|
|
 |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
|
|
Essex Musical Association UK
|
![]() |
|
|
|
|
The Essex Musical Association (UK) gives small choirs, from all parts of Essex, the chance to take part in performances of large scale works, accompanied by a full orchestra, and to be directed by conductors of national and international reputation, experiences which might not be within their separate means.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
The Essex Musical Association Today
|
|
|
The Essex Musical Association celebrated its Centenary with a special choral concert in Thaxted Church, Essex, UK on May 6th 2006. Thaxted Church has been the splendid venue for their annual concert nearly every year since 1979. However in 2008 a move to Chelmsford Cathedral changed the long established pattern. (The venue for 2009 is under consideration.) Through this event, held in May or late April, the EMA gives amateur choirs from around Essex the chance take part in large scale works, accompanied by a full orchestra, an experience which might not be within their separate means. Over the years, these Essex choirs have sung under the direction of conductors with national and international reputations (many with strong connections to the County of Essex) and they have been enthralled by the top class professional singers engaged by the EMA for the solo parts. Since 1992, the accompanying orchestra has been the Essex Symphony Orchestra (UK), (See a separate page for a fuller account of the association between the ESO and the EMA.) Rehearsals start earlier in the year, with the musical directors of the various choirs taking them separately through their parts, and, nearer the time of the event, there are up to two combined rehearsals of the choirs taken by the chosen conductor for the concert day. The orchestra is rehearsed separately by its own musical director and sometimes by the conductor for the concert at their own rehearsal venue. There are quite a few grey heads among the choirs, a natural outcome of the long life of the EMA, and the EMA organisers are always looking for new blood to carry the great tradition forward. Where choirs discontinue their participation for some reason, the committee searches urgently for a replacement to keep the combined choir up to a size and strength at which it can give performances which thrill both performers and audience.
4th May 2008
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
