossing the Boundaries” with Helen Hooker on 15 November 2025!
Details to follow.