City Showcase 5th June 7pm St Giles Church London

Molly · Joined: Jan 14, 2006 Posts: 645

Thanks to Marian on the OS for two great youtubes of the performances last night - I'm sure she will bring them across here when she gets time. And some lovely photos up on the OS too - loving the one of Marian in her Night at the Opera t shirt! Jonathan obviously loves it too!

Jonathan was in great voice and looking gorgeous as ever!

Fabulous news that he is going to be singing in front of the Queen in a few weeks - fingers crossed - whatever the occasion - it might be televised!

And good news that the 2nd album recording is going well!

Love Molly xx

cathyk2002 · Joined: Sep 18, 2007 Posts: 776

nataliegooner · Joined: Sep 18, 2007 Posts: 316

Been busy and also there was dreadful accident top of my rd

I do what I can before Im off to work

Heres my review

I got to st Giles early afternoon

Ruth was there also Jules and Stephie and Steph Clare Shelley

Kimmy and her hubby came along and the normal mob

Vicar said we could go in which we did,after while city showxase asked us to leave as the musicians wanted to do sound check

Ruth Mandy and I went across the rd to a cafe less said about cafe the better

Now talk about timing we arrived back to find Jonathan signing and talking to everyone

I got my photos which hopefully my son will get round to post them up

Various classical acts all music finished then it was Jonathan

I was so hper I could of been my one women rocket to Mars

He started of with ND then othersongs were MOTL NWAF and HTTH

Waited afterwards to get my wristband signed

Conversation with Jonathan

Pav is on hold

CD is not themed

Things are in pipeline

Sheer wonderful day and if you reading this Jonathan massive thank you again for all time you take with us fans and massive thank you again for signing for me and letting me have photo taken with you

Massive appriciated

Dilog · Joined: Feb 19, 2006 Posts: 85

Songs, Strings and Sax at St Giles, Thursday 5th June

St Giles in the Fields is situated in a green oasis right in the very middle of Soho, Covent Garden and Bloomsbury, just south of Centre Point, may not be fields now but certainly a lovely garden. The current church was built around 1730 in the Palladian style so just has a nave, no separate side-chapels so there is nothing to distract the eye from the alter or in this case where they all were performing. However there are galleries around the nave which include the organ loft.

When we were let in there was a grand piano with its lid up in the centre just in front of the pulpit. First up was Sophie Cashell, winner of BBC2's "Classical Star" series. We were treated to Clariphonics (clarinets), Sirocco (saxophone quartet) and Jonathan Parkin (clarinet) accompanied by piano. Each year City Showcase commissions a new piece and this year Simon Hewitt Jones and David Worswick (violins) performed a new work by John Pickup. To see the full programme CLICK HERE - they said the full list would go up today. We also had the pleasure of a glass of rose courtesy of the sponsors Pink Elephant wine (no not the Heathrow taxi company. )

For me a couple of highlights were the saxophones of Sirocco never seen a group of saxophones playing together like this before - soprano, alto, tenor and baritone saxophones - kinda like G4 but woodwind or should that be brass Smile

. Then there were the violins of Simon Hewitt Jones and David Worswick who performed the new composition – this was indeed exciting although I don’t know why they played it twice, either side of the interval. However the quote of the night has to be Pickup’s Spoonerism of the ‘Sh*tty-Cowcase’ instead of City Showcase The pair also played a wonderful classical rendition of Don't Dilly Dally.

So last up Mr Ansell back looking very svelte in what I presume was the Paul Smith suit and I think the hair a little blonder

First a wonderful performance of ‘Nessun Dorma’ - with a new backing track. Something in the voice is changing, maturing perhaps but whatever it is it is all to the good Very Happy

However I really do not know why they thought they needed microphones, it may be difficult to accomplish this with a backing track but this man has the most amazing sound which does not need amplification in such a small venue. Second ‘Now We Are Free’ then ‘My Own True Love’. Last ‘Here’s to the Heroes’ which again was magnificent. This is the track that he will sing at the TA 100th anniversary don’t know if this is at St James’s or Buck House but I am sure we will find out more.

Lastly Jonathan was very generous with his time both before and after the show but personally as I don't think I am ever going to be a stage door person - although I think the photographer rather enjoyed this activity even if he did nearly fall off the ledge Wink

I would have preferred some of this time to be spent actually performing more as that is what makes him truly special.

All in all a wonderful generous evening and great to see everyone again.

With the new London Mayor Boris Johnson vowing to boost music teaching in London schools in his first major speech on culture, this City Showcase Classical Evening was a wonderful example of what is possible by illustrating new classical music talent in London.

Di

JessicaL · Joined: Sep 19, 2007 Posts: 694 Location: Belfast

So pleased the evening went well Smile

-lovely reviews and just loving the pics and videos on the os. Very Happy

Marian · Joined: Sep 19, 2007 Posts: 724 Location: Middlesex

However long Jonathan is on stage for, it is always too short in my opinion!! If he had the stamina, I would still be sitting on that hard pew right now!! Laughing

Although I found I quite liked the other artists, especially Sophie and the violinists, I felt they were on stage longer just because I wanted them to go as I had come to see Jonathan. Well it is good to save the best 'til last I suppose. Very Happy

I was worried I admit about there being a sound system but unlike Chichester Cathedral last year, I thought it worked well last night. The backing wasn't too loud (and I was sitting right in front of the speakers too) and I could here Jonathan as plain as day. Ok, I always love to hear him sing acapella but this was a night to showcase his music to others and I thought it right to be as the album, at least that way, if any of the public there went out to buy the album afterwards, they would know what they are getting.

I was a bit worried about filming from right in front of him so I didn't have the nerve to start up right away so I am so disappointed I did get Nessun Dorma, which in my opinion was just as good or even better than Sports Relief. I was gobsmacked and totally enthralled to witness it. The other tracks also came over extremely well and gave a good diverse cross section of the album although I would loved to have heard some others AS WELL! - ooops, there I go being greedy again haha. Embarassed

Jonathan went down extremely well. I know there was a great turnout from the OS but the place was pretty full and it wasn't just us making a noise believe you me. I heard some very complimentary remarks made by others about his voice and that really pleased me. Smile

Maybe sometime in the not too distant future it would be lovely to be treated to a night unplugged but until then, I am very happy to hear anything Jonathan sings in whatever way he chooses.

I was amazed yet again by the time he so generously gave us. This is his time, above and beyond what ever he is scheduled to perform and a time I am very grateful for. To see him so happy and relaxed amongst us is a pleasure. Very Happy

Here are the video links

My Own True Love

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1C_6cFoxcg

Here's To The Heroes

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CYtBTyysL7o

ruth · Joined: Jul 13, 2006 Posts: 63

It was another 'classic' evening for me (sorry ). Very Happy

After arriving early and waiting ages inside and outside the church our favourite young man came and greeted us in the same way as ever. Very Happy

It was a very pleasant warm and sunny day and Jonathan matched the description in every way.
He looked happy , tanned and relaxed as he chatted, posed, signed and answered our never ending questions.
Pavarotti has been put off for now for logistic reasons I think.
New album recording going well...it's not themed and there are going to be some big songs.
He's not doing the Triathlon this year.
Jon sang 4 songs . Nessun Dorma , which I've heard him sing countless times , was mind blowing, a really powerful performance.
MOTL and Godfather followed.
Lastly Jon announced HTTH saying he was going to be performing it in front of The Queen, no less at the centenary of the Territorial Army. How good will that be.! ...... I'm so pleased he has been picked for this and I hope we get the chance to see it on tv .
It was a very pleasant evening and the free glass of wine in the interval went down very well too !
After another lot of chatting and pic taking etc with the ever friendly Jon we all went out separate ways.
Thankyou Mr Ansell once again. Very Happy

cathyk2002 · Joined: Sep 18, 2007 Posts: 776

Great reviews ladies and some stunning before, during and after pics on the OS Wink

http://jonathanansell.forums.umusic.co.uk/t/963.aspx

JessicaL · Joined: Sep 19, 2007 Posts: 694 Location: Belfast

Fab reviews everyone Very Happy

E05297535 · Joined: Sep 21, 2007 Posts: 136

Well I would have been so disappointed if I had missed my opportunity (and another train) to see Jonathan and hear those golden vocal tones he processes!! His voice just gets stronger and stronger and it was so clear to hear each note sung, even against a mic/amplifier (as opposed to a small orchestra or choir, which I personally perfer)!! So good to hear 3 familiar tracks from his currant album (one he will be performing before the Queen very soon), plus an old fave, Nessum Dorma which sounds just as good as when he sang it with G4!! He was the last act on stage.....but he was the best act by far!! Wink

So can't wait for the other gigs he will be performing during the summer months, if Thursday was anything to go by, we're in for a treat and a half. He sure is a very gifted singer, let this gift take him further on within this classical genre, I have got to know and love!!

WELL DONE Mr. A.....a true legend and a gentleman at that!!

jonfan · Joined: Sep 18, 2007 Posts: 259

Thanks everyone for your reviews, the photos the fans have taken,that are on the OS ,are stunning,but its been said before he dosent ever take a bad photo, Cool

jaydh · Joined: Jan 14, 2006 Posts: 96

I really enjoyed the showcase - it was great to see performances that you don't often get the chance to enjoy - especially the two violinists who were superb!

Mr Ansell was on great form - and it was the first time I'd heard him do Nessun Dorma solo....... completely blown away - fantastic! Very Happy

I have to admit, that for a headline act, the performance was a bit on the short side - another couple of tracks would have been lovely - especially given the sacrifices one's behind had made being on that pew all that time Laughing

Totally agree that he could have filled the church with his fantastic voice without the microphone - we've heard him do it before and it would silence the mutterings from some quarters about crossover artists being too reliant on amplification Cool

Still, it was a great performance - and great to see everyone again - especially of course the man himself who is so good about meeting and greeting everyone before and after the performance - we really are spoilt! Very Happy

J
xx

Molly · Joined: Jan 14, 2006 Posts: 645

People are so lucky to be able to go to these concerts. I must say I do feel very envious on times.

I would have given everything to have been able to hear him sing Nessun Dorma live in front of me - by all accounts it was a superb performance. As were the other three songs.

I can only say a huge thankyou for the kindness and generosity of some of the fans who went - and who have posted up photos, reviews and videos on the OS for those of us at home to enjoy. Means the world - thanks for that folks.

On the videos he sounds in great voice - and looks as gorgeous as always.

Roll on the tour. Smile

love Molly xx

Marian · Joined: Sep 19, 2007 Posts: 724 Location: Middlesex

ruth · Joined: Jul 13, 2006 Posts: 63

I have to reiterate that Marian. I know I've said it before but Jon's performance of ND nearly wiped me out last Thursday....I was almost in need of oxygen !.
It's got to be up there with the Great's.....certainly up to Pavarotti standard in my books.
Congratulations Jonathan , you nailed it once more.