Stage: Vocal focus
18 years – Rainbow Chorus goes from strength to strength
The Brighton and Hove LGBT Rainbow Chorus celebrates its 18th birthday this year with a packed calendar of events for everyone to enjoy. This multi-talented chorus led by musical director Aneesa Chaudhry, pianist Mojca Monti and supported by a dedicated committee, will open their year by performing at Sing Out on 18 May at the Brighton Fringe Festival.
July sees the Rainbow Chorus showcasing its substantial repertoire with two special concerts at St George’s Church to celebrate their birthday. From Shenandoah and True Colours to Adagio for Strings – there is something for everyone to enjoy.
The chorus will also perform at a series of regular events – Pride, TransPride and World Aids Day amongst others. There will also be their ever popular Christmas Concert at the end of the year. And that’s not all; the Rainbow Chorus has been chosen for the International Choir Festival to be held in Amsterdam in 2016 during Pride celebrations – an amazing achievement and honour. These are just a selection of events planned for the year.
The chorus always welcomes new members. Along with the opportunity to sing an amazing range of songs within a supportive, fun and friendly group, there are also lots of social activities to get involved with throughout the year.
The Rainbow Chorus is extremely representative of the local community, and sponsors are always welcome to take advantage of this excellent positioning by supporting their programme and activities throughout the year.
Supporting events within the wider LGBT community is a defining feature of the Rainbow Chorus and it is with real joy and pride that it is co-hosting Hand In Hand at the Brighton Dome. This is a very special three day event which brings together choirs from all around the country. Hand in Hand is scheduled for 12, 13 & 14 June 2015 – make a note now to attend what promises to be a spectacular and memorable event. www.rainbowchorus.org.uk
Jonathan Church and Alan Finch to leave Chichester Festival Theatre
Artistic Director Jonathan Church and Executive Director Alan Finch have announced that they are to step down from their respective roles at Chichester Festival Theatre at the end of September 2016, following Festival 2016.
Both Church and Finch joined Chichester Festival Theatre in 2005, overseeing the organisation’s 50th anniversary in 2012 and the recent £22 million redevelopment. Under their tenure, the company has produced over 100 productions including 22 new plays, winning over 40 awards for the work and more than doubling audience numbers, playing to 95% capacity in 2014.
The Theatre has also enjoyed significant success beyond Chichester during their leadership with 48 productions transferring to the West End or securing international and UK tours. These include Lucy Prebble’s ENRON, Macbeth with Patrick Stewart, Singin’ in the Rain, Sweeney Todd, Private Lives, King Lear with Frank Langella, The Pajama Game, Jonathan Church’s production of Taken at Midnight and Gypsy directed by Jonathan Kent.
Jonathan Church said; “It has been a privilege and a joy to have been the custodians of this very special theatre for the last decade and to have worked alongside some of the country’s most skilled actors and creative teams. I hope, between us, we have helped contribute to the current strength of British theatre and demonstrated the important role of subsidy in creating vibrant regional arts organisations that are rooted in their community but also have the ability to provide national and international impact.”
Alan Finch said; “We are incredibly fortunate to have some of the most loyal audiences, generous supporters and sponsors I have ever come across. Without their support, Jonathan and I would never have been able to achieve what we have.”
Sir William Castell, Chairman of Chichester Festival Theatre, said; “Jonathan Church and Alan Finch have led Chichester Festival Theatre to extraordinary levels of success, and our artistic standards and reputation have never been higher. We will be sad to see them leave, but they are committed to our phased succession plans and will deliver the next two Festivals to ensure a smooth handover as we head into the Theatre’s next chapter.”
