Par MC NEFF STEPHEN. My research for Banished began with a small group of students during a Trinity Laban co-lab period in 2013, though the idea goes back over 30 years when I first saw Steve Gooch’s Female Transport and stored the idea of adapting it as an opera until the right opportunity arose. I have been involved in opera for a long time and it has always been a frustration for me that while there is an abundance of female talent (particularly so in conservatories and colleges) there is a noticeable lack of challenging roles available for young women. The roles most often undertaken are maids or innocent girls, compliant wives or tomboys. Not that the problem is necessarily confined exclusively to young women, but where good roles exist, the women are all too often merely passive or victims. Things happen to them rather than them making things happen. They are unable to influence their circumstances and are usually resigned to their fate. Worse still, they are often judged in some way responsible for what happens to them, culpable even because of their looks, their way of life or a streak of independence. Just think about Mimi, Carmen and Violetta (to name only three on a long list). All these characters die, and their attempts at individuality contribute to their demise in some way that they have no control over. With some exceptions female characters in opera are too often sad, mad or bad. Redressing this balance and taking advantage of the richness in vocal talent is only one reason to write an opera reflecting the reality of a group of strong women who work things out for themselves. The transportation of people to Australia at the beginning of the nineteenth century is not a particularly well understood part of history beyond a sort of folk myth. What were the circumstances, who were the people and what happened to them? Opera does not exist to completely answer these questions, but it can focus on the women as individuals and help tell their story. (All the women named in the opera actually existed.) My approach has to been to put the women’s narrative centre stage and, in the confines of an oppressive, dangerous environment go with them on their journey as they survive or sink. The demands on the women are huge. At every turn they are oppressed by their jailers, the system that brought them here and their own low expectations. They have to work out ways to overcome these odds. We discover them through their music in solos and ensembles, sometimes reflective, at other times boasting about their lives a petty criminals and trying to establish status and pecking order. Alongside this I have used references to music of the time to create another reality built on larger ensembles and choruses. This is a sort of collective consciousness aware of loss, longing and context – even of a broad political dimension to the realities of Transportation. Despite the acute awareness of their circumstances in these ensembles, there is also a resilience and strength that transcends the individual stories. Stephen McNeff / Instrumental Music / Répertoire / Voix

Pro Vocal Women's Edition Volume 52-Whether you're a karaoke singer or preparing for an audition the Pro Vocal series is for you. The book contains the lyrics melody and chord symbols for eight hit songs. The CD contains demos for listening and separate backing tracks so you can sing along. The CD is playable on any CD but it is also enhanced for PC and Mac computer users so you can adjust the recording to any pitch without changing the tempo! Perfect for home rehearsal worship use auditions corporate events and gigs without a backup band. This volume includes 8 songs: Above All · Come Now Is the Time to Worship · Days of Elijah · God of All · Here I Am to Worship · Lord Reign in Me · Open the Eyes of MyHeart · We Fall Down.

This delightful collection of Irish songs has been compiled and set as Art Songs by the European Duo Chitarra Canta featuring soprano and flutist Meg Fitzgerald and classical guitarist Guido Böger. Having noted the dearth ofgood concert literature for this type of duo the performers both well-versed in the Celtic and Classical music traditions and adept at creating their own arrangements decided to include such songs in their programs. With thisvolume they want to share them with other performers and enthusiasts. These songs can be used equally well for the stage recitals pub singing and private events or for simple pleasure. The collection consists of a widevariety of songs the music being completely written out for voice and classical guitar but also with chords and annotations for a variety use. Featured here are such well-known songs as The Last Rose of Summer Siúil a Rúin orShe moved through the Fair along with many other lyrical gems in unique wonderfully inspired arrangements. Audio downloads of the songs as performed by the authors are available with the purchase of this book sampled fromtheir CD Aisling Irish Art Songs and Music. The complete CD can also be purchased by writing to: ChitarraCanta@musician.org ?These arrangements for voice and guitar... well approach ... the genuine form of Irish folk music.The choice and interpretation of of the pieces... give ample evidence as to the familiarity of soprano Meg Fitzgerald and guitarist Guido Böger with this music.? (Concertino magazine vol. 1/2007).

Sing 8 Chart-Topping Songs with a Professional Band. Whether you're a karaoke singer or preparing for an audition the Pro Vocal series is for you. The book contains the lyrics melody and chord symbols for eight hit songs. The CD contains demos for listening and separate backing tracks so you can sing along. The CD is playable on any CD but it is also enhanced for PC and Mac computer users so you can adjust the recording to any pitch without changing the tempo! Perfect for home rehearsal parties auditions corporate events and gigs without a backup band. This volume includes 8 favorites from the 80s including: Every Breath You Take · Heart and Soul · Hurts SoGood · It's Still Rock and Roll to Me · Jessie's Girl · Maneater · Summer of '69 · You Give Love a Bad Name.

Pro Vocal Men's Edition Volume 22-Whether you're a karaoke singer or preparing for an audition the Pro Vocal series is for you. The book contains the lyrics melody and chord symbols for eight hit songs. The CD contains demos for listening and separate backing tracks so you can sing along. The CD is playable on any CD but it is also enhanced for PC and Mac computer users so you can adjust the recording to any pitch without changing the tempo! Perfect for home rehearsal parties auditions corporate events and gigs without a backup band. This volume includes 8 songs: Beyond the Sea • Blame It on My Youth • For All We Know • I Don't Know Why (I Just Do) • ILeft My Heart in San Francisco • The Way You Look Tonight • What a Wonderful World • Where or When.

A mammoth rib-tickling collection of more than 125 funny songs-A mammoth illustrated collection of more than 125 funny songs mostly in the folk tradition interlaced with a multitude of parodies jokes recitations and sayings collected by the author over a lifetime of performing. Each songhas complete lyrics melody line and suggested accompaniment chords. Included are Take My Bridgework Back To Mother Send Me To Glory In a Glad Bag The Housewife’s Lament and The Piddling Pup. The reading Why She Didn’t Becomea Baptist leaves even church groups roaring in laughter. More fun rib-ticklers include The Limerick Song (suitable for general audiences) Little Willie verses and the parody My Grandfather’s Feet Were Too Strong For HisShoes. A choice collection of photos and vintage illustrations add the final touch for the enjoyment of this top-notch collection. • More than 125 funny songs --- lyrics tunes and suggested accompaniment chords. •Plus rib-tickling parodies jokes readings and sayings. • Embellished with vintage photos and illustrations.

Pro Vocal Boys' & Girls' Edition Volume 1-Whether you're a karaoke singer or preparing for an audition the Pro Vocal series is for you. In this edition with songs specially selected for children the book contains the lyrics melody and chord symbols for eight hit kids' songs. The CD contains demos for listening and separate backing tracks for singing along. The CD is playable on any CD player but also enhanced so Mac & PC users can adjust the recording to any pitch without changing the tempo! Perfect for home rehearsal parties auditions corporate events and gigs without a backup band.This volume features 8 favourites that kids can sing with a professional band: Getting to Know You • Happy Talk •I Whistle a Happy Tune • My Favorite Things • The Sound of Music • Take Me Out to the Ball Game • This Land Is Your Land • Tomorrow.

Pro Vocal Women's Edition Volume 60-Whether you're a karaoke singer or preparing for an audition the Pro Vocal series is for you! The book contains the lyrics melody and chord symbols for eight hit songs. The CD contains demos for listening and separate backing tracks so you can sing along. The CD is playable on any CD player and also enhanced so PC and Mac users can adjust the recording to any pitch without changing the tempo! Perfect for home rehearsal parties auditions corporate events and gigs without a backup band.This volume contains eight songs by Katy Perry: Firework I Kissed a Girl Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.) Part of Me Roar Teenage Dream Unconditionally and Wide Awake.

Pro Vocal Men's Edition Volume 60-This exciting volume of the Pro Vocal series enables you to sing along with sound-alike tracks to 10 Grammy award-winning male pop songs between 2000 and 2009.Whether you're a karaoke singer or preparing for an audition the Pro Vocal series is for you. The book contains the lyrics melody and chord symbols for eight classic songs. The CD contains demos for listening and separate backing tracks so you can sing along. The CD is playable on any CD but it is also enhanced for PC and Mac computer users so you can adjust the recording to any pitch without changing the tempo! Perfect for home rehearsal parties auditions corporateevents and gigs without a backup band. songs include: Cry Me a River • Daughters • Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight • From the Bottom of My Heart • Make It Mine • Say • and more!

Pro Vocal Women's Edition Volume 4-Sing 8 Chart-Topping Hits with Sound-Alike CD Tracks. Whether you're a karaoke singer or preparing for an audition the Pro Vocal series is for you! The songbook contains the lyrics melody and chord symbols for eight hit songs. The CD contains demos for listening plus separate backing tracks so you can sing along. The CD is playable on any CD player but it is also enhanced so Mac & PC users can adjust the recording to any pitch without changing the tempo! Perfect for home rehearsal parties auditions corporate events and gigs without a backup band. Includes 8 fun favorites from the 1980s: Call Me · Flashdance · Girls Just Want to Have Fun · How Will I Know · Material Girl· Mickey · Straight Up · Walking on Sunshine.

Pro Vocal Women's Edition Volume 25-This exciting volume of the Pro Vocal series enables you to sing along with sound-alike tracks to 8 songs from the hit musical Mamma Mia! Whether you're a karaoke singer or preparing for an audition the Pro Vocal series is for you! The book contains the lyrics melody and chord symbols for eight classic songs. The CD contains demos for listening and separate backing tracks so you can sing along. The CD is also enhanced so PC & Mac users can adjust the recording to any pitch without changing the tempo! Perfect for home rehearsal parties auditions corporate events and gigs without a backup band. This volumeincludes: Dancing Queen • Honey Honey • I Have a Dream • Mamma Mia • and more!

A superb cycle of 7 songs depicting the hero's stay on Grandma's farm somewhere in the Orkneys one summer. The songs tell of the farm chores nature and ghosts and are arranged for unison voices piano recorders and pitched or unpitched percussion. The songs can be used individually to link in with topic work or performed as an attractive concert item. Vocal part.This is a special item which is made to order. Please e-mail our Mail Order Department for further information.

Pro Vocal Women's Edition Volume 12-The Pro Vocal series has been designed to offer a unique sing-along experience that's even better than karaoke. Whether you're preparing for an audition or performing on stage without a backing band this book and CD package is for you. This volume contains the lyrics melody and chord symbols for eight classic Ella Fitzgerald songs. The CD contains demos for listening and separate backing tracks so you can sing along. The CD is also enhanced so PC and Mac users can adjust the recording to any pitch without changing the tempo. Pro Vocal Women's Edition Volume 12: Ella Fitzgerald includes the songs: Don't Be That Way Don'cha Go 'Way Mad It's Only a Paper Moon Misty 'Round Midnight What Is There to Say You're an Old Smoothie and A-Tisket A-Tasket.

Pro Vocal Women's Edition Volume 18-Whether you're a karaoke singer or preparing for an audition the Pro Vocal series is for you. The book contains the lyrics melody and chord symbols for eight classic songs. The CD contains demos for listening and separate backing tracks so you can sing along. The CD is playable on any CD but it is also enhanced for PC and Mac computer users so you can adjust the recording to any pitch without changing the tempo! Perfect for home rehearsal parties auditions corporate events and gigs without a backup band. This volume features 10 popular jazz standards.