New place like home

BCS Blog has now moved to a new address within its own website:
http://blog.brusselschoralsociety.com. If you're a subscriber you'll need to go over there and change your subscription. If not, now's the time to do it.

Nothing else changes: We're still looking for members to contribute (it's easier now than ever) and we're still open to other groups and organisations who have something to announce.

Other than that it's So Long to Blogger, and thanks for all the fish. But we're going to be seeing WordPress now. It's just something we can't control.

Would the last person to leave please turn out the lights?

Recommended Reading

David Wood writes:

Here's a title worth passing on:

"Big Bangs" -- the story of five discoveries which changed musical history by Howard Goodall.

Goodall is a composer and broadcaster, who, in addition to choral works and music for the theatre, has written the theme tunes for many TV programmes.

"Big Bangs" , based on a UK Channel Four TV series, covers several key musical inventions, including musical notation, equal temperament and the pianoforte. Goodall's book is full of humour and interesting anecdotes, such as the etymology of the virginal's name (and the fact that in old-fashioned usage the instrument is usually called "a pair of virginals") and, of course, the origins of Guido of Arezzo's Ut (Doh), Ré, Mi system in the Vesper Hymn for the feast of John the Baptist.

A fascinating read.

Published by Chatto & Windus ISBN 0-7011-6932x

Amazon.com link here.

Speaking of Chant

Speaking of Chant d'Oiseau, many thanks to everyone who helped make the event a publicity success. That includes Val and Fernand and their press contacts, Baudouin, Heleen and Ray and their translationary abilities, Derek who wrote half the programme, everyone who stood outside a theatre handing out flyers, all of those who put up posters in offices and shops. You all know who you are.

The people who said they would "think about it" and then went home and did nothing, well you know who you are, too. Maybe now you'll see that a determined effort can make a difference. An extra pair of hands is always welcome.

I wish everyone the best of summers, wherever you're going and whatever you're doing. Come back at the end of August refreshed, for those who are taking part in the KVS event.

I intend to start with publicity for Messiah right away, from the beginning of September (maybe even sooner). And preparations for the promotion of our Spring 2008 concert are already under way. So there's plenty of work to be done, if you're up for it.

Best wishes,


Alan Hope

Jongen Mass

A correspondent informs me of the release of a studio recording of the Mass by Joseph Jongen which the BCS sang last year at Chant d'Oiseau. It features (as you can see) the Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge with the London City Brass.

My correspondent obtained his copy from a secret source, but you can order yours from Amazon.com here. You can also listen to samples.

Alternatively, you can get the same CD much cheaper at HB Direct here. And whether you buy it or not, there's tons of information about the work and the musicians on the HB site.

I say "whether you buy it or not" because, of course, we have our own CD of the BCS doing that very work, which you can download from my very own hands at rehearsal, or by arrangement. Ours is only €15, and the money obviously goes into BCS coffers.

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Forthcoming concerts

Information on coming concerts on local websites:



Pianofolies.



Klara Festival (KVS) September 1.



Klara Festival (KVS) September 2.



And of course Messiah on December 1, PBA Bruxxel; and December 8 Eglise St-Jacques, Tournai. More information on that in the fullness of time.



To anyone attending tonight's concert at Chant d'Oiseau, get ready for a massive sound.



To anyone still wavering, waver no more. Tickets are still available. See previous post for directions.



And to all those taking part this evening: remember to have a good time. If you do, so will they.

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