24 HOUR LEGAL ADVISE

Available to U3A members from First Assist

Telephone 01455 251500

And Quote

The Third Age Trust   Code Number 70494

FOUR BESPOKE WORKSHOPS ON LIVE THEATRE AND HOW IT WORKS

Created by the Ambassador Theatre Group for the U3A at the Picadilly Theatre , London

March 12th and March 27th   2012  10.45 - 4.30

Click below for more information and application forms

http://u3asiteb.org.uk/u3asites/sites/l/london-region/docs/theatreworkshops.pdf

London Region Music trip to Prague in May 2012.

The trip will depart on Friday 25 May, returning to England on Thursday 31 May. The programme will include two concerts,

a visit to the Estates Theatre for The Marriage of Figaro, and a concert performance of Beethoven’s Fidelio.

There will be opportunities to attend other musical events, a conducted tour of Prague and some excursions to nearby attractions.

Price (including 4-star hotel, travel and transfers, 4 musical events and excursions) will be £750 (sharing twin accommodation),

with a £179 single occupancy supplement.

Please use the web link below for more information

http://u3asiteb.org.uk/u3asites/sites/l/london-region/docs/pragueholidaydetails.pdf

UNIVERSITY OF THE THIRD AGE LONDON REGION - CREATIVE WRITING STUDY DAY

THURSDAY 19TH APRIL 2012 10.30 (for 11) – 4.p.

AT: THE LIBRARY, CANADA WATER, SE16

This new building designed by Piers Gough opened on

28 November 2011 and is worth a visit in its own right!

A DAY FOR ASPIRING, SELF-PUBLISHED AND PUBLISHED WRITERS

Older writers CAN be successfully published – and the short story is coming

into its own again.  Our excellent speakers will offer ample opportunities to

ask questions and there will be time to exhibit your own (or your group’s)

novels, anthologies, stories, etc.

Facilitator:       Maggie Smith, U3A National Adviser, Creative Writing.

Speakers:        Catherine King; a ‘popular fiction’ author writing novels set

in nineteenth century Yorkshire.  www.catherineking.info

Ian Skillicorn; Director, National Short Story Week, founder

of Short story Radio www.nationalshortstoryweek.org.uk.

Fee: £15 – includes a buffet lunch.

The library is next to Canada Water Station (there is a lift.) See reverse for directions.

APPLICATION FORM:  (London Region Creative Writing Study Day 19th April 2012)

Places are limited and priority must be given to London Regional U3As

Name: ….......................................... U3A …………....................................

Address:................................................................................................

Tel:     ………………………………………  Email: ...............................................

Please reserve me a place. I would like a vegetarian/gluten free lunch.

Cheques for £15 payable to London Region

To: Maggie Smith, U3A Subject Adviser, 41, Manor Mount, London SE23 3PY

You will not hear until shortly before the day unless there are no places available.

If more than one person is applying PLEASE complete separate forms.

CANADA WATER LIBRARY

DIRECTIONS: TUBE: Jubilee line or London Overground.

Take exit marked ‘Lower Road, Shops.

Library on the left at the top of the stairs (there is a lift)

BUS: 1, 47, 188, 199, 225, 381, C10, P12

Library is opposite the bus station

From the Tsars to Stalin: The November Study Day     As a result of being over subscribed this  Study Day will be running again on March 12th 2012

Still then under the aegis of Greater London Music, the first study day was massively over-subscribed. ‘From the Tsars to Stalin’ was launched in the Bechstein Room of the Wigmore Hall on 19 November by Stan Freed, with an entertaining and enjoyable look at Russian light music from Glinka to Shostakovich. Members felt this was a nice way to start the day’s proceedings, and all enjoyed Stan’s musical journey through a variety of sometimes surprising Russian composers. Their somewhat melancholy reputation was quickly dispelled through The Song of the Flea, Tea for Two and other familiar and sometimes not so familiar items.

Our visitor Carris Jones, an engaging and distinguished mezzo soprano introduced her recital by warning us that Russian song had a reputation for melancholy. But, beautifully accompanied by Elizabeth Bignell, she then sent us away uplifted with a variety of pieces by Tchaikovsky, Medtner, Borodin, Rimsky Korsakov and Shostakovich. Carris’ husband proved a highly professional page-turner for the virtuoso accompanist, but Carris rich warm mezzo will be something to look out for in future years. She is indeed a find to be treasured.

After lunch, we returned to a presentation by Ealing U3A’s Christine Edwards, who gave us a richly illustrated survey of nationalism in Russian music, from Ruslan and Liudmilla to Tchaikovsky’s Fourth ‘Fate’ Symphony. This was hugely enjoyable. The pictorial depictions of the ‘Mighty Handful’ were particularly attractive, and were a perfect accompaniment to their music.

Don Moore finished the day with a sombre account of music under Stalin – a period when music was fully ‘nationalised’, there was only one client (the State) and everything had to be submitted to the censor to pass the stringent tests for socialist realism. Shostakovich and Prokoviev were particular sufferers, but the former simply put works ‘in the drawer’ to await more relaxed times. Some of these were played during the session, and everybody marvelled at how Russian composers still managed to write memorable music in the culturally suffocating, not to mention dangerous atmosphere which was the Soviet Union under Stalin.

The day was admirably chaired by Glenys Tuersley, and the entire cast will assemble once again on 3 March 2012 for a repeat performance for those who were unable to get a place on this enjoyable day. There are still a few places left for this event. If interested, conta ct Don Moore without delay.

Please note that this is a “ticketless” event. No tickets will be issued; if your registration is confirmed, simply turn up and check in!

A U3A Concert -   to be held on Feb 2nd 2012

Have you sung in a choir for a few years and fancy the idea of doing some solo singing? Or perhaps you have had some singing lessons already. If you would like the opportunity to sing some classical songs and arias with piano, under the guidance of a former professional singer, then do get in touch. We are hoping to set up a solo singing class, probably weekly, in the centre of New Malden. Advice given on performance and vocal technique. Solos and duets from opera and oratorio will be covered.

Andrew Knight made his Wigmore Hall debut singing Schubert with Peter Katin and also gave song recitals for the BBC and has given Lieder classes at the Guildhall and Trinity Schools of Music and lecture recitals at the Royal Academy of Music. He is an experienced performer in opera and oratorio and has won three international singing prizes.

If this sounds intriguing, do contact Andrew. He will be happy to discuss what you might get out of the class and when it might take place. You are welcome to ring him on 020 8942 5446 or email on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Kingston upon Thames also has an orchestra which welcomes players from any U3A. The Christmas concert on 13 December is eagerly anticipated, and the next concert is on 20 May 2012. Rehearsals are usually on Wednesday mornings from 1015 to 1230 For more information log on to www.surreycommunity.info/kingstonu3aorchestra or telephone Pat Young 02083378326

U3A Music Summer Schools

Details are available of the 2012 U3A Summer Schools featuring music. Full details are available from National Office (19 East Street, Bromley BR1 1QH, telephone 020 8466 6139 email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ). The cost for each School is £315 full board residential or £118 non-residential including lunch. Deposit £70 per person.

1 Harper Adams University College, Newport near Telford. 16 to 19 July

MUSIC APPRECIATION: Making friends with music around the world Tutor: Jack Wood

This course is intended for those who enjoy classical musi c and would like to know more about it. While in 2011 we covered the development of Western music in a chronological way, this year’s course adopts a geographical approach. The music – and the way it developed – of individual European countries is featured, sometimes spiced with a little folk music on the way and the prominent composers of each country focused upon. To make it truly ‘around the world’, the journey also includes brief moments in India, the Far East and a couple of sessions on the Americas. Musical forms will be explained, and instruments identified. Musical excerpts will be plentiful. This course is not academic or technical: it is intended to inform and entertain music lo vers, while extending their listening experience.

Level of ability: Beginners are very welcome.

Teaching style: Lectures/questions/discussion approx 40%. Musical extracts & examples approx 60%.

RECORDER ENSEMBLE PLAYING Tutor: Ursula Steiger

Making music with others can be extremely satisfying and a great deal of fun. The intention is to play together in four parts and it is hoped that this course will attract players of descant, treble, tenor and bass recorders. The music will range from the traditional recorder repertoire to more modern pieces, including some jazz, show tunes and light classical music. There will also be an opportunity for small groups playing together and for each section to rehearse their part. Time for individual practice will also be built in. The tutor leads an award winning U3A recorder ensemble in Kent.

Level of Ability: Suitable for recorder players who are able to play a simple tune but who wish to make progress. More experienced players should ring the tutor before signing up for this course.

Some music can be made available to participants before the course.

Teaching Style: The tutor will lead the ensemble; small groups will work by themselves whilst the tutor circulates among them. There will also be opportunity to practice sight-reading and improve playing technique.

2 Royal Agricultural College Cirencester, 20 to 23 August

SINGING FOR PLEASURE: Tutor: Ursula Steiger

This course is intended for members who love music and enjoy singing. The aim is to sing many different genres of music and to learn how to make the best of our voices. It is hoped that we will be able to sing in four-part harmony, but this will depend on the make-up of the group. Members need to be prepared to be flexible and will be encouraged to try new experiences. We shall sing folk songs, spirituals, classical pieces, songs from shows and from the past. We may provide after-dinner entertainment to other group members which will provide experience of performing, but will not be a compulsory part of the course.

Level of ability: Ability to read music would be an advantage but is not a requirement nor is having experience of choral singing. A willingness to try new things and have fun with music is important.

Teaching style: We shall have a pianist to accompany us, but we will also use percussion instruments and any other instruments members might want to bring. We use a rehearsal room and the chapel to sing and may also spend some time out of doors. The tutor will do most of the teaching and is happy for participants to bring suitable songs for the group to learn. A little relevant theory will be added to sessions.

 

SURREY NETWORK - STUDY DAYS AT THE YEHUDI MENUHIN SCHOOL HALL, Stoke d'Abernon

Details and booking forms on http://u3asites.org.uk/surreyu3anetwork/studydays.php or at KU3A monthly meetings.

LONDON U3A - SPECIAL EVENTS details on www.u3alondon.org.uk