%s1 / %s2

Playlist: Work by Alison Turner

Compiled By: Alison Turner

Hotel de Ville de Bruxelles Credit:
Hotel de Ville de Bruxelles

Alison Turner is a freelance radio producer living in Brussels, Belgium. Her work for radio offers an expat view of life in the European capital.

Main

Rehearsal of the Brussels Choral Society

From Alison Turner | 12:50

The Brussels Choral Society has over 120 members from 26 nationalities, and has been performing since 1979. In this feature, reporter Alison Turner, joins one of their rehearsals to witness the intense effort that they pour into rehearsals.

Img_1210_small

The Brussels Choral Society has over 120 members from 26 nationalities, and has been performing since 1979. In this feature, reporter Alison Turner, joins one of their rehearsals to witness the intense effort that they pour into works of Vivaldi, Beethoven and Carl Orff (Carmina Burana). She hears from the Choral Society's President, Alexis De Baets, and the Musical Director, Eric Delson, as well as several of the choir's members. Musical talent combines with intense focus and physical effort to produce beautiful sound, and the choir members are inspired.  
Music included in this feature: Carmina Burana by Carl Orff, Vivaldi's Gloria and Beethoven's Mass in C major, Op. 86. 
Please note, the Society's concert in Brussels on 30th November 2012 has already sold out

First World War poetry with Dr Kate Macdonald

From Alison Turner | Part of the Armistice Day for Expats in Belgium series | 54:00

As part of a series marking Armistice Day, the anniversary of the end of the First World War, reporter, Alison Turner, talked to Dr Kate Macdonald about the significance of poetry from the First World War era. She finds out about the experience of teaching English Literature in Flanders, and how Flemish students understand this poetry. Dr Macdonald tells the stories of some of the World War One poets, and takes a closer look at their poems. They look at the work of Wilfred Owen, Helen Hamilton, May Wedderburn Cannan, Rupert Brooke, Ivor Gurney and John McCrae.

Katemacdonald_small As part of a series marking Armistice Day, the anniversary of the end of the First World War, reporter, Alison Turner, talked to Dr Kate Macdonald about the significance of poetry from the First World War era. She finds out about the experience of teaching English Literature in Flanders, and how Flemish students understand this poetry. Dr Macdonald tells the stories of some of the World War One poets, and takes a closer look at their poems. They look at the work of Wilfred Owen, Helen Hamilton, May Wedderburn Cannan, Rupert Brooke, Ivor Gurney and John McCrae.

First World War poetry, with Hugh Dow - Break of Day in the Trenches, by Isaac Rosenberg

From Alison Turner | Part of the Armistice Day for Expats in Belgium series | 07:46

As part of a series marking Armistice Day, the anniversary of the end of the First World War, reporter, Alison Turner, asked expat actors living in Belgium to read poems about the war, and to discuss their significance. In this piece, she meets Hugh Dow, who reads 'Break of Day in the Trenches', by Isaac Rosenberg. "These guys were ...still teenagers, they were young men, they were boys - so I go back to it if ever I'm not happy with my own lot... It's humbling, that's what it is."

Isaac_rosenberg_small As part of a series marking Armistice Day, the anniversary of the end of the First World War, reporter, Alison Turner, asked expat actors living in Belgium to read poems about the war, and to discuss their significance. In this piece, she meets Hugh Dow, who reads 'Break of Day in the Trenches', by Isaac Rosenberg. "These guys were ...still teenagers, they were young men, they were boys - so I go back to it if ever I'm not happy with my own lot... It's humbling, that's what it is."


The First International Day of the Girl

First International Day of the Girl

From Alison Turner | Part of the First International Day of the Girl series | 14:40

On Thursday 11th October 2012, the world marks the first ever International Day of the Girl Child. "Plan", an international development charity, is launching its "Because I am a Girl" campaign on the same day. They call for a quality education for girls to be made an urgent priority in tackling global poverty. Reporter, Alison Turner, discussed the challenges faced by girls with Karen Schroh, Head of the Plan EU Office in Brussels.

International_day_of_the_girl_small On Thursday 11th October 2012, the world marks the first ever International Day of the Girl Child.  "Plan", an international development charity, is launching its "Because I am a Girl" campaign on the same day.  They call for a quality education for girls to be made an urgent priority in tackling global poverty.  Reporter, Alison Turner, discussed the challenges faced by girls with Karen Schroh, Head of the Plan EU Office in Brussels.

In this interview, Karen talks about the need for a minimum of nine years education for girls and boys, and how this education will enable girls to make better life choices.  She also discusses the wider impact on the local community when girls are better educated.  She looks at the challenges facing girls in developing countries today, including gender based violence and discrimination and at the importance of girls in economic development.

 

World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts celebrates first International Day of the Girl Child

From Alison Turner | Part of the First International Day of the Girl series | 05:47

Rosemary Hindle works at the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts in Brussels, Belgium. She talked with Alison Turner about the significance of the first International Day of the Girl - 11th October 2012. WAGGGS is giving people an opportunity to express how they see "The World We Want For Girls".

Int-day-girl-child-button_small Rosemary Hindle works to bring issues affecting girls to the attention of decision makers in Europe.  The first International Day of the Girl - 11th October 2012 is important to give girls an opportunity to bring issues forward. Rosemary explains, "All around the world, girls are facing violence, they're not having access to education, they're iving in poverty, girls are usually the most disadvantaged part of the community - they're the ones that tend to come last when any resources are being divided out.  That's why it's really important that we give them the focus."  The WAGGGS campaign, The World We Want For Girls, asks people to express what they think is important for girls, what changes need to be made in policies to make the world better for girls.


Items for expats in Brussels

Bookalokal.com

From Alison Turner | 04:30

Expat in Brussels, Evelyne White, launches the first version of a new website on Monday 15th October 2012. Bookalokal.com helps guests seeking a local food experience, find hosts willing to offer homecooked meals, food tours or cooking lessons. Guests range from travellers passing through town to newcomers and expats looking to meet locals over a meal. Hosts range from people who love to cook and enjoy entertaining interesting people, to aspiring chefs wanting to showcase their skills while earning some extra money along the way. Evelyne talked to reporter Alison Turner about this new opportunity to meet new people through a food experience, and her hopes for the website to gain a global following.

Bookalokal_small Expat in Brussels, Evelyne White, launches the first version of a new website on Monday 15th October 2012. Bookalokal.com helps guests seeking a local food experience, find hosts willing to offer homecooked meals, food tours or cooking lessons. Guests range from travellers passing through town to newcomers and expats looking to meet locals over a meal. Hosts range from people who love to cook and enjoy entertaining interesting people, to aspiring chefs wanting to showcase their skills while earning some extra money along the way. Evelyne talked to reporter Alison Turner about this new opportunity to meet new people through a food experience, and her hopes for the website to gain a global following.


Beyond Brussels

Enduring Connections - Belgium and the United States

From Alison Turner | 09:53

Many American expats gathered in Brussels on 4th July this year to celebrate American Independence Day. Reporter, Alison Turner, joined the celebrations and discovered a strong interest and affection for Belgium among American expats. Alison talked to Mary-Jane Farren, who came to Belgium as a student and never left. Husband and wife research team, Edward and Libby Klekowski, told Alison some of the history of the connections between Belgium and the US. All the connections they describe have their roots in the two world wars.

2belgianus_flags_small Many American expats gathered in Brussels on 4th July this year to celebrate American Independence Day. Reporter, Alison Turner, joined the celebrations and discovered a strong interest and affection for Belgium among American expats. Alison talked to Mary-Jane Farren, who came to Belgium as a student and never left. Husband and wife research team, Edward and Libby Klekowski, told Alison some of the history of the connections between Belgium and the US. All the connections they describe have their roots in the two world wars.

First World War poetry - The End by Wilfred Owen, read by Mark Prescott

From Alison Turner | Part of the Armistice Day for Expats in Belgium series | 06:44

As part of a series marking Armistice Day, the anniversary of the end of the First World War, reporter, Alison Turner, asked expat actors living in Belgium to read poems about the war, and to discuss their significance. In this piece, Mark Prescott reads Wilfred Owen's poem, "The End". Mark tells of two of his great grandfathers who were killed in the First World War - Sidney Mole and William Prescott, and he discusses the importance of remembrance.

Untitled_0_00_00-01_small As part of a series marking Armistice Day, the anniversary of the end of the First World War, reporter, Alison Turner, asked expat actors living in Belgium to read poems about the war, and to discuss their significance. In this piece, Mark Prescott reads Wilfred Owen's poem, "The End". Mark tells of two of his great grandfathers who were killed in the First World War - Sidney Mole and William Prescott, and he discusses the importance of remembrance.

First World War Poetry - Graham Vincent reads Dulce et Decorum Est, by Wilfred Owen

From Alison Turner | Part of the Armistice Day for Expats in Belgium series | 06:49

As part of a series marking Armistice Day, the anniversary of the end of the First World War, reporter, Alison Turner, asked expat actors living in Belgium to read poems about the war, and to discuss their significance. In this piece, Graham Vincent reads Wilfred Owen's well known poem, 'Dulce et Decorum Est'. Graham tells how his family remembers his great uncle, Trooper Henry Dickson, who died in the First World War, aged 23, and is buried in France.

Cropped_-_trooper_henry_dixon_small As part of a series marking Armistice Day, the anniversary of the end of the First World War, reporter, Alison Turner, asked expat actors living in Belgium to read poems about the war, and to discuss their significance. In this piece, Graham Vincent reads Wilfred Owen's well known poem, 'Dulce et Decorum Est'. Graham tells how his family remembers his great uncle, Trooper Henry Dickson, who died in the First World War, aged 23, and is buried in France.

First World War Poetry - Zigurds Kronbergs reads 'Disabled', by Wilfred Owen

From Alison Turner | Part of the Armistice Day for Expats in Belgium series | 09:53

As part of a series marking Armistice Day, the anniversary of the end of the First World War, reporter, Alison Turner, asked expat actors living in Belgium to read poems about the war, and to discuss their significance. In this piece, she meets Zigurds Kronbergs, who reads 'Disabled', by Wilfred Owen. Zigurds was born to Latvian immigrants in Corby, Northamptonshire. He offers an insight into growing up in two cultures, and explains that 11th November is remembered in Latvia, but not as Armistice Day.

Wilfred_owen_picture_small As part of a series marking Armistice Day, the anniversary of the end of the First World War, reporter, Alison Turner, asked expat actors living in Belgium to read poems about the war, and to discuss their significance. In this piece, she meets Zigurds Kronbergs, who reads 'Disabled', by Wilfred Owen. Zigurds was born to Latvian immigrants in Corby, Northamptonshire. He offers an insight into growing up in two cultures, and explains that 11th November is remembered in Latvia, but not as Armistice Day.

Martin Blackwell reads Mental Cases by Wilfred Owen

From Alison Turner | Part of the Armistice Day for Expats in Belgium series | 01:54

Martin Blackwell reads Mental Cases by Wilfred Owen

Wilfred_owen_picture_small As part of a series marking Armistice Day, the anniversary of the end of the First World War, reporter, Alison Turner, asked expat actors living in Belgium to read poems about the war.  Here, Martin Blackwell reads Wilfred Owen's poem, "Mental Cases".  Owen expresses the ongoing torment for men who have been left severely traumatised by their experiences of war.

Brussels Shakespeare Society 2013 - The Merchant of Venice

From Alison Turner | 17:01

From 5th February, the Brussels Shakespeare Society takes to the stage with The Merchant of Venice. Just two weeks before the curtain raising, Reporter, Alison Turner, went along to rehearsal to meet the cast and director, Tracie Ryan. It's a joyful group, excited for their performance. Tracie reveals that Andrew Visnevski from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art will be visiting the Society soon. Tracie is confident in her decision to set the production in the late 1920s, promising a glamorous, sound-rich production, reminiscent of a radio play. Discover more about the long term relationship many expats in Brussels have with local theatre groups.

The play will run from 5th to 9th February 2013 at the Scarabaeus Theater (Rue Creuse).

Mov-poster_small From 5th February, the Brussels Shakespeare Society takes to the stage with The Merchant of Venice. Just two weeks before the curtain raising, Reporter, Alison Turner, went along to rehearsal to meet the cast and director, Tracie Ryan. It's a joyful group, excited for their performance. Tracie reveals that Andrew Visnevski from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art will be visiting the Society soon. Tracie is confident in her decision to set the production in the late 1920s, promising a glamorous, sound-rich production, reminiscent of a radio play. Discover more about the long term relationship many expats in Brussels have with local theatre groups. The play will run from 5th to 9th February 2013 at the Scarabaeus Theater (Rue Creuse).