Music Review

Carlisle Floyd’s Susannah, was performed at the Hackney Empire (one of ‘matchless Matchem’s’ rather florid theatres), it is on the 254 bus route. The production is that of the ETO (English Touring Opera, www.englishtouringopera.org.uk) which takes professional opera about England mostly. This tour includes Perth, and Truro, (Cornwall is not English). Perth is not getting Susannah, but the other two operas will be performed, Don Giovanni and Anna Bolena (Donizetti).... [more>

The rather glossy Programme for the LGSO (London Gay Symphony Orchestra) outing on (Sun., Feb 17) entitled the affair a Farewell to Winter Concert. I managed to arrive late – again – and missed the first item, Georges Enescu’s Romanian Rhapsody in A major (the first of two). I have never really taken to Enescu, but I would have quite... [more>

The LGSO (London Gay Symphony Orchestra)’s Summer Concert (Sunday, 8th July, 2007) consisted of three works by Dmitri Dmitrivich Shostakovitch, it being his hundredth birthday year. The works were, the Festive Overture, the Second Piano Concerto and the Tenth Symphony. The conductor, Simon Bowler’s handling of the Overture almost convinced... [more>

1 Can you tell us how & when you discovered that you could sing I was the only girl in a band at school, called The Vandals, playing guitar. There must have been a time when a female lead vocal was needed, and as only girl, it had to be me, age 13. I guess it all started there. 2 What was your first break into the music industry ? Oh... [more>

  I recently had the chance to meet 1 of my favorite hi-nrg divas the fab Kelly Wilde and have a little chat with her and get all the latest biz from her. 1 You were fab at Manchester Pride in August and the crowd went nuts for you , one of the tracks a cover of Blondie’s maria is you’re next single , when is it out & on which... [more>

A lovely interview with Nicki French by your very own hi-nrg Bob   Q 1. I saw you perform at Manchester pride 2006 and you were amazing , any plans for any pride events this year ? A 1. Thank you so much! I had a wonderful time at Pride last year – and all I’ll say is keep your eye on the Diary dates over the next few days!... [more>

Much amusement has been expressed in the posh papers about the HSE (Health and Safety Executive) criticising the noise levels orchestral musicians have to tolerate while working. Chaps have expressed wonderment at the very notion of tuba players being asked to wear ear plugs, and some other recommendations. The ear plugs were suggested more for use... [more>

The Southbank Sinfonia is the resident band in St John’s Waterloo, it’s ’snail-mail’ address being that of the actual church*. On Thursday, 10 May 2007, at 6pm it gave one of its regular Rush Hour concerts. It consisted of Tchaikovsky’s Variations on a Rococo Theme, and Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony. The band’s... [more>