28 June 2013 www.bahrainthismonth.com happeningsclubssocieties Vive La Musique! Tune in to the Manama Singers as they celebrate the magical gift of music this month, with a French twist. When? June 21 Event? La Fete de la Musique Venue? Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa La Fete de la Musique, or World Music Day, is commemorated every year on June 21. The practice originated in France in 1982 but has since grown into an international phenomenon celebrated in more than 460 cities in 110 countries worldwide. The purpose is to promote music through amateur and professional musicians, and through concerts that are accessible to the public. “It is wonderful opportunity to unite the musicians of Bahrain for World Music Day and share our gift of music with the local community,” said Deborah Monsen, musical director of the Manama Singers. The evening’s programme will include rousing selections from Bizet’s Carmen and a medley of songs from Les Miserables. A children’s choir, selected by auditions at local schools, will perform one of the opera’s best known songs, Chorus of the Street Children. The audience will also be treated to Manama Singers soloists for famous pieces such as Habenera, the Flower Song, and the Gypsy Song. The popular music from Les Miserables will feature Manama Singers and guest soloists from the GCC, as well local teenagers who be joining the choir for the event. The Manama Singers last worked with a French theme five years ago for their concert, Viva Opera, when, coincidentally, they also sang a selection of pieces from Carmen. “Hopefully this will turn into an annual event for the Manama Singers and the Sofitel hotel, the venue for the concert” says Michael Keates, chairman of Manama Singers. Timeless music The thespians began their journey back in the early 1970s, when a small group of enthusiastic singers got together to fill the gap left by the Elizabethan Singers, Juffair Singers and Muharraq Choral Society, who all departed the Kingdom after the withdrawal of British Forces in 1971. “In those days, the group would rehearse at the old British Council, which is now part of the British Embassy, and performed their concerts wherever they could find a willing host,” notes Mike. “Most of the time events would be at the, then, Hilton Hotel and we’re pleased to say that this relationship is still very much alive. We’ve performed at the Golden Tulip three times in the last 18 months.” The society is now 40 years old and has grown into a group of highly proficient choristers, performing regularly to audiences of several hundred, and at one concert, Carmina Burana in May 2007, to over 1,000 people. “Despite the upheavals of expatriate life, with people coming and going all the time, the Manama Singers is a group of likeminded individuals who love to sing; it’s what keeps us going,” Mike says. E Call 17 636-363. Laugh it Off! When? June 5-6 Event? Comedy night Venue? British Club and InterContinental Regency E Call 36 663-509. Chuckle Club’s June shows feature international comedy legends Alan Francis, Iain Stirling and Rob Deering. Scottish actor and comedian Alan Francis won Channel 4’s coveted So You Think You’re Funny in 1991. Since then his reputation has grown as a writer, stand-up and actor. Stirling started stand-up whilst in his final year of Law at Edinburgh University, a year which saw him make the final of both the Paramount Funniest Student and Chortle Student Comedian of the Year competitions. Deering can be spotted at clubs, theatres, TV, radio and festivals throughout the known world. The shows start at 8pm and tickets are prices at BD15 for each night.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy Mjk0MTkxMQ==