The Melodians Steel Orchestra played at Westminster Abbey on a chilly day as guests arrived for the Commonwealth Day Service. The players, helpers and parents of the younger children were able to attend the service in the Abbey which was televised live on BBC1. HM the Queen and many of the Royal family were at the service and Terry Noel (leader of the Melodians) was invited to meet the Queen and other members of the Royal family as they left the Abbey.
The recording of the service can be seen on the BBC iPlayer on this link. You can catch the Melodians playing right at the beginning of the recording behind the presenter Mishal Husain:
Among the 7 pieces that the Melodians played was one of their new pieces of music ‘Colour Blind’ that was composed for them by Robert Thompson of Arima, Trinidad. You can hear a recording from the day on this link:
The Melodians were all saddened to hear of the death of David Bowie after an 18 month battle with cancer. He was a great talent and will be sorely missed.
The Melodians recorded a video playing one of his most famous songs ‘The Man Who Sold The World’ at the British Council in 2013. They also recorded the music at Abbey Road Studios in March 2013 as part of the soundtrack for the ‘English Magic’ video created by Jeremy Deller.
If you would like to listen to the unusual sound of a Steel Orchestra playing David Bowie then here is the link:
The Melodians gathered at their base in Henry Cavendish School on Saturday 12th December for their Annual Award Concert 2015. The hall was filled with family, friends and supporters for the free concert to celebrate a busy and eventful year and reward the magnificent effort of the Melodians players.
This year, the concert was divided into 3 parts. The first two pieces played were performed by the school children from classes 6C and 6W who performed the classics:
Somewhere Over the Rainbow
Swing Low Sweet Chariot
This was followed by the School choir accompanied by the Melodians – a first for both groups – singing:
Mas Que Nada
The rest of the concert was an exciting performance of 9 pieces by the Melodians, including some of their old favourites, the new composition from the Clay Cargo project, 3 other pieces composed for the Melodians plus their new addition to the repertoire, Hotel California.
Morning Dance
Clay Cargo
New Dawn (composed for the Melodians by Amy Daniel)
Blue Skies
Excerpts from Swan Lake
Habenera
Tropical Monsoon (composed for the Melodians by the late Mikey Andrews)
Hotel California
Colour Blind (composed for the Melodians by Robert Thompson)
A great addition to the evening was Cheynne singing ‘Blue Skies’ accompanied by the Melodians.
The encore was Bohemian Rhapsody which finished with a standing ovation from the audience.
The Mayor was there to present the main awards and Terry also presented certificates to the young players from Henry Cavendish School who have been playing with the Melodians this year.
Some photos from the evening:
View from the back as the Melodians performMelodiansThe School Choir performing with MelodiansStanding OvationCheynne directing from the back of the hallTerry presents CertificatesThe Mayor presents awardsAmy receives Landmark AwardHead Teacher receives her flowers.
The Melodians helped to create the Cancer Research UK Night to Remember in Painshill Park, Surrey yesterday 21st November. A great evening with the Melodians adding their special touch of fantastic music.
You can now see the video from the wonderful event at Granary Square, Kings Cross where we played the new composition by Daniel Merrill and Nathaniel Mann of the Dead Rat Orchestra. The video is on our YouTube page link below:
The Melodians took part in a concert jointly with the Pandemonium Steel Band at St Teresa’s School in Effingham on Saturday 12th September. This collaboration was to celebrate the exciting year that the Melodians have had and also the fact that Pandemonium will be disbanding when 3 of the players go off to University. Nicky Fairey (front row, third from right) organised the farewell event.
The Melodians played an exciting mix of audience favourites including Bohemian Rhapsody, The Man Who Sold The World, Rasputin and their latest new composition ‘Clay Cargo’ which was played for the first time at Kings Cross in August.
The hall was crowded with a fantastic audience including a large number of boarders from St Teresa’s. Both groups received a wonderful standing ovation from the audience at the end of their performances.
A sad farewell to Pandemonium but an exciting first public concert for the Melodians to follow on from their free concert at Myatt’s Field in Brixton.
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