Neil Ferris - new director at BBC Symphony Chorus

[EnemyoftheStoat]

So the BBC Symphony Chorus at last has a new director, Neil Ferris, not to mention a deputy, Grace Rossiter:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/latestnews/2017/new-chorus-director-bbc-symphony-chorus

And a new choruses manager for the BBCSC and the Proms Youth Chorus. Blimey.

[mopsus]

It was a long process because (I was told by a member of the Chorus) each shortlisted candidate had to be chorus master for an entire concert, from first rehearsal to performance. As someone who sings in a choir currently directed by one of the other candidates, I am now breathing a sigh of relief.

[Cockney Sparrow]

Had the pleasure of rehearsing with Neil Ferris as deputy for a MD, and at a "singing day" event. A very worthy candidate from what I experienced - a pleasure to participate and he brought a lot to the rehearsal. He obviously knows how to sing and communicates very effectively how to achieve what is wanted. Lucky BBCS Chorus and, aside from the circumstances of there being a vacancy, credit to the BBC for running what appears to be (to my eyes) a fair selection process. I had wondered whether the job would be a shoe in for one of the faces who must be familiar in the corridors at Maida Vale in connection with vocal performance....

Its just occurred to me - what direction have some choral directors come from - singers who take on the MD role, or perhaps musicians with, ...ahem... , less direct grounding in singing itself, but have chosen MD as a role to pursue their career. For example (staying clear of commenting on Symphony Orchestra choruses) we see chorus directors at Covent Garden who come from / go on to pursue conducting roles (and I'm not commenting on their vocal coaching skills which I have no knowledge of - but they clearly want to conduct entire performances). And I'm sure there are directors (seems Neil F is one) who are strong in both roles. OTOH in my years of singing I have come across Choral directors who just re-iterate demands for something to be achieved / improved vocally - and some get increasingly annoyed if its not forthcoming - but they don't offer any insight into how the singers might achieve it....

[Lancashire Lass]

I’m lucky enough to have sung in Wimbledon Choral Society for the past six years and you are absolutely right, he is a wonderful vocal coach as well as MD. At the moment he’s into a “relax your jaw” phase – it’s great to have someone who can give subtle verbal or visual signals while you’re singing, enough to improve your performance but without overkill. He’s also hot on diction, my score of the Monteverdi Vespers is littered with TTTTs and FFFFs and KKKKs (plug: concert at Cadogan Hall on 25th March) http://www.wimbledon-choral.org.uk/e...=217&page_no=1

Neil has a genuine love of music, which shines through whenever he’s talking about a piece. He also has a playful sense of humour, knows how to entertain the crowd to keep it engaged and doing what he wants, and even comes down the pub, on occasion!

I am sure everyone at WCS wishes him the very best, he was always going to go far and he will do a fabulous job at the BBC. We haven’t been told yet what the situation is vis-à-vis WCS but just praying that any goodbye is not a complete one – should find out more at next week’s rehearsal.

[EnemyoftheStoat]

I’m lucky enough to have sung in Wimbledon Choral Society for the past six years and you are absolutely right, he is a wonderful vocal coach as well as MD. At the moment he’s into a “relax your jaw” phase – it’s great to have someone who can give subtle verbal or visual signals while you’re singing, enough to improve your performance but without overkill. He’s also hot on diction, my score of the Monteverdi Vespers is littered with TTTTs and FFFFs and KKKKs (plug: concert at Cadogan Hall on 25th March) http://www.wimbledon-choral.org.uk/e...=217&page_no=1

Neil has a genuine love of music, which shines through whenever he’s talking about a piece. He also has a playful sense of humour, knows how to entertain the crowd to keep it engaged and doing what he wants, and even comes down the pub, on occasion!

I am sure everyone at WCS wishes him the very best, he was always going to go far and he will do a fabulous job at the BBC. We haven’t been told yet what the situation is vis-à-vis WCS but just praying that any goodbye is not a complete one – should find out more at next week’s rehearsal.

Apologies to WCS from a BBCSC-er for poaching Neil - though let's hope for a good outcome down SW way.

I for one am very happy with the appointment. Neil's try-out gig was the rather ungrateful one of Glass' Itaipu, which he actually turned into a very interesting assignment; that's some achievement!

We'd already worked with Neil a while back on Oedipus Rex, and it was nice that the great impression he made then has been borne out by our latest encounter.

[Lancashire Lass]

Thanks for those kind words, EOTS, no apology needed, and I am sure all will be well. Glad to hear that you are pleased with your new choral director and I know you will achieve some great things together. It does feel a bit like being a feeder club TBH, but from what I gather, Neil has taken us on to another level (Premiership territory?) in terms of amateur choirs. so win-win all round.

He did mention the Total Immersion weekend, he obviously enjoyed it.

Enjoy your new signing!