CRESCENDO CON BRIO: a busy Autumn awaits theGibraltar National Choir After National Day, a guest appearance by Prunella Scales to commemorate Trafalgar, Hallelujah at the Royal Albert Hall and Christmas carols in English and Spanish... In just one year they have built a rock solid reputation as soundtrack to Gibraltar’s happy milestones, from last year’s Tercentenary celebrations, to National Day, from a heart-warming Christmas concert, guest starring Andrea Martin, to a fresh History of Music extravaganza last May at the Alameda Open Air Theatre — and this National Day they are back at Casemates, on invitation of the Ministry of Culture, with a crowd-pleaser programme of medleys spanning from classics to pop classics such “Simply the Best”, and the added bonus of a children section, after their debuting success at last May’s gig. The Choir will perform from about 11.30 to 12.30, with the aim of warming up in a swirl of singalongs an all-ages audience for the political rally and the traditional release of the 30,000 red and white balloons. But that’s not all: mother-of-three, piano teacher and former professional singer-songwriter Lili Olivero, creator and director of the Choir, is organising an extraordinary “Sea Concert” for next 16th November, as part of the celebrations for the bicentenary of the Battle of Trafalgar, with the participation as guest stars of UK celeb actors and musicians Prunella Scales, Tim West, Terence Allbright and Steven Roberts, who will act, play and sing accompanied by the Gibraltar National Choir, also in homage to the cultural Year of the Sea about to draw to an end. “I am delighted not only because they are performing here but also because they are involving the local choir,” said Lili about her guests. “It’s the first time that some UK artists have asked my choir to work with them.” Will the Choir return the favour? Indeed, at the end of November, when some forty members will sing Händel’s Messiah at the Royal Albert Hall in London where every year choirs from all over the world gather to produce a four-thousand voices strong execution of the classic masterpiece. Final engagement for 2005 is a Christmas concert on 15th and 16th December at the Holy Trinity Cathedral, sticking to last year’s formula of children decorating the tree, gospel readings and carolling, with the novelty of the introduction of some popular Spanish seasonal tunes. In the pipeline for next Easter is a concert with internationally renowned local tenor Nathan Payas – but this project is still in its early stages. Director Lili Olivero is pleased with the buzz growing around the choir, and the commitment core members are showing to the twice-a-week meetings at the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, but especially with the recently-formed junior section of twenty children aged 7 to 13, which seems to be nurturing some vocal talents of tomorrow. The project is Lili’s full-time hobby as she is volunteering to direct, build a repertoire, and promote forthcoming events. “My motivation is the music” she said “and I cannot see myself without it. I also hope that one day my children will share my passion and join the choir” — so, where there’s a will there’s a way, and with her very supportive husband’s help, Lili is able to juggle her two passions: music and her three young children (she was actually pregnant with the third one when she was approached in 2003 by some Calpe Singers with the idea of launching a national choir). Lili would also love to return to her song-writing career and compose some original pieces for the choir to perform and - only if she had enough time! - she would love to create a parallel project for a national orchestra of instruments. The Choir is usually accompanied by a pianist or organist, or recorded backing tracks, even though once they had the pleasure to perform live with the accompaniment of the Rooke Volunteer Band, but a dream come true would be a thriving Gibraltar National Choir and Orchestra ensemble. With a diversified repertoire for all tastes and ages, from Bach to Britney Spears, the Choir counts on forty-five singing members, who pay a symbolic £ 5.00 yearly membership fee and a pound per rehearsing session to cover expenses, supported — not only financially — by private and corporate non-singing members who are on their mailing list and are often invited to attand performances. To encourage children, their membership is free — they meet once a week to learn about music, notes, rhythm, and of course singing, making every session as fun as it is educational. Although she is pleased with the children’s response, Lili would like to see more teenagers and young adults join in — as well as some extra altos and male voices. But what does it take to become a chorister of this prestigious institution? Commitment is the main ingredient, as voices can be in most cases be educated: “If you can sing ‘Happy Birthday’ in tune and are willing to show up to practice regularly, then you’re usually fine by me!” Lili explained. by Elena Scialtiel

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