The idea of these workshops is to give AS2010 performers a chance to get to know each other before the big day.

Why not have a sneak preview of what’s on offer!

Click here!

“The moment I walked through the door at Lambeth Academy I felt so welcome.” – Allan Clay

The receptionist, who seemed to know every student by name, welcomed the team before being greeted by Head of Music, Denver Bennet.

The students were fantastically enthusiastic, with some really great voices. Working from words only we covered the Sanctus movements, the Lords Prayer and the Kyries, in a most successful day.

When singing with backing tracks the students coped brilliantly. It was great to make yet more new friends, and we can’t wait to see them all again in September.

Chris Brown welcomed Allan Clay, Musical Director and Lucy Ockenden, Technical Producer (armed with camera, tripod and various recording equipment) before morning class had begun.

Nerves were running high as the rehearsals began, but after a brisk warm up, the six strong choral team settled in to the swing of African Sanctus.

With some of the Walthamstow Academy African Sanctus Choir completely new to choral singing, some time was taken to explore the anxieties surrounding meeting and performing with 300 strangers.

Soon the anxieties seemed a thing of the past as the choir sped through the score. Layla and Shariyah (sopranos), Diamond and Idele (Alto) and Jacob and Jay (Bass) all have fine voices and excellent ears, and within an hour were singing the movement that opens and closes the work from memory.

A final, energetic rendition of the finale rounded off the day of rehearsals. We look forward to meeting the Walthamstow Academy African Sanctus choir for a day of workshops on 6th September!

Some of the students have never sung in a choir before, and were excited when Allan Clay, Musical Director of African Sanctus 2010, arrived to reveal the graffiti logo, and now can’t wait for September 7th to arrive!

Both auditionees were understandably nervous, but after a rigorous warm up, both performed far better than their own expectations, let alone those of Alison Manton, who looks after the choir.

A final decision on the solo will be made once all six potential soloists have been auditioned. Updates will be found on SanctusNet, and will be made available here soon after.

Good luck to Naomi and Abby!

You can watch a short clip of the auditions here!

I’m so pleased that six brave students have already expressed a desire to audition for the Lords Prayer Mezzo Soprano Solo.

I’m looking forward to hearing you all over the summer and would be delighted to hear from any other brave students who would like a crack at this one off opportunity.

Allan Clay

Musical Director – African Sanctus 2010

In October 2009 the Wyvern helped to facilitate the creation of our wonderful graffiti logo.

Now, in September 2010, the Wyvern will make an enormous contribution to the production of African Sanctus 2010 by hiring some of their technical equipment at a discounted rate.

We have Mike Hay, AS2010 Production Manager and Wyvern Technical Manager, and Derek Aldridge, Wyvern Theatre Director, to thank for this outstanding generosity.

Wyvern Theatre is managed on behalf of Swindon Borough Council by Wyvern Theatre Ltd, a subsidiary of HQ Theatres Ltd. Chief Executive Derek Nicholls.

The Wyvern Theatre opened in September 1971 by Her Majesty the Queen and His Royal Highness Prince Phillip. The auditorium has 635 seats and every seat is designed to be no further than 70ft from the stage. Wyvern Theatre is named after a mythical beast, similar to a dragon, which was once the emblem of the Kings of Wessex.

A forum designed to enable participants, fans, crew and teachers of African Sanctus 2010 to communicate throughout the summer holidays.

Access through the SanctusNet logo below, and register to join.

Let’s get chatting!

David was an extraordinary man. He touched the lives of all those who had the pleasure to meet him, or perform his work.

African Sanctus 2010 will continue as planned, with David, and the Fanshawe family, at the front of our minds throughout the production. We hope that our performance in September will make him proud.

Our deepest condolences to David’s wife, Jane, and the whole family.

David Fanshawe 1942 – 2010

Tributes can be found at www.davidfanshawe.com

Thanks to Print Line, a Kent based printing company, the posters are looking glossy and appealing.