As I sit down to write this we have ONLY 70 days to go before the Wells Premiere! That certainly focuses the mind and the pace is hotting up. I hope you enjoy catching up here on how the project is moving forward. We have had press coverage in the Western Gazette (featuring me) and the Wells Journal (featuring Jonathan) so far, and Somerset Life's March issue will be featuring Marta. 

We have a 'Stop Press' box on the Home page of our website (www.omegaandalpha.co.uk) for news that happens between newsletters. I can't believe that the next newsletter is likely to be the last one before the performance.

TICKETS can now be bought direct from the Wells Cathedral Box Office (T: 01749 672773), from Ticketmaster or through the link on our website. Included in the ticket is the opportunity to meet the soloists and other performances over a drink after the event.

Best wishes,

Martin

LIVE RECORDING

We have decided to make a live recording of the Wells Cathedral performance so anyone who is in the audience on 13^th April will be part of the recording. 
     We have engaged two extremely experienced engineers: John Dunkerley has been awarded 20 Grammy Awards and many other international awards for his work in classical recording throughout his distinguished career. He will be working alongside ex-Abbey Road engineer Alex Scannell.
     The recording will be made into a CD and will also be available for download, and will be available to buy via our website, probably in May. 

MARTA’S PHOTO-SHOOT

Soloist and local girl, Marta Fontanals-Simmons came down at the weekend for a photo-shoot for the March edition of Somerset Life magazine, which will be featuring her and the oratorio. In a chilly Castle Cary church on a dusky January afternoon she looked radiant in her beautiful red gown. 

Marta had arrived on a much delayed train the day before and, after her horrendous journey, walked into the church where Martin was playing from the O&A score, took off her coat and, without any warm-up, sang this: 'Reflection' video. 

THE ORCHESTRA

The orchestra now only lacks two horns and two cellists but my right hand man, Steve Smith, tells me not to worry! The scores have been distributed, the musicians are learning their parts and full orchestra rehearsals will start on 6^th April. 

THE CHORUS

The Omega & Alpha chorus is now a balanced group made up from singers from my three church choirs at Alford, Castle Cary and Oakfield (Frome) plus singers from Yeovil and I am rehearsing them on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Their numbers are going to be increased by added support from WAKEFIELD – yes, that Wakefield in Yorkshire!  

Martin with the Castle Cary Choir

The Rodillian Singers Based in Wakefield got to hear about the oratorio through the web-site and asked if they could make up part of the choir. As they are a women-only group, my answer was, “Yes, if you can provide a balance of all four voices.” I have sent scores up to them and will be following soon to rehearse them. Kind local Somerset folk have offered accommodation for our Yorkshire brethren when they come down for rehearsals and the Wells première.

TWITTER

Having been a reluctant Twitterer (or should that be Twit?) at first, I am now hooked. It is amazing what response we are getting from all over the world. On New Year’s day we reached 100 followers and the number is growing at the rate of about two per day. People following us are from ten different countries and include choirs, orchestras, conductors, radio stations and music critics. We even have people like the Royal College of Organists, London Symphony Orchestra and Charles Hazlewood following us. Please join in on @omegaandalpha13 to help spread the word. We are also getting increased response from Facebook.

ORGANIST

I am delighted to announce that Ken Sherring is going to play the organ for us at the workshop day in March. Ken is a long-standing friend of mine and an extremely fine organist. I look forward to once again working with him.