Welcome to the Marlow Amateur Opera Society's web site!
What we do:
The principle activity of the company is performing the operas of Gilbert and Sullivan, but we do occasionally indulge ourselves in singing a variety of other music.
Who we are:
We are a friendly, fun-loving society with members from a range of ages. Our principle activity is performing light opera and especially the works of Gilbert and Sullivan. We also have an active social program. . The qualifications you need to join are enthusiasm and the desire to enjoy yourself!
What's going on:
This will take place on
Thursday 15 July at 8 p.m. - again at United Reform Church. Please make every effort to come along and contribute to the discussions and the voting for the committee. Please note that, to save postage, the usual AGM information (Minutes, Nomination Forms etc.) will only be sent to members whose 1998/99 subscriptions have been paid - yes, there are still some outstanding!
March 2000
production of :
Martha byFriedrich von Flotow
(1812-1833)
In the plot, we have disguises, misunderstandings, obstacles in the path of true love but importantly, a happy ending. Lady Harriet, maid of honor to Queen Anne, beautiful but unhappy and bored with the adulation of her admirers and the routine of court activities, sings of her unhappiness. Her maid, Nancy, suggests that her mistress needs a true lover. In a fit of devilment, Harriet suggests they dress as peasants and go to the Fair at Richmond where peasant girls display their talents to the farmers who have gathered to hire servants. Accompanying them, under protest, is the elderly Sir Tristan who is in love with Harriet. Two farmers, Lionel and Plunkett, notice them and approach them, asking what kind of talents they have. Still in a mischievous mood, Harriet and Nancy say they can work hard, and the two men give them the regulation fee which binds the girls as servants for a year. Harriet says her name is "Martha;" Nancy chooses "Julia."
The men take them to their home, show them their room and also the spinning wheels on which they are expected to spin. As they show absolutely no knowledge of the wheels, the men proceed to demonstrate. The girls then sit down and gaily spin, all the while singing to the rhythm of the spinning wheels. Love blossoms between Lionel and Harriet and Plunkett and Nancy. After rejections, accusations, tears, and the beautiful and famous song, The Last Rose of Summer, things work out so that each pair comes together in joy and more delicious song. The excerpt being performed is the famous Spinning Song with notes and words fashioned to represent the sound of the spinning wheels.
We need all vocal parts, back stage, bodies that sort of thing to make it happen
When and where we
rehearse:
Because we are taking on a really challenging production for the Millenium, we believe we need to give ourselves a headstart musically by starting rehearsals (at United Reform Church) on 22 July at 8.00 p.m. with our usual Taster Evening. If you haven’t already heard any of Martha it’s full of great chorus work, is cheerful and light hearted and features the well known "Last Rose of Summer". Handbills for this will be sent out with the AGM information so that you can spread the word far and wide that we would welcome new singers and helpers. We realise that some people will miss rehearsals because of holidays, but we would urge to you make every effort to attend as many as you possibly can. From September we shall move back to Liston Hall as usual. Auditions for the principal parts will take place in October as usual.
Why not come and join us?
Contacting us:
For further information you can email me, Trish Sinkler, at: [email protected], or you can contact our publicity secretary, June Goodwin 01276 503035
The company has a busy social programme. The list is subject to frequent updates, so I am posting them on
MAOS 1999 Production:
Ruddigore
Our 1998 Production of Fiddler on the Roof now has its own set of pages.
(under Construction)
A brief history of Marlow Amateur Opera Society
(under Construction)
Links
List of Operas http://diamond.idbsu.edu/GaS/html/opera_index.html
If you are interested in finding more G&S sites on the web have a look at the Gilbert & Sullivan Archive page.
trish sinkler 6th July 1999.
