Ipswich Gilbert & Sullivan Society Concert
in honour of Ralph Chapman
Gilbert and Sullivan was a Victorian-era theatrical partnership of the dramatist W. S. Gilbert (1836–1911)
and the composer Arthur Sullivan (1842–1900).
They jointly created fourteen comic operettas between 1871 and 1896, of which H.M.S. Pinafore, The Pirates of Penzance and The Mikado are among the best known. Gilbert, who wrote the libretti for these operettas, created fanciful “topsy-turvy” worlds where each absurdity is taken to its logical conclusion; fairies rub elbows with British lords, flirting is a capital offence, gondoliers ascend to the monarchy, and pirates emerge as noblemen who have gone astray.
Sullivan, six years Gilbert’s junior, composed the music, contributing memorable melodies that could convey both humour and pathos. Their operas have enjoyed broad and enduring international success and are still performed frequently throughout the English-speaking world and further afield. Indeed there is also a flourishing G&S Society in Brussels with Irish, American and Chinese members. The operettas have
also influenced political speeches, literature, film and television and have been widely parodied by humourists and even politicians.
Woodbridge Methodist Church is pleased to welcome the Ipswich G&S Society treat us to a free concert on Sunday 14th May at 2.30pm in honour of their former long-standing member, Ralph Chapman, a member of the church. Ralph had a fine tenor voice and also sang with Ipswich Bach Choir, Woodbridge Choral Society and the Woodbridge Methodist Church Choir. There will be a retiring collection in aid of Mesothelioma UK and the Methodist Church Octagon Roof.