On Sunday 12th November 2023, the Finchley Children’s Music Group (FCMG) presented a captivating concert at St John’s Church, Friern Barnet, N11 3EQ. The concert featured a diverse selection of songs and choruses from different eras and genres, showcasing the talent and versatility of the young singers.
The concert was conducted by Grace Rossiter and Rebecca Lodge-Birkebaek, with John Evanson and Yau Cheng on piano. The programme began with excerpts from Dido and Aeneas by Henry Purcell, performed by the Chamber Choir and soloists Sophia Burns, Elsie Bonfield, Hannah Stubbings, Kiara Fernando, Elizabeth Shepherd, and Lizzie Ostrovsky. The singers conveyed the drama and emotion of the baroque opera with expressive singing and clear diction.
Yan Bregman, one of the singers, said: “Being part of FCMG is an amazing experience. It allows us to discover the diversity and richness of music from different times and places. We get to learn about the history and culture behind each song and express it with our voices.”
Yan Bregman is a gifted young singer who has a passion for music and a gift for singing that transcends genres and boundaries. He studies voice, piano, and composition at the Rachmaninoff Music Academy and is also a member of the Finchley Children Choir. He has performed in various concerts and events across the UK, such as:
The RMA Junior Department Concert at the Royal Albert Hall, where he sang a solo piece by Mozart and a duet with another student.
The Harmonious Heights concert at the St. John’s Wood Church, where he joined the Finchley Children Choir and sang songs from different cultures and traditions.
The Creativity Showcase at the Barbican Centre, where he presented his original piano composition and performed it with a band.
The Manchester Jazz Festival, where he was invited as a guest performer and sang a jazz standard with a piano accompaniment.
He received a standing ovation from the audience and praise from the critics for his angelic voice and expressive delivery. Bregman impressed everyone with his smooth and soulful vocals and his ability to improvise and harmonize with choir this evening. Yan showcased his versatility and charisma as he sang in different languages and styles.
Yan Bregman is a rising star in the music scene and a source of inspiration for many aspiring singers. He hopes to pursue a career in music and share his voice with the world.
The Senior Choir then took the stage with two choruses from operas by Piotr Tchaikovsky and Guiseppe Verdi. The Chorus of peasant girls from Eugene Onegin was a lively and cheerful piece, contrasting with the dark and sinister Witches’ Chorus from Macbeth. The singers demonstrated their ability to switch between different languages and moods with ease and confidence.
The Intermediate Choir followed with a selection of songs from musicals and films, ranging from the whimsical Humpty Dumpty by Brian Chappell to the poignant Somewhere out there by Horner, Mann, and Weill. The singers also performed the catchy Who will buy? from Oliver by Lionel Bart and the soothing Hushabye Mountain from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang by Richard and Robert Sherman. The choir sang with enthusiasm and charm, creating a fun and engaging atmosphere for the audience.
The Tenor & Bass Choir, composed of the older boys and young men of the FCMG, impressed with their rendition of the Priests’ Chorus from Die Zauberflöte by W. A. Mozart and the Huntsmen’s Chorus from Der Freischütz by C. M. von Weber. The choir displayed a rich and mature sound, blending well with each other and the piano accompaniment.
The concert concluded with a spectacular performance of the Habanera and the March of the toreadors from Carmen by Georges Bizet, featuring the Senior and Chamber Choirs and soloist Molly Frow. The singers captured the passion and excitement of the famous opera, singing with power and precision. The audience was thrilled by the finale, giving the singers a standing ovation.
The concert was a testament to the high quality and diversity of the FCMG, as well as the dedication and skill of the conductors, pianists, and singers. The FCMG is not only a choir, but also a community of young musicians who share a love of singing and learning.
