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West End Choral Workshop - Spain
How
It All Began …
In May of 2008, Nigel Hopkins brought his famous choir, “Let’s
Sing” to the Costa Blanca for the third time. They continued to
thrill audiences as they had on previous occasions, and once again raised
several thousands of euros for the AECC - the Spanish Cancer Charity.
It was announced at their concert in Alfas del Pi that the money raised
for the Costa Breast Scanner Appeal had taken the figure over its €300,000
target.
Discipline
Following this highly successful tour, many singers on the Costa Blanca
indicated that they would like to be involved with such a disciplined
well-trained chorus. Thus the idea was born that Nigel should come back
to give one of his well-known Choral Workshops that have been so successful
in the UK over the past several years.
Workshop
So, with the help of local singers Steve Horsfall and Keith Ashton,
a week-long workshop was planned for August 2008. Local singers and
performers would be invited to take part and share in the wealth of
experience that Nigel Hopkins, along with his immensely talented son,
Matthew, could impart to them within the limited time available.
Master
Class
During the week-long course, a day-long West End Master Class for soloists
was given by Nigel to help singers with their individual performances.
D-Day
….. 4th August 2008
Monday, August 4th, saw the realisation and inception of the first West
End Workshop, and 75 singers assembled at the Hotel Cabo Cervera in
La Mata, Torrevieja, ready, willing, and excited to join in an amazing
choral experience.
Target
… Results!
They were not disappointed. From Nigel’s opening remarks explaining
the aims and aspirations of the course it was obvious that there was
to be a lot of hard work, fun, and - results! Handing over to Matthew
Hopkins for what was to be his daily session of unique warm-ups, the
course got underway with a vengeance!
Inspirational
The learning aspects - ‘note-bashing’ and interpretation -
of the fourteen choral pieces that were to be the heart of the concert
(and to be performed in five days time!), were interspersed with the
most informative specialist aspects of singing, voice production, and
breathing techniques. All of these were accompanied by personal demonstrations
from Nigel’s beautiful and inspirational voice.
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