What’s on in Little Totham?
July 28 and August 4 and 11 Children’s Activity Days, All Saints.
Sept 4–11 Eleventh annual pro-am music festival, assorted times.
LITTLE TOTHAM PRO-AM
MUSIC FESTIVAL
SEPTEMBER 4 – 11
HIGHLIGHTS this year include the sophisticated cabaret duo Diva Divo, an appearance by SongCycle, the Essex answer to the King’s Singers; and the exciting young talent of concert pianist Tia Eagle accompanied by classical soprano Elizabeth Holliday.
The 11th annual pro-am music festival involves over 60 musicians and singers in seven different events, all but one taking place in the 1,000-year-old parish church of All Saints.
The exception will be the big band concert on Wednesday, September 8, when Great Totham village hall has to be hired to accommodate the 43 members of the Colchester-based Abbeygate Concert Band and local schoolchildren.
This year’s programme kicks off on Saturday, September 4, with a gig by Wigged Out featuring festival favourites keyboard virtuoso Phil Leaderand the innovative drumming of Mark Simpson performing their version of classical and jazz favourites.
The combined choirs of Little Totham and Goldhanger will take centre stage at the festival evensong on Sunday.
The all-male all-cycling male voice quartet, SongCycle, sing sacred to popular on Monday night and Thursday’s performance features Pam’s People, local singers and musicians who belong to the Maldon-based Plume Music School.
Friday night showcases two remarkable young women – concert pianist Tia Eagle and soprano Elizabeth Holliday – in a programme including songs from My Fair Lady plus the music of Puccini, Gershwin, Schubert and Schumann.
With the support of Essex on Tour international soprano and tenor duo Elinor Chapman and Octavio dos Santos Neto finish the week – literally – on a high note singing favourite numbers from West End to Broadway.
The festival provides top class professional entertainment for people in a rural area at reasonable prices with a glass of wine and home-made nibbles included.
Full programme and prices:
Saturday, September 4, 7-30pm Wigged Out £7.50 concessions: £6.50.
Sunday, September 5, 6-30pm Festival Evensong.
Monday, September 6, 7-30pm SongCycle £7.50. concessions £6.50.
Wednesday, September 8, 2-15pm Abbeygate Concert Band, Great Totham village hall. Donations.
Thursday, September 9, 7-30pm, Pam’s People., All Saints. £5.50 concessions £4.50.
Friday, September 10, Lightly classical with Tia and Elizabeth, 7-30pm, All Saints. £7.50, concessions £6.50.
Saturday, September 11, 7-30om, Diva Divo. All Saints. £7-50 concessions £6.50.
Box office and further information available from churchwarden Vivienne Smith on 01621 891660 or viv@letscom.nitrex.
Sept 19 11am All Saints Harvest Festival.
October 3 11am Annual churchyard service and lunch.
Nov 2 8pm All Souls service to remember those who have died.
Nov 6 11am Annual gift and bric-a-brac fair, All Saints.
Nov 7 11am All Saints Benefice service and lunch.
Dec 19 3pm Carol service, All Saints.
Dec 20 6.30pm Carolling round the village. Meet Swan car park.
Dec 24 4pm Christingle Service.
Dec 24 11.30pm Midnight Mass preceded by 15 minutes of carols on request.