Published: Tuesday 23 November 2021
STEFAN CLAAS 1968 -2021
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We were extremely saddened to learn of the passing of Stefan Claas on 16 November. Stefan was a highly respected, much loved and talented singer, choir director, music lecturer, composer and friend of Chansons.
Members of Chansons had the privilege of singing under Stefan's direction in 2016 as we took on Bruckner's Mass in E minor as a joint choir with Ars Antiqua at Perth Concert Hall. And, more recently during our visit to Aschaffenburg in 2019 where once again the choirs joined forces. Our thoughts are with Stefan's family, friends and of course the members of Ars Antiqua. |
We took the opportunity to remember Stefan at our rehearsal last night as we sang in tribute to him.
Published: Thursday 10 June 2021
BACK TOGETHER AGAIN AFTER 15 MONTHS
We embraced the opportunity to sing safely together again at an outdoor rehearsal in line with COVID-19 guidelines.
After months apart, having only been able to rehearse virtually over Zoom, we enjoyed singing together again this week, for the first time since March last year, when the pandemic hit and all choir activity had to be suspended.
The socially distanced outdoor rehearsal took place on Monday 7 June and was planned and executed rigorously in line with COVID-19 guidelines to ensure the safety, wellbeing and health of our singers. You can view our full risk assessment here. Following Provost Farquharson's permission, we were able to meet in the grounds of St. Ninian’s Cathedral.
26 singers, our Musical Director, Areti Lymperopoulou and accompanist Gordon Murch enjoyed rehearsing a wide range of repertoire including 'Locus Iste' by Bruckner, Ave Verum Corpus' by Elgar and 'Jungfrau Dein Shoene G’stalt' by Hassler.
After months apart, having only been able to rehearse virtually over Zoom, we enjoyed singing together again this week, for the first time since March last year, when the pandemic hit and all choir activity had to be suspended.
The socially distanced outdoor rehearsal took place on Monday 7 June and was planned and executed rigorously in line with COVID-19 guidelines to ensure the safety, wellbeing and health of our singers. You can view our full risk assessment here. Following Provost Farquharson's permission, we were able to meet in the grounds of St. Ninian’s Cathedral.
26 singers, our Musical Director, Areti Lymperopoulou and accompanist Gordon Murch enjoyed rehearsing a wide range of repertoire including 'Locus Iste' by Bruckner, Ave Verum Corpus' by Elgar and 'Jungfrau Dein Shoene G’stalt' by Hassler.
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Our Administrator, Lorraine Trayner, who coordinated the event said: “What a huge joy it was for Chansons to meet and sing together on Monday evening! Singing and making music is what we love to do. |
“We were overjoyed when, in May, the Scottish Government guidelines permitted amateur singing groups to meet outdoors. There are still risks of coronavirus infection so we knew we had to put some careful safeguards and arrangements in place and to follow official guidance. We are very grateful to 'Making Music', a nationwide organisation supporting amateur music groups, for their invaluable advice.
“Preparations included drawing up a Risk Assessment, circulating instructions/guidance to members, ensuring social-distancing could be maintained and much more. A suitable venue was identified and a choir seating plan was measured so that everyone was spaced a minimum of two metres apart.
“It was a perfect warm summer evening, and, from the rooftop of the cathedral, the birds joined in with our singing. A wonderful experience for us all!'
“Preparations included drawing up a Risk Assessment, circulating instructions/guidance to members, ensuring social-distancing could be maintained and much more. A suitable venue was identified and a choir seating plan was measured so that everyone was spaced a minimum of two metres apart.
“It was a perfect warm summer evening, and, from the rooftop of the cathedral, the birds joined in with our singing. A wonderful experience for us all!'
