The first St George's October Revolution was held in 1999 to critical acclaim. Each evening's performance consists of three separate entertainments in three venues. Members of the audience start in one of the three locations (allocated on arrival, so the total audience is divided into three groups) and then progress to each of the others - thus making a complete revolution during the course of the evening.
The second, all-new, October Revolution was performed on the 24th and 25th October 2003 and featured performers from St Gabriel's, Park House & St Bartholomew's Schools, Watership Cantabile and St George's.
A son et lumière in the Church
This event combined up-to-the-minute visual technology with music from a wide spectrum of styles and periods, all linked by the theme of colour.
The musical performance takes place surrounded and enhanced by ever changing colours and images. The Watership Cantabile choir (led by David Holland) set the scene with 'Colours of the Wind' returning later with Orlando Gibbon's 'The Silver Swan' and the pastoral 'Brother James's Air'.
Colours blue and orange are given a modern interpretation by the Park House dance group (directed by Sue Llewellyn), while gold and crimson are the inspiration for young instrumentalists and vocalists from St Bart's.
The black and white part of the spectrum is not forgotten, as there follows a solo from organist Clive Grant before the glorious colours of creation are celebrated in the final choral item, Haydn's 'The Heavens are Telling'.
The Spectrum theme is further displayed in the varied colours of the church flowers, each arrangement being inspired by one of the musical items performed.
Creation music and dance in Falkland School Hall
'Along Came Man' by Lin Marsh is about the issues of development versus the natural world. It was written in conjunction with the World Wild Life Fund and had its premiere in 1986. It can be performed in several ways, and the premiere was like a masque with dance, a chorus, mime and a small instrumental group. The performance tonight by the Choir of St Gabriel's School (trained by Julia Rowntree and directed by Alan Kingston) is on a smaller scale, but still contains these elements.
Julia Rowntree (St Gabriel's Head of Music) and Lin Marsh were teaching colleagues. "I discovered her vibrant enthusiasm for life, her intense musicality and her vital energy to use these skills for the good of the world we live in. She is a huge respecter of persons and the environment in which they live as is shown in this choral work".
This is a work which is immediately accessible, containing some exquisite melodies, luscious harmonies and infectious rhythms. What has man done to the Great Auk, the Dodo, the blue rolling oceans, the meadows and the forests? What has man gained in replacement for the natural aspects of life that have been lost? Can we help create a better balance between technology and nature – or is it too late? Lin Marsh thinks not and through this positive and enthusiastic music she is able to help us all begin to think what we can do as individuals to create a better environment.
A Melodrama in St George's Hall
Wealthy estate owner Commodious Moneybags died leaving an only daughter, Honoria, widow of the late Claude Ilmett. He left his estates in trust for his eldest male heir to inherit at 21. Honoria's son Jasper is approaching his 21st birthday and has returned home from his dissolute life in London to claim his inheritance.
It is clear that under Jasper's control the estates and their tenants will soon be milked dry. Who can save them?
William Wynne, the family solicitor and trustee of the estates, is bound by the terms of the will. Estate Manager Tom Trueheart sees only the good in everyone. Rose Innocent, the maid, is as innocent as her name. And what of the faithful retainer Mrs Bumble?
Put your tongue in your cheek and your heart on your sleeve. Show your displeasure at the heartless machinations of the wicked Jasper. Show your delight at the guileless innocence of Rose and Tom. Make up your own mind about the others.
