About this EveNT
Member's Event Information
This all day event is open to Soul Choir members only as we will be working on the songs being learnt during our Summer Festival Term. As well as attending the day in full, (which we recommend, where possible) we are also offering the chance to attend either the morning or afternoon session should you wish. Additionally, you are welcome to put your hard work into practice at an optional performance after the workshop at the Manor House Gardens Festival, just around the corner!
Morning Session - Ensemble Singing with Rob Shirakbari
The day will begin with the wonderful Rob Shirakbari who, with his wealth of experience, will be exploring ensemble singing, tuning, phrasing and vocal technique on some of this term's songs. As a Composer, Arranger, Producer and Musician, Rob certainly knows how to get the best out of people! He is Musical Director for the legendary Dionne Warwick and also for Soul Choirs favourite, Rumer - he also worked very closely with Burt Bacharach from the mid 1980's. To say we're lucky to have him is the understatement of the year! Read more below - he has quite literally worked with all the greats and we know he will do some incredible work with us!
Afternoon Session - Mass Rehearsal with Abi and Ross
Take part in this mass rehearsal with our very own Directors, the inspirational Abi Gilchrist and Ross Power. This session will comprise singing all of the term's songs and getting them performance ready for our exciting upcoming Summer events! Experience a more tailored rehearsal including voice 'sectionals', honing in on dynamics and delivery and bringing maximum Soul Choir energy and uplifting joy to our audiences!
10am Registration
10:30 - 12:30pm Morning Session with Rob
12:30 - 1:45pm Lunch (There is a lovely park and Sainsbury's nearby so do bring a picnic blanket!)
1:45 - 4pm Afternoon Session with Abi and Ross (there will be a tea break mid session)
4:50 - 5:20pm Optional performance at the Manor House Gardens Festival
Tickets are priced at £44 for the full day (there are a limited amount of Earlybird tickets available for £38.50 so be quick!). Morning or Afternoon sessions are priced at £27.50 each. *All costs incur booking fees.
PLEASE NOTE - THIS EVENT IS NON-REFUNDABLE
J.R (ROB) SHIRAKBARI is a musical Renaissance Man. A true jack-of-all-trades and master of many, indeed, he is at equal ease playing Debussy on the piano or rocking a B-3 organ, orchestrating and conducting for a symphony orchestra or thrashing a Les Paul through a Marshall, programming a drum beat or grooving on an electric bass.
Behind the glass, Rob can guide an artist with the wisdom of a seasoned producer or roll up his sleeves and engineer a session alongside the best technicians. He has produced and recorded with a wide range of artists and projects.
As a producer, composer and arranger, Rob’s most recent project is “Into Colour” by Atlantic Records UK artist, RUMER. “Into Colour” debuted at #12 in the UK charts. Rob co-wrote all but one song on the record, and played many of the instruments.
Rob is also the Music Director for pop/soul icon, DIONNE WARWICK, and for years Rob was the keyboardist, arranger and music director for legendary composer, BURT BACHARACH. Rob has been closely associated with Bacharach and Warwick since the mid-1980s.
Rob’s songs have been in feature films and used for the development of new artists. Rob had an early hand in the career development of Leann Rimes (Curb Records), Mikaila (Island Def Jam) and Kristy Lee Cook (Arista). Working with young artists in need of development is one of Rob’s passions.
Rob has recorded and/or performed with such legendary artists as Duffy, Adele, Elvis Costello, Leann Rimes, Sir Elton John, Stevie Wonder, Sheryl Crow, Whitney Houston, Chrissie Hynde, Ray Charles, Faith Hill, Sir Cliff Richard, Wynonna, Aretha Franklin, Isaac Hayes, Alexandra Burke, Chris Botti, Rufus Wainwright, Joe McElderry, Garth Brooks, Jamie Cullum, Michael Bublé, Peabo Bryson, ‘N Sync, Clay Aiken, Rubben Studdard, Kristy Lee Cook, Boy George, Caro Emerald, Ivan Lins, Gladys Knight, Frank Sinatra, Queen Latifah, David Foster, Gloria Estefan, Barry Manilow, Chaka Khan, Cyndi Lauper, Ben Folds, Olivia Newton-John, Patti LaBelle, Smokey Robinson, Jeffrey Osborne, David Sanborn, Trijntje Oosterhuis, Johnny Mathis, Natalie Cole, George Duke, Ronald Isley and a host of others.
Rob served as one of three Musical Directors for the 72nd Academy Awards© (along with Don Was and Burt Bacharach). Rob wrote the arrangements and conducted the pit orchestra for the four-hour awards show. As well, Rob played keyboards in the on-camera band that featured Ray Charles, Garth Brooks, Queen Latifah, Faith Hill, Dionne Warwick and Isaac Hayes in a tribute to Oscar-winning songs.
Public Event Information
As part of our exciting Summer Festival Term, we are thrilled to announce our third, annual Festival of Singing Workshop!
A wonderful chance to sing and mix with Soul Choir members from all branches in a full day of singing fun with Soul Choirs Directors and J.R.Shirakbari - Producer, Arranger, Musician and Musical Director for for the legendary Dionne Warwick and also for Soul Choirs favourite, Rumer!
*Open to Soul Choirs members ONLY, login to the Member's area for ticket link
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