Weddings and Special Occasions
~ Carmel Edwards (Soprana) and Megan Edwards (Piano) ~
News...
2012 has been a busy year for me. March brought a performance at the small Elizabethan church of All Saints at Risley as part of the ‘Normandy Singers’, a group of professional and semi-professional singers who have attended the Advanced Performance workshops run each summer in France by the Lynne Wayman Voice Centre. It was a varied programme from Gluck to Madonna, and I had the chance to sing a Handel duet, Eternal Source of light divine’, with an excellent trumpeter. I also took part in ‘Soave il vento’, a trio from Mozart’s Cosi fan tutte.
March 24th saw the culmination of a lot of work as the Nottingham Bach Choir performed the whole of Bach’s St Matthew’s Passion in the beautiful setting of Southwell Minster. This 900 year old church was packed, for a performance in two halves, with a supper break to sustain choir and audience alike! I took a modest solo role as Pilate’s wife, and was pleased with the review in the Nottingham Evening Post which declared the cameo solo roles to be ‘characterful and confidently projected’.
Music practice is now primarily focused on the ‘We are the world’ concert due to take place at the end of April. A line-up of international musicians has been brought together to perform in the Edith Piaf Theatre in Bernay, Northern France.
I will get the opportunity to branch out and perform some jazz songs in the style of Ella Fitzgerald, as well as a classical spot. I am looking forward to a long weekend in Normandy with good company, sharing music, and plenty of good French food and wine!
About Carmel Edwards...
Carmel has been singing since the age of 5, and is a member of the Nottingham Bach Choir with whom she has performed as a soloist. Until recently she sang with Farnaby & Co, a small musical ensemble specialising in madrigals and early music, and she was the lead singer for "The Dirty Thirties", a band specialising in music from the 1930's.
She is classically trained, studying currently with Lynne Wayman, and is preparing for the ABRSM Diploma (Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music), although she enjoys singing a variety of musical styles.
She has made two professional recordings for a local company producing French language resource materials, and in 2006 recorded a CD with Farnaby & Co.
Carmel has taken part in numerous Festivals and competitions, including the National Eisteddfod of Wales in 2010, and has been praised for the pure quality of her sound. She has also performed in various charity concerts, including a major fund-raiser at Belvoir Castle.
About Megan Edwards...
Megan is an accomplished young pianist who has experience of playing for weddings, including providing incidental music for the reception. She has a wide repertoire, from jazz to classical, ballads to modern classics.
Together we can provide background music to create a relaxed atmosphere for your guests as they assemble for the reception including such songs as "Moon River", "Can't Help lovin' dat man of mine" and other easy listening classics.
Weddings...
Live music can provide a background during the signing of the register or to add colour and atmosphere to a civil wedding. I would be happy to liaise with the church organist or I can bring a pianist if required. Under "Selection of Songs" I have suggested examples of pieces of music often chosen, but if you would like a particular song I would be happy to learn it if it is not already in my extensive repertoire. I am based in Nottingham, but I am available to sing anywhere in the East Midlands.
Selection of Songs...
- Ave Maria by Bach, arranged by Gounod
- Panis Angelicus by César Franck
- The Flower Duet from Lakmé, by Delibes
- Ave Maria by Schubert
- Un Moto Di Gioja from The Marriage of Figaro, by Mozart
- Laudate Dominum by Mozart
- Ave Maria by Caccini
- Ave Verum Corpus by Mozart
- Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring by Bach
- Exsultate Jubilate by Mozart
- Amazing Grace (Traditional)
- Morning has broken (Traditional)
- If loved you from Carousel, by Rodgers and Hammerstein
- Do I love you by Cole Porter
- One Hand, One Heart from "West Side Story"
- Can't help lovin' dat man of mine from "Showboat"
- Someone to watch over me by Gershwin
- As time goes by from "Casablanca"
- Summertime from "Porgy and Bess"
- All I ask of you from the Phantom of the Opera by Andrew Lloyd Webber
Awards...
- Nottingham Music and Drama Festival
- Winner of Ladies Open Solo, the Maud Morley Trophy ~ March, 2006
- Selston Musical Festival
- 1st Prize in the Lieder and Art Songs ~ Nov 2005
- Derby Arts Festival
- Winner of Ladies Recital ~ Dawes Cup ~ May 2005
- Derby Arts Festival
- Winner of Ladies Recital ~ Dawes Cup ~ May 2004
- Derby Arts Festival
- Winner of Oratorio Solo ~ Ruth Morris Cup ~ May 2004
- Nottingham Music and Drama Festival
- Winner of Ladies Open Solo, the Maud Morley Trophy ~ March, 2003
- Nottingham Music and Drama Festival
- Winner of Ladies Open Solo, the Maud Morley Trophy ~ March, 2001
- Nottingham Music and Drama Festival
- Nottingham Guardian Trophy, Overall Winner ~ March, 2001
Quotes...
"I am passing on to you the many comments I have had from people about how much they enjoyed your singing. Everyone has pondered the beautiful gift you shared with us." ~ Dennis Tully, Southwell Minster
"Thank you very, very much for sing at the "Real Millennium" concert last week, and what a superb performance. You were wonderful. We will look forward to hearing you sing again." ~ Eric Sharp, The Mayor of Bingham
"On behalf of the "Vale of Belvoir Lions", I have pleasure in thanking you for your beautiful singing at our "Italian Evening Dinner" at the Haven Hotel, your selection of music and songs was appreciated by all of us. We are looking forward to meeting you again at Belvoir Castle, in aid of the "Kinder Appeal" ~ Ken Palmer, President of the Vale of Belvoir Lions Club
"Heartfelt and expressive performance"
"Beautifully shaped and technically accomplished"
"A very stylish approach and a voice of much quality"
"A pure bel canto quality"
"A very atmospheric performance - Thank you"
Listen Online...
Click the links below for streamed audio to your pc.
- Ave Maria
- Bach/Gounod
- Laudate Dominum
- Mozart
- Amazing Grace
- Traditional
- All I Ask of You
- Andrew LLoyd Webber
- Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man of Mine
- Kern and Hammerstein
- Someone to Watch Over Me
- Gerschwin
- Summertime
- Gerschwin
- One Hand, One Heart
- Bernstein
- As Time Goes By
- Herman Hupfield
Prices...
From £120-180 depending on the number of songs.
My prices are inclusive of a consultation visit to discuss your choise of music, and a rehersal at the venue.
Please note:
- A small charge will be added for travelling expenses.
- A 10% non-refundable deposite is required at the consultation visit.
- Final balance due on the day.
Weddings
Live music can provide a background during the signing of the register or to add colour and atmosphere to a civil wedding. I would be happy to liaise with the church organist or I can bring a pianist if required. Under "Selection of Songs" I have suggested examples of pieces of music often chosen, but if you would like a particular song I would be happy to learn it if it is not already in my extensive repertoire. I am based in Nottingham, but I am available to sing anywhere in the East Midlands.