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Readers mail..
Iris Langford write: The Kyrenia Chamber Choir concert at Bellapais, that had to be cancelled due to flooding and power cuts, WILL TAKE PLACE ON FRIDAY Dec 7th at 7:30 pm (in the upstairs hall – the refectory – if weather does not permit the use of the Crypt).
The Kyrenia Chamber Choir which has been going for over 10 years is losing its fantastic Musical Director, George Ward. The Chamber Choir want to continue and they have produced some fantastic concerts over the years and desperately need a new Musical Director.
If anyone who feels capable of stepping into the shoes of the Musical Director for the Kyrenia Chamber Choir in 2018, please email George Ward at george@wardsnet.org
The traditional service of Nine Lessons and Carols for Christmas took place in St. Andrew’s on Wednesday 21st December.
In spite of the atrocious weather conditions (heavy rain and strong winds) the congregation, together with Bishop Michael (who graciously braved the elements and crossed the mountains to be with us) enjoyed an evening of traditional carols and readings, telling through scripture and song of the birth and saving purposes of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
The singing was enhanced by members of the Kyrenia Chamber Choir and accompanist Rauf Kasimov.
Earl Moffitt, Musical Director of St. Andrew’s, produced the wonderful Order of Service and directed the choir.
The soloists were Dr. Philip Ephraim (violin), Izzy and the Revd Mike Graham.
We were very fortunate to be joined by a fine young musician Fintan Simmons, on holiday with his parents, but who joined with the choir and played a magnificent organ voluntary at the end of the service.
The service was introduced by the Chaplain, the Revd Wendy Hough and Bishop Michael pronounced the Benediction.
Mulled wine and mince pies were enjoyed after the service.
Message from Carole King and Sue Tilt……
The Kyrenia Chamber Choir will, for the second year running, be supporting Tulips/Help Those with Cancer Association, on Thursday 27th October 2016 at 7.30pm at Bellapais Abbey.
They will be presenting their ‘Anthems for Autumn’ performance which will include music by Handel, Bruckner, Mozart, Delibes, John Rutter, Cesar Franck plus many more, the accompanist will be Rauf Kasimov.
Tickets are 35TL each and are available from both of the Best Seller Bookstores in Karakum and Alsancak, the Tulips Stall at Lambousa and Sandy Oram on 0542 872 4291 or email: mal.w.davies@gmail.com
It will be an evening to delight in a fantastic venue, so please come along and support the choir and help a very worthwhile charity.
Many thanks – Carole and Sue
The Kyrenia Chamber Choir raised 4,000TL for SOS Children’s Village, from a concert at Bellapais Abbey.
More than 300 people attended concert on the 23rd October 2015, in which the Kyrenia Chamber Choir – under the direction of George Ward – performed the choral work of Karl Jenkins’ “The Peacemakers”. The music was composed in memory of all who lost their lives during armed conflicts, with the lyrics featuring the words of famous promoters of peace such as the Dalai Lama, Mother Theresa and Martin Luther-King.
George Ward, the Choir Director, and Choir Chairman Fikri Toros visited SOS Children’s Village on Thursday 26th November 2015, to present the donation. They were joined by Near East Bank Kyrenia Region Expat Manager Naci Karanlık and Near East Bank Kyrenia Customer Services Representative Yılşen Diker.
SOS Children’s Village Programme Manager Ahmet Akarsu and SOS Creche and Preschool Principal Rahme Kavaz accepted the donation and presented the guests with a plaque of appreciation.
Fikri Toros: “We made a modest contribution to SOS Children’s Village, which provides a sacred service to children”.
Kyrenia Chamber Choir Chairman Fikri Toros said the choir has another project lined up for Christmas, adding: “Today we are presenting officials of SOS Children’s Village, which provides a sacred service for children, with a modest contribution of 4,000TL”.
SOS Children’s Village Programme Manager Ahmet Akarsu thanked the Choir representatives for their invaluable and loyal support, while SOS Creche and Preschool Principal Rahme Kavaz expressed her gratitude for their awareness of SOS’s work, referring to Fikri Toros as “one of our hidden heroes”.
George Ward: “75 per cent of the problems that youngsters are having are not known about”.
In his speech, Kyrenia Chamber Choir Director George Ward drew attention to child rights issues in the UK.
He said: “I read in the English press only this last week that the situation of children in need in the British Isles, in my home country, is dire”.
“The problems that young people have are beyond our imagination and what they said in the press is they believed 75 per cent of the problems that youngsters, from being babies through to teenagers, are having are not known about.
“You are here in this beautiful village doing that work, doing a tremendous thing for youngsters to bring them from babies to launching them into life as adults. We are thrilled that we can just go and sing and then say to you, ‘here is a gift that will help the wonderful work you are doing, thank you very much’,” added Mr Ward.
Highlighting the relevance of “The Peacemakers”, which the Choir performed on both sides of the island, Mr Ward said: “I thought of it as something that was appropriate at this point in time when peace is very high on the island’s agenda, and to take it to the South, and to perform it at Bellapais, it was our mission, our will, our desire, for you that this should remain and be established as a permanently peaceful place”.
The donation will be used towards meeting the educational needs of children under the programmes of SOS Children’s Village.
For this week’s The Main Event show I am pleased to welcome to our studio, George Ward who has the pleasurable position of conducting the the Kyrenia Chamber Choir.
George started his piano studies at the age of 8 and then singing tuition started at 15 with Evelyn Benstead from London’s Royal Academy of Music. Later, voice and music studies continued in Birmingham and a degree in Maths followed, leading to a long career in education, with music and sport competing for his spare time.
Choral and solo work as a baritone followed performing mainly English Art Song, Early Music and Oratorio, feat
ured throughout the following 40 years and as time passed, voice training
and conducting became an increasing interest for George.
George has held the post of Director of the Kyrenia Chamber Choir for 8 years; but now it is time to pass the baton on and the Christmas Concert on Friday 4th December in the Bellapais Abbey, will see George’s tenure come to an end.
Do join me this Saturday when we will also be listening to some of George’s favourite music which you can hear on the Main Event on Saturday 14th November at 15.00pm and you can reach this show wherever you are online by following the links below.
This show will also be repeated on Sunday 15th November at 11.00am to 12.00 noon.
To go direct to Bayrak International Live (FM105) to listen to these shows by live streaming on your PC at Cyprus local time by clicking here
Do tune into Bayrak International Live where you can join Denise Phillips on her great radio shows that bring you music and thoughts and comments of the day,
We are transmitting these shows on 6.150 MH/z. Short-wave, 87.8 and 105 FM Stereo and these great shows full of entertainment as follows :
The Main Event: A very interesting show with visitors calling into the studio to talk about themselves and their interests and of course their favourite songs or tunes which you can hear.
Radio Angel: A bubbly show giving listeners a lighthearted look at life.
Monday 19.00 to 21.00 Radio Angel with Denise Phillips
Tuesday : 19.00 to 21.00 Radio Angel with Denise Phillips
Thursday : 19.00 to 21.00 Radio Angel with Denise Phillips
Friday : 19.00 to 21.00 Radio Angel with Denise Phillips
Saturday : 11.00 to 12.00 Radio Angel with Denise Phillips
Saturday : 15.00 to 16.00 The Main Event with Denise Phillips
Sunday : 11.00 to 12.00 The Main Event with Denise Phillips
Sunday : 12.00 to 14.00 Radio Angel with Denise Phillips
Sunday : 14.14 to 14.00 Radio Angel with Denise Phillips
By Margaret Sheard …..
There are many charities in North Cyprus and of course people have their preferences as to which ones they support 
but they are all worthy causes and need funds to be able to continue with their valuable work.
The SOS Children’s Village in Lefkoşa is one of these worthy charities and they have told us of 2 forthcoming events which will be for that particular charity. These are:-
Kyrenia Amateur Dramatic Society which will be performing 2 sketches – Thermal Underwear and Last Tango in Kyrenia at the Erol Avgören Kültür Merkezi, Çatalköy on Thursday/Friday/Saturday 29th to 31st October.
All performances start at 7pm. Tickets 25TL and are available at: Lambousa Saturday market, The Food Lodge European Artisan Bakery & Bistro, Çatalköy & Girne, DVD Shop, Alsancak, JK’s Bar, Lapta. Proceeds will be shared between SOS Children’s Village and Kyrenia Animal Rescue (KAR).
Kyrenia Chamber Choir perform Karl Jenkins’ “The Peacemakers” directed by George Ward on Friday 23rd October at Bellapais Abbey which will feature Rauf Kazimov – Piano, Laden İnce – Soprano and Eran Raman – Flute.
The concert will start at 7.30pm and programmes are for a donation of 35TL. Proceeds to SOS Children’s Village, Lefkoşa.
For bookings and more information call Sandy Orams: 0542 872 4291.
Two very different events so why not try to attend one or both of them and give support to the SOS Children’s Village in Lefkoşa who are so appreciative of the help given.
It has been announced today (Thursday 4 December 2014) that the concert due to take place at Bellapais Abbey on Tuesday 9th December has been cancelled.
A spokesperson explained that the annual event in aid of the SOS Children’s Village has been called off due to unforeseen circumstances beyond the Choir’s control.
All ticket holders for the eagerly awaited festival of Christmas Seasonal Choral Music will be contacted & offered a full refund, or if requested, the money can be donated to the SOS Village.
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Following the highly successful Choral Miscellany performed in the Abbey Refectory in October, the Kyrenia Chamber Choir are set to return to the magnificent Lusignan Gothic edifice for a seasonal performance on 9th December commencing at 7.30pm.
Accompanied by world renowned Piano Maestro Rauf Kazimov, the 30 voice mixed choir will perform works, for example, by John Rutter, Dr William Hayes,
Michael Paget, Martin & Blane; plus a variety of traditional pieces arranged by the likes of David Willcocks, Paul Ladd & Sarah Watts.
“It’s a diverse and beautiful programme of lovely Christmas music”, commented Musical Director George Ward. “The boys & girls in the choir have worked very hard in rehearsals and they are all looking forward to singing their hearts out to provide a very special Christmas performance on the night”.
Entry to the concert is by a TL30 donation, part of which will be passed to the SOS School in Lefkosa. Lovers of Christmas Choral Music can reserve their seats by calling Sandy Oram on 0542 872 4291 or by contacting any member of the choir.
It is advisable to reserve places early as Christmas Candlelight Concerts by this most accomplished Choir, in the unique setting of the Bellapais Abbey Crypt, are usually fully subscribed well in advance.
By Şirin Damdelen….
Concert in aid of SOS Children’s Village.
The Kyrenia Chamber Choir, in collaboration with “Cyprus Piano”, will be performing at Bellapais Abbey. The concert takes place on Thursday, 23 October, from 8pm. It will feature performances by guest soloists Lynette Oruc (Mezzo Soprano) and Erol Emminoğlu (Pianoforte).
All profits from the 30TL programme will go to SOS Children’s Village.
Programmes are available at the Karakum and Alsancak branches of the Best Seller bookshops, at the door on the night, or by calling Sandy Oram on 0542 872 4291.
Please get in touch for more details.
Şirin Damdelen
Fundraising & Public Relations Assistant – Fon Geliştirme & Halkla İlişkiler Asistanı – SOS Children’s Villages TRNC. Dr. Fazıl Küçük Bulvarı, Lefkoşa – Northern Cyprus
Tel: + 90/ 392 225 70 17
Fax: + 90/ 392 225 33 45
sirin.damdelen@soscocukkoyu.org
www.soscocukkoyu.org
