BLACK HISTORY MONTH 2023 COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
THROUGHOUT October, HOME creatives and artists continue their work in local communities, with special celebratory cross arts workshops and sessions with women and young people in Hulme and Moss Side.
Ascension Church’s women’s group will host HOME artist Selina Chibanda for an exciting and creative Saturday night celebration of African print fabrics and painting.
Ascension Church also welcomes HOME Artist Linda Wachaga to do a self-portrait painting workshop centred around self-love. Linda’s workshop is intended to be a creative wellbeing space for women from the
Global Majority, who will be invited to identify and paint their favourite features, perhaps those they may have insecurities with, as well as recognising their non-visible characteristics such as personalities, heritage and personal stories that could be conveyed in their portraits.
To find out more about HOME’S Workshops Hosted by Ascension Church please visit: https://ascensionchurch hulme.co.uk/whats-on/ celebratewomen.
In Moss Side, HOME from HOME juniors’ group at Powerhouse Library will have a surprise multi-sensory musical and acrobatic addition to their weekly sessions with a heartpounding Djembe drumming workshop with musician Godfrey, followed by a taster of Ethiopian acrobatics, traditional dance styles and circus skills with Movement and Circus Artist Masresha Wondmu. ●●EXQUISITE recital of Lieder and English Art-song with John Powell and Elin Rees at TLC
REVIEW: DR JOE DAWSON
LONDON-BORN baritone John Powell studied music at Cambridge, before settling in Manchester.
He initially taught and ran the choirs at Chetham’s for many years, followed by the National Youth Choir, Bolton School and the University of York.
He now teaches privately. He directs several choirs, including the John Powell Singers (with whom he has broadcast on BBC Radio nearly 200 times).
Welsh pianist and organist Elin Rees is a freelance accompanist at the RNCM, where she had studied piano whilst also the organ scholar at St
Ann’s Church. She continues to be in demand in both disciplines as choir accompanist, resident organist at Bury Parish Church and a recitalist such as at last summer’s Welsh Proms.
They began with the charming Adelaide by Ludwig van Beethoven, followed by his exquisite song cycle An die ferne Geliebte (To the distant beloved).
Their authoritative interpretations continued with English Art-songs and folk song arrangements by Malcolm Williamson, Ralph Vaughan Williams, Martin Lessons, Jonathan Dove, E J Moeran
and Britten. All worthy of a professional CD recording.
Lieder and English Artsong require an equal partnership of excellence from singer and pianist.
We had this and more in a sophisticated and satisfying recital, beautifully played and sung by these two distinguished northwest performers.
The Queen’s Awardwinning Toad Lane Concerts are every Wednesday at 12.30pm at St Mary in the Baum, Toad Lane, Rochdale, OL16 1DZ.
Entrance fee is £6. No refreshments available.
Contact 01706 648872 for further information.