12 December Update

In this week's Bulletin you can read about:

• What we did in this weeks' rehearsal

• The BBC Radio London recording

• 20 Dec: Christmas performance update

• 'Getting to know you' - COTH Member profile - this week, our lovely sparkly Ivna!

Week 14

Well, what a busy and fabulous Thursday we had - starting our day off with a performance on BBC Radio London (more on that below) and then our usual rehearsal in the evening. It was also our MD, Elena's, birthday!

At rehearsal we went through our song rep for the performance at Stanley Arts on the 20th (see below for details). As a reminder, all the lyrics and backing tracks are in the Christmas Lyric and Audio Library

BBC Radio London

This week we were lucky enough to sing for, and be interviewed by, BBC Radio London as part of a feature they're doing on local choirs at Christmas. BBC producer, Nisha Patel, came to record a song and chat with us as part of Salma El-Wardany's morning show.

Lizzy and Ivonne were interviewed live on air to give some background on COTH - to explain our aims and what we stand for. After this we sang The Power of Love, also live!

You can listen to the recording of the show either by accessing BBC Sounds or via this COTH member's audio clip from the show.

DATES FOR THE DIARY

14 December COTH Christmas Party at Mozart's, Penge

COTH’s CHRISTMASSY SOCIAL🍷🧑🏻‍🎄👯‍♀🎄🧀🥂🍾🎟🎤🎁

When: Saturday 14 Dec 2024

Starts: 19:00

Ends: 23:00

Where: Mozart Cafe, Anerley Rd, SE19 2AS

Includes Secret Santa plus nibbles. (organised by Nomi).

FRIDAY 20 DECEMBER Stanley Arts Christmas Concert

Last year we had a great time singing as part of the Stanley Arts Christmas Concert. We've been invited back again this year!

At the bottom of the Performing page, you can see the event plan and set list. Unfortunately Elena is unable to join us for this performance so for one night only, Frazer will be leading us for this concert. He'll be joining our rehearsal on the 19th so that we can run through everything with him.

LOCATION

Stanley Arts, 12 South Norwood Hill, SE25 6AB

TIMING (PM)

6.20 - There will be a sound check for anyone who can make it.

7.30 - Concert starts

9.15-9.40 - our performance (this has changed at the request of the organisers)

10.15 - Concert ends

We are invited to watch the rest of the concert from the balcony as we did last year and then go on stage for the joint finale (with all the other performers) of 'All I Want for Christmas is You'.

Friends and family can purchase tickets from Stanley Arts:

https://stanleyarts.org/event/stanleys-christmas-concert/

GETTING TO KNOW YOU - COTH Member Profile

Each week we'll be speaking to different members of the choir so you can get to know them a little better. Please speak to Vicky if you'd like to be featured.

Ivna O'neill, Choir Member

Tell us a little bit about yourself - where you're from/where you live now etc.

I was born in Rio de Janeiro and moved to Ireland when I was 23, after graduating from uni. While there I became an Irish citizen (something I am really proud of!). I moved to London to pursue a job promotion, and it has been 11 years since. I live in a very colourful house in SoNo with my Polish husband Matthew and my Jack Chi Lola Tequila. 

What are your favourite songs:

• To get you in the mood for a big night out

  So many, but to pick just 2: Titanium, by David Guetta and Sia, and Waka Waka by Shakira.

• To lift your spirits when you're feeling blue

  I am a grunge girl and tend to go nostalgic and straight to the 90s. I listen to a lot of Pearl Jam, Metallica, REM, Soundgarden, Smashing Pumpkins, System of a Down, and others of that era. 

• To belt out at the karaoke

I’m usually super shy at karaoke but I’ve famously attempted Mariah’s Christmas anthem after a few glasses of wine during a work party. For a more subdued occasion, I’d pick Killing me Softly (The Fugees version) or Like a Prayer by Madonna. 

Are there any types of music you're not keen on and why?

I cannot stand Reggaeton and Grime. Sorry, young people of the world! 

What brought you to Choir on the Hill and how long have you been singing with us?

I moved to South Norwood without knowing much about the area. I worked in the City previously and changed my job at the same time, which meant a change of pace and more time. I always wanted to sing in a choir but thought I’d have to be experienced to do so. I found COTH through Facebook in January 2022 and it said no experience required, so had to check it out. I am so glad I did! 

Which female musical artists do you admire and why?

As any Brazilian would tell you, we consume a lot of our own music and culture and are extremely proud of it, so I must mention some of our greatest female artists here: 

Elis Regina, an incredible vocalist, whose protest songs sound current decades on.  

Gal Costa, a flamboyant diva with the most powerful voice. 

Marisa Monte, with a yummy voice that blends pop and samba brilliantly. 

I am also a big fan of Dolores O’Riordan from The Cranberries and her haunting vocals. 

Who are your female role models?

My main role models are my friends, who are incredible women and do not cease to amaze me in everything they achieve. 

I am also inspired by Dilma Rousseff, who was the first and only woman president of Brazil. She was a fighter for freedom during the Dictatorship years in the 70s, was arrested, tortured, got elected president, was ousted by a coup d’etat and is now the president of the New Development Bank. I don’t aspire to be as strong as her as I don’t think it is possible, but to keep my head held high and know my worth. 

Tell us a surprising or little known fact about yourself.

I’ve painted 3 murals at home. Some are more successful than others, but all of them were a pleasure, and really hard work to do!

You can see my house on Instagram @magdalena_terrace 

What is your favourite thing about being part of Choir on the Hill?

I am part of a lot of girl gangs, but becoming part of this one has been an unexpected delight! I never really felt at home in England, but becoming a COTH member was like cracking open a door into the psyche of a new culture, one that I wasn’t really experiencing before. You are not only very generous, engaged and inclusive, you are also so impressive as individuals. You are all major bosses, and I am proud to know and hang out with you!

Dates for the diary

The information below will be added to our Calendar and details will be shared on our Performing pages as and when we know more.

Click on the arrows to expand for more information