SAF Friday July 6 – Alex Carter in concert

A plethora of songs from the 1930s by London’s charming chaps: Charlie Chaplin, Noël Coward and Sydenham’s own Norman Long.

With Alex Carter (voice), Christian Vaughan (piano) and Cath Haggo (violin).

Alex’s neighbour Victoria Sikari set the idea for the event in motion when she mentioned that Norman Long, a piano vocal entertainer, used to own both her family house and the house that now houses a singer, bassoonist, violinist, and harpist on Queensthorpe Road. The Sikari family kindly lent Alex their recordings of Norman Long’s music, and she spent many long evenings listening to them. She was also lucky enough to have the support of local historian Steve Grindlay on this project.

With witty song references to Sydenham Gas Works, the politics of the 1930s, vintage cars, gardens, women, and life in Sydenham, Alex knew at once that Sydenham and quite possibly all of London shouldn’t be a moment longer without getting to know one of London’s most charming chaps!

A Charlie Chaplin Anecdote – Interview with John

Biographies

Alex Carter studied at the Royal Academy of Music and has worked abroad and in the UK with many leading directors and conductors. She was also in the Chorus of the Royal Opera House. This is the fourth year she has appeared in Sydenham Arts Festival, each year with a different theme; Cafe Songs, French Cabaret, La Dolce Vita, The Blitz, and now The Chaps.

Catherine Haggo studied violin at the Chetham’s School of Music and the Royal Academy of Music. In 2000 she became a member of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and joined the orchestra of English National Opera in 2009.

Christian Vaughan studied Jazz at the Royal Academy of Music. His discography includes keyboard work on Jean Toussaint’s Life I Want, accordion on Tony Rémy’s Metamorfollow-G and string arranging on the soundtrack to Mike Leigh’s film, Career Girls. In 2001 and 2002 Christian played keyboards for the Jazz Crusaders’ European tours, and 2002 also saw his debut as musical director for BBC television’s late night chat show, Johnny Vaughan Tonight.

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