English Male Voice Choir & Japanese Strings Concert
60th Anniversary Charity Concertsupporting Sue Ryder CareThe Cotswold Male Voice ChoirFukuoka String EnsembleSunday 31st May 2009 at 7.30pmCompère: John Rockley of BBC Radio Gloucestershire. The Fukuoka String Ensemble from Japan will be joining local favourites, The Cotswold Male Voice Choir, for an evening of classic, operatic, big show numbers and popular music in support of Sue Ryder Care.Many of the sixteen members of The Fukuoka String Ensemble have played violin, viola, cello or bass since the ages of three and four. Some of them have played before in England and in Europe, winning a variety of awards, going on to become recognized instructors in Japan. Their founder and leader, violinist Kimie Yoshinaga attended master classes with Issac Stern in Switzerland and has also played as a soloist with Prague Chamber Orchestra and Czech Philharmony Orchestra.For the forty plus members of The Cotswold Male Voice Choir, this represents a highlight in their very busy 60th anniversary year. In addition to many local events including concerts at Tewkesbury Abbey and Gloucester Cathedral, recently the Choir has performed in the French Alps at Annecy, in Wales with three Welsh choirs, in York’s Guildhall at the invitation of the Mayor, and twice at the Malvern Music Festivals. In November 2008, England Rugby sponsors BetFair engaged the Choir to sing on stage on the three international Saturdays at Twickenham station. Their Manager of Sports and Events, Will Brown said “It is the best entertainment we have provided for any event in my years with BetFair. More than 50,000 fans went away smiling each Saturday, despite England’s three losses!”The Choir is returning to Twickenham for the 2009 Six Nations matches. This concert will also mark the publication of a new book chronicling the 60 year history of the Choir in words and photographs.Tickets £10 - Box Office - 01242 572573 – www.everymantheatre.org.uk