Kingston University singers and musicians hit a high note at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe

Posted Tuesday 11 August 2015

Kingston University ensembles have enjoyed sell out success at this year's Edinburgh Festival Fringe. The Twist Singers and the trumpet section of the Kingston University Brass Ensemble showcased their talents north of the border on a successful second trip to the annual arts spectacular.

$The Twist Singers\' repertoire ranges from Pop to Classics$ The Twist Singers' repertoire ranges from pop to classics.Made up of students from across the University completing degrees including music, dance, drama, business and architecture, the Twist Singers is also open to local residents. During its Fringe trip, the choir captivated crowds with a repertoire ranging from classics to showstoppers, including extracts from Wicked and a choral arrangement of Adele's Skyfall. The Brass Ensemble played a fanfare composed for the occasion.

As well as relishing the opportunity to perform at the world's largest arts festival, the students learned about arts marketing and events promotion in career development sessions provided by Fringe Central. They topped off their performances in the spectacular setting of St Giles' Cathedral and at Paradise at Augustines by taking to the streets for an al fresco show, singing extracts from their repertoire, improvising and talking to spectators about Kingston University.

"This was a wonderful opportunity to highlight the varied musical life Kingston University offers with a wide audience at a premier festival, " Val Marshall, who co-ordinates the University's Collegiate Music activities, said. The students had also particularly enjoyed the opportunity to share their Fringe experience with a number of graduates who had stopped by to say hello, she added.

Twist Singers is open to all Kingston University staff and students, as well as local residents and is directed by experienced choral director and arranger Adam Hope. The choir's performances this year will include Christmas events as well as shows at the borough's Rose Theatre. Rehearsals are held from 6 to 8pm on Tuesdays during term at the Surrey Club on Penrhyn Road.

The Collegiate Music team is currently planning a range of music-making and performance opportunities when the new academic year gets under way in October. Local residents will be especially welcome to take part in these activities.