Ann Tilley 1990-2005
The choir’s first performance under the new MD was the Christmas Concert in St Andrew’s Church and the first major work was the magnificent Mozart Requiem given in the same venue on Saturday April 7, 1990. The mass was accompanied by Birmingham Sinfonietta under its leader Sarah West. The soloists were Patta Tolputt, soprano, Rosie Jamieson, contralto, George Howarth, tenor and Melvin Brown, bass.
In June 1990 the choir once again took part in the Churchdown Festival. The concert, on June 7 covered a whole range of the choir’s repertoire, from Gershwin to Matyas Seiber and from Franz Lehar to Albeniz. The soloist from within the choir was Elizabeth Hounslow, who sang songs from the Merry Widdow, The Arcadians and Porgy and Bess. By this time concerts were beginning to be reported in the local press and the concert was pronounced a resounding success.
Haiwatha’s Wedding Feast was the work performed in November 1990. Under its conductor, Ann Tilley, the choir was accompanied by an invited orchestra, led by Sarah West. The soloists were Patrick Bridden, tenor and Peter Raynes baritone. The venue for the concert was Chosen Hill School.
In St Andrew’s Church on Thursday March 21 the choir performed two pieces, The Passion of Christ and Missa Sancti Niclolai. The soloists were Patta Tolputt, soprano, Sylvia Strange, contralto, George Howarth, tenor, Ian Dollins, bass and Eric Suddrick, organ.
On a lighter note, the choir gave a Summer Serenade and Supper on June 15, 1991 setting the pattern of an annual summer concert which continues to this day.
Haydn’s Creation was the work performed in November 1991 and the venue was Chosen Hill School. Soloists were Jennifer Barr, soprano, James Park, tenor, Christopher Duke, bass and the piece was accompanied by an invited orchestra.
1992 – 1999
On April 4, 1992 the choir presented a Programme of English Music at Chosen Hill School. The programme included two pieces by Vaughan Williams, In Winter Forest, and Toward the Unknown Region, and The Rio Grande, by Constant Lambert. The brass ensemble leader was Mike Sallis and the orchestra leader was Sarah Bertram.
The society’s autumn offering that year was Vivaldi’s Gloria and The Magnificat by Pergolisi. The concert, again given in Chosen Hill School featured Emma Silversides, soprano, Sylvia Strange, contralto and Fiona Davies, oboe.
The choir began its 10th year by performing Mendelssohn’s Hymn of Praise and Elgar’s Psalm 23 in a concert in Chosen Hill School on April 3, 1993. The soloists were; Jennifer Barr, soprano, Andrew Field, tenor, and the orchestra leader was Sarah Bertram. In the summer of that year the choir took part in the Churchdown Village Open Weekend. On Saturday June 19 the choir performed Dance Polovtysienne, by Borodin and Captain Noah and his Floating Zoo, by Michael Flanders and Joseph Horowiz. In this performance in St Andrew’s Church, the bass soloist was David Purcell.
The magnificent Handel’s Messiah was the work chosen for the 1993 November concert in St Andrew’s Church. The soloists were: Isabel Bailey, soprano, Sylvia Strange, contralto, George Howarth, tenor, Ian Dollins, bass and Paul Broeckman, trumpet. Then on Saturday December 4 the choir combined with the Atherstone and Warwickshire Choral Societies in a concert at Birmingham Symphony Hall with the Police National Orchestra.
Award – winning clarinettist Verity Butler featured in a concert in Churchdown School on Saturday March 26 , 1994 to mark the society’s 10th anniversary. She played the Weber Clarinet Concerto with invited orchestra. The choir performed, amongst others; Blest Pair of Sirens and I was glad, by Parry and Song of Destiny by Brahms.
St Andrew’s Church was the setting for the December 1994 concert. Three pieces made up the programme; John Rutter’s Magnificat, and two pieces by Gerald Finzi , In Terra Pax, and Let us Garlands Bring. The soloists were Helen Wright, soprano and Richard Strivens, bass.
In the April of 1995 the choir were at Chosen Hill School to perform Schubert Mass in Eb and Haydn Symphony (The Bear). The orchestra leader was Claire Piper and the soloists were Helen Wright, soprano, Glen Byram Wingfield, alto, Mark Davies, tenor and Patrick Mason, bass.
The concert version of Edward German’s Merrie England was the piece chosen for the summer of 1995. Joan Self was Bessie Throckmorton, Jill –all –Alone, was sung by Audrey Hughes, Sir Walter Raleigh was Patrick Bridden, The Earl of Essex, David Purcell and Patrick Mason was Long Tom.
Later on that year the choir performed a Christmas Concert comprising. Christmas Cantata by Geoffrey Bush and Christmas Day by Gustav Holst.
The Spring Concert of 1996 featured Requiem and Cantique de Jean Racine, by Faure and Brandenburg Concerto No. 6 by Bach. The soloists in the Requiem were Rebecca Rudge, soprano and Stephen Williams, bass. Eric Suddrick was on the organ.
The Summer Concert of that year comprised Songs from the Savoy Operas and a concert version of Trial by Jury by Gilbert and Sullivan. Later in that year the choir performed the Messiah twice in two different venues.
The concert on March 22, 1997 was given in memory of Eric Suddrick who died in the previous year. Eric had been involved with the choir since its formation and had performed at many concerts on organ or piano. A former organ scholar at Hereford Cathedral, Eric taught at Cheltenham College for many years and after retirement remained actively involved in music. The pieces chosen for the memorial concert were Piccuni’s Messa di Gloria and Variations on a Rococo Theme by Tchaikovsky. The tenor soloist was Howard Kirk, the bass Richard Strivens and Clare Piper was the leader.
The choir’s Summer Concert for that year comprised a musical miscellany – songs by Lloyd Webber, Vaughan Williams and Elgar, and solos from soprano Tracy Hansford and John Clift, piano.
The year of 1997 was competed in grand style by a performance of the Christmas Oratorio by JS Bach with Christmas Carols old and new.
The April concert for 1998 was Mass in D by Dvorak and Te Deum by Bizet. The concert held in St Andrew’s Church featured Tracy Hansford, soprano, Philip Viveash, alto, George Howarth, tenor and James Mustard, bass. James Brown was on the organ and Ann Tilley was the conductor.
Last Night of the Proms was given in Chosen Hill School on July 11m 1998. The programme included Zadok the Priest, Stanford’s Songs of the Fleet, I was Glad, by Parry and Henry Wood’s Fantasia on British Sea Songs. The baritone soloist was David Owen-Lewis and orchestra leader, Claire Piper.
The final concert of that year was John Rutter’s Requiem performed in Chosen Hill School. The soloists were – Rebecca Rudge, soprano, Sylvia Strange, contralto, james Brown, tenor and Ian Head, bass. The harp was played by Rowena Bass and the leader was Sarah Bertram.
The work chosen for the March 1999 concert was the massive Mass in C by Beethoven. The work featured Emma Silversides, soprano, Gloria Finch, contralto, Ben Cooper, tenor and James Mustard, bass. The horn soloist in Horn Concerto 4 by Mozart was Paul Tomlinson and Rupert Luck was the leader.
The Summer Concert of that year comprised a number of songs from the opera. The packed hall heard songs by Handel, Mozart, Rossini and Verdi, songs by the talented soprano Tracy Hansford and readings from Cynthia Baron.
A Celebration of Christmas was given that year in St Andrew’s Church. A Ceremony of Carols by Benjamin Britten and the World at the Manger by Malcolm Williamson were the appetisers for the main work of the evening, Choruses from The Messiah
2000 to Present Day
On Saturday March 4 the choir joined up with the Churchdown Male Voice Choir in a concert, Voices Together in Chosen Hill School. The choir sang Te Deum Laudamus by Haydn, two opera choruses and a medley from Phantom of the Opera. The male voice choir sang some of its favourite pieces, including, Where shall I Be, The Saints, Jacob’s Ladder and a Cole Porter Medley. The wonderful soprano, Sue Black was the soloist and she joined the male choir to perform the lovely Easter Hymn from Cavaleria Rusticana by Mascagni.
In its concert in Chosen Hill School, Celebration 2000 the choir chose Hiawatha’s Wedding Feast by Coleridge Taylor as the main work. Also heard were Parry’s I was glad, The Easter Hymn by Mascagni and songs from soprano Sue Black and tenor Steven Goulden.
The Christmas concert of that year featured Saint Nicholas by Benjamin Britten with tenor Jonathan Stouton and Guy Whatley, organ.
The concert on April 7 2001 showcased the great Requiem by Mozart and Song of Miriam by Schubert. The soloists were: Tracy Hansford, soprano, Gloria Finch, contralto, Mark Davies, tenor and William Armiger, bass. Abigail Smith was the leader of the invited orchestra.
The Summer Concert was an evening of songs, readings and piano solos. The featured soloists were Dorothy Fitzgerald, soprano, Cynthia Baron, reader and John Clift, piano.
A concert was held on November 24 of that year to mark the opening of St Andrew’s Church Centre. The works chosen were Vivaldi Gloria, excerpts from The Messiah and other popular pieces. The soloists were sopranos Dorothy Fitzgerald and Debbie Godsell, Alan Flower. Reader and organist James Brown.
On this occasion the performance of the choir was judged by Peter Jennings of Making Music Administration. It is worth recording some of the salient points made by Mr Jennings.
Quality of Venue
Parking – not too good
Seating – very comfortable for a church
Heating – perfectly adequate
Lighting – good
Facilities for disabled – good
Audience’s view – a bit limited
Presentation of information
Programme – well produced.
The achievement of the performance
Approx numbers 38s, 14a, 12t, 14b
Voice quality – mostly good
Vocal intonation – mostly good
Clarity of words – good
Clarity of vocal line – mostly good but the tenors seemed challenged by some of the top notes
Precision of entries and chording – good
Range of emotional expression – vocally good, facially not so good
Formal or informal dress – formal, gentlemen were particularly smart
Were folders used – yes, but please make sure they are all the same way up
Platform discipline – quite good, not too much chat between pieces
Orchestra – n/a
The conductor
Communication with the choir – very good
Communication with the soloists – none seemed necessary
Direction of entries – very good
Control of dynamics – very good
Sensitivity to text and music – excellent
General
I was impressed that someone came round before the performance to make sure that everyone had a programme. Also that the choir came on in oder. But do the ladies need their handbags and car keys on stage. I felt that the choir’s standing and sitting a little ragged. I observed very good eye contact between choir and conductor. Not too much heads in books. I noticed a little head bobbing as choristers tried to see the conductor, but on the other hand the performance area was a little cramped. Some of the Messiah arias were read instead of being sung, which I found very imaginative.
Most importantly, there is little doubt that the performance was extremely well received by a very appreciative audience.
The work chosen for the March concert in 2002 was Joseph Haydn’s The Seasons. Ann Tilley said in the Echo that the work which was rarely performed gives an ideal picture of country life, paying particular attention to the weather. The soloists were Emma Silversides, sopano, Graham Wili, tenor, Jochem van Ast, baritone, with Carlton Etherington on continuo.
The choir again joined forces with the Churchdown Male Voice Choir in The Queen’s Jubilee Concert given in Chosen Hill School on July 6, 2002. In a full programme the male voice choir performed songs such as The Lost Chord, Doctor Foster, Jubilate, and this Old Man. The Choral Society sang Handel’s Zadok the Priest and settings of English folk songs by Parry, Chilcott and Rutter and also the very lively I do like to be beside the seaside, by Glover-Kind and Old McDonald had a farm, in a setting by George Mitchell. The soloist was the ever - dependable Sue Black. The accompanist was John Clift
The Christmas offering of that year was Messe de Minuit by Marc-Antoine Charpentier. Also on the programme were traditional readings and old English carols.
On April 12. 2003 the choir gave its first performance of Brahms’ German Requiem in St Andrew’s Church. The soloists were Fiona Harrison, soprano and Jochem van Ast, baritone. At the organ was Ian Ball.
The Summer Concert given in July of that year included a suite of folk songs by Rutter, Country Gardens by Grainger and readings by Cynthia Baron and Norman Holland.
Two pieces were chosen for the Christmas Concerts on December 6 in St Andrew’s Church. Haydn’s Harmony Mass preceded Fantasia on Christmas Carols by Vaughan Williams. The soloists were Dorothy Fitzgerald, soprano, Gilliam Haslam, contralto, Gareth Groves, tenor, Benedict Nelson, bass. The orchestra leader was Janet Fromes and the conductor was Ann Tilley.
On Saturday April 3, 2004 the choir performed Samson by Handel in St Andrew’s Church. It was the first time that the choir had performed this great work and it was received with enthusiasm by a large audience. The soloists were sopranos, Rachel Luxon and Dorothy Fitzgerald, Maria Jagusz, alto, Peter Wilman, tenor and Richard Strivens, bass.
The Summer Concert on July 17 comprised songs by both classical and modern composers, with the second half of the concert given over mainly to songs by Gilbert and Sullivan.
Elgar’s Music Makers was the work chosen for the Christmas Concert on December 11, 2004 in St Andrew’s Church. The soloists were Maria Jagusz, alto, David Pexton, bass. Geoffrey Short was the leader and the conductor was Ann Tilley. It was reported in the local paper that extra seating had to be brought in to accommodate the audience.
On Saturday March 19, 2005 the choir performed Nelson Mass by Haydn and Songs of the Sea, by Eric Thinman. The soloists were Dorothy Fitzgerald, soprano, Karen Longmate, alto, John Crayford, tenor and David Parsons, bass. The guest conductor was John Clift.
Musick’s Jubliee with words by Alfred Tennyson, Andrew Marvell and John Dryden and music by Andrew Carter was the choice for the Summer Concert given in Churchdown Community Centre on Saturday July 2, 2005. The soloists were Dorothy Fitzgerald, Annabel Taylor and Michelle Barnes and the reader was Alan Flower. This was the last concert under Ann Tilley as she had taken the opportunity to retire after 15 years with the society.
In June 1990 the choir once again took part in the Churchdown Festival. The concert, on June 7 covered a whole range of the choir’s repertoire, from Gershwin to Matyas Seiber and from Franz Lehar to Albeniz. The soloist from within the choir was Elizabeth Hounslow, who sang songs from the Merry Widdow, The Arcadians and Porgy and Bess. By this time concerts were beginning to be reported in the local press and the concert was pronounced a resounding success.
Haiwatha’s Wedding Feast was the work performed in November 1990. Under its conductor, Ann Tilley, the choir was accompanied by an invited orchestra, led by Sarah West. The soloists were Patrick Bridden, tenor and Peter Raynes baritone. The venue for the concert was Chosen Hill School.
In St Andrew’s Church on Thursday March 21 the choir performed two pieces, The Passion of Christ and Missa Sancti Niclolai. The soloists were Patta Tolputt, soprano, Sylvia Strange, contralto, George Howarth, tenor, Ian Dollins, bass and Eric Suddrick, organ.
On a lighter note, the choir gave a Summer Serenade and Supper on June 15, 1991 setting the pattern of an annual summer concert which continues to this day.
Haydn’s Creation was the work performed in November 1991 and the venue was Chosen Hill School. Soloists were Jennifer Barr, soprano, James Park, tenor, Christopher Duke, bass and the piece was accompanied by an invited orchestra.
1992 – 1999
On April 4, 1992 the choir presented a Programme of English Music at Chosen Hill School. The programme included two pieces by Vaughan Williams, In Winter Forest, and Toward the Unknown Region, and The Rio Grande, by Constant Lambert. The brass ensemble leader was Mike Sallis and the orchestra leader was Sarah Bertram.
The society’s autumn offering that year was Vivaldi’s Gloria and The Magnificat by Pergolisi. The concert, again given in Chosen Hill School featured Emma Silversides, soprano, Sylvia Strange, contralto and Fiona Davies, oboe.
The choir began its 10th year by performing Mendelssohn’s Hymn of Praise and Elgar’s Psalm 23 in a concert in Chosen Hill School on April 3, 1993. The soloists were; Jennifer Barr, soprano, Andrew Field, tenor, and the orchestra leader was Sarah Bertram. In the summer of that year the choir took part in the Churchdown Village Open Weekend. On Saturday June 19 the choir performed Dance Polovtysienne, by Borodin and Captain Noah and his Floating Zoo, by Michael Flanders and Joseph Horowiz. In this performance in St Andrew’s Church, the bass soloist was David Purcell.
The magnificent Handel’s Messiah was the work chosen for the 1993 November concert in St Andrew’s Church. The soloists were: Isabel Bailey, soprano, Sylvia Strange, contralto, George Howarth, tenor, Ian Dollins, bass and Paul Broeckman, trumpet. Then on Saturday December 4 the choir combined with the Atherstone and Warwickshire Choral Societies in a concert at Birmingham Symphony Hall with the Police National Orchestra.
Award – winning clarinettist Verity Butler featured in a concert in Churchdown School on Saturday March 26 , 1994 to mark the society’s 10th anniversary. She played the Weber Clarinet Concerto with invited orchestra. The choir performed, amongst others; Blest Pair of Sirens and I was glad, by Parry and Song of Destiny by Brahms.
St Andrew’s Church was the setting for the December 1994 concert. Three pieces made up the programme; John Rutter’s Magnificat, and two pieces by Gerald Finzi , In Terra Pax, and Let us Garlands Bring. The soloists were Helen Wright, soprano and Richard Strivens, bass.
In the April of 1995 the choir were at Chosen Hill School to perform Schubert Mass in Eb and Haydn Symphony (The Bear). The orchestra leader was Claire Piper and the soloists were Helen Wright, soprano, Glen Byram Wingfield, alto, Mark Davies, tenor and Patrick Mason, bass.
The concert version of Edward German’s Merrie England was the piece chosen for the summer of 1995. Joan Self was Bessie Throckmorton, Jill –all –Alone, was sung by Audrey Hughes, Sir Walter Raleigh was Patrick Bridden, The Earl of Essex, David Purcell and Patrick Mason was Long Tom.
Later on that year the choir performed a Christmas Concert comprising. Christmas Cantata by Geoffrey Bush and Christmas Day by Gustav Holst.
The Spring Concert of 1996 featured Requiem and Cantique de Jean Racine, by Faure and Brandenburg Concerto No. 6 by Bach. The soloists in the Requiem were Rebecca Rudge, soprano and Stephen Williams, bass. Eric Suddrick was on the organ.
The Summer Concert of that year comprised Songs from the Savoy Operas and a concert version of Trial by Jury by Gilbert and Sullivan. Later in that year the choir performed the Messiah twice in two different venues.
The concert on March 22, 1997 was given in memory of Eric Suddrick who died in the previous year. Eric had been involved with the choir since its formation and had performed at many concerts on organ or piano. A former organ scholar at Hereford Cathedral, Eric taught at Cheltenham College for many years and after retirement remained actively involved in music. The pieces chosen for the memorial concert were Piccuni’s Messa di Gloria and Variations on a Rococo Theme by Tchaikovsky. The tenor soloist was Howard Kirk, the bass Richard Strivens and Clare Piper was the leader.
The choir’s Summer Concert for that year comprised a musical miscellany – songs by Lloyd Webber, Vaughan Williams and Elgar, and solos from soprano Tracy Hansford and John Clift, piano.
The year of 1997 was competed in grand style by a performance of the Christmas Oratorio by JS Bach with Christmas Carols old and new.
The April concert for 1998 was Mass in D by Dvorak and Te Deum by Bizet. The concert held in St Andrew’s Church featured Tracy Hansford, soprano, Philip Viveash, alto, George Howarth, tenor and James Mustard, bass. James Brown was on the organ and Ann Tilley was the conductor.
Last Night of the Proms was given in Chosen Hill School on July 11m 1998. The programme included Zadok the Priest, Stanford’s Songs of the Fleet, I was Glad, by Parry and Henry Wood’s Fantasia on British Sea Songs. The baritone soloist was David Owen-Lewis and orchestra leader, Claire Piper.
The final concert of that year was John Rutter’s Requiem performed in Chosen Hill School. The soloists were – Rebecca Rudge, soprano, Sylvia Strange, contralto, james Brown, tenor and Ian Head, bass. The harp was played by Rowena Bass and the leader was Sarah Bertram.
The work chosen for the March 1999 concert was the massive Mass in C by Beethoven. The work featured Emma Silversides, soprano, Gloria Finch, contralto, Ben Cooper, tenor and James Mustard, bass. The horn soloist in Horn Concerto 4 by Mozart was Paul Tomlinson and Rupert Luck was the leader.
The Summer Concert of that year comprised a number of songs from the opera. The packed hall heard songs by Handel, Mozart, Rossini and Verdi, songs by the talented soprano Tracy Hansford and readings from Cynthia Baron.
A Celebration of Christmas was given that year in St Andrew’s Church. A Ceremony of Carols by Benjamin Britten and the World at the Manger by Malcolm Williamson were the appetisers for the main work of the evening, Choruses from The Messiah
2000 to Present Day
On Saturday March 4 the choir joined up with the Churchdown Male Voice Choir in a concert, Voices Together in Chosen Hill School. The choir sang Te Deum Laudamus by Haydn, two opera choruses and a medley from Phantom of the Opera. The male voice choir sang some of its favourite pieces, including, Where shall I Be, The Saints, Jacob’s Ladder and a Cole Porter Medley. The wonderful soprano, Sue Black was the soloist and she joined the male choir to perform the lovely Easter Hymn from Cavaleria Rusticana by Mascagni.
In its concert in Chosen Hill School, Celebration 2000 the choir chose Hiawatha’s Wedding Feast by Coleridge Taylor as the main work. Also heard were Parry’s I was glad, The Easter Hymn by Mascagni and songs from soprano Sue Black and tenor Steven Goulden.
The Christmas concert of that year featured Saint Nicholas by Benjamin Britten with tenor Jonathan Stouton and Guy Whatley, organ.
The concert on April 7 2001 showcased the great Requiem by Mozart and Song of Miriam by Schubert. The soloists were: Tracy Hansford, soprano, Gloria Finch, contralto, Mark Davies, tenor and William Armiger, bass. Abigail Smith was the leader of the invited orchestra.
The Summer Concert was an evening of songs, readings and piano solos. The featured soloists were Dorothy Fitzgerald, soprano, Cynthia Baron, reader and John Clift, piano.
A concert was held on November 24 of that year to mark the opening of St Andrew’s Church Centre. The works chosen were Vivaldi Gloria, excerpts from The Messiah and other popular pieces. The soloists were sopranos Dorothy Fitzgerald and Debbie Godsell, Alan Flower. Reader and organist James Brown.
On this occasion the performance of the choir was judged by Peter Jennings of Making Music Administration. It is worth recording some of the salient points made by Mr Jennings.
Quality of Venue
Parking – not too good
Seating – very comfortable for a church
Heating – perfectly adequate
Lighting – good
Facilities for disabled – good
Audience’s view – a bit limited
Presentation of information
Programme – well produced.
The achievement of the performance
Approx numbers 38s, 14a, 12t, 14b
Voice quality – mostly good
Vocal intonation – mostly good
Clarity of words – good
Clarity of vocal line – mostly good but the tenors seemed challenged by some of the top notes
Precision of entries and chording – good
Range of emotional expression – vocally good, facially not so good
Formal or informal dress – formal, gentlemen were particularly smart
Were folders used – yes, but please make sure they are all the same way up
Platform discipline – quite good, not too much chat between pieces
Orchestra – n/a
The conductor
Communication with the choir – very good
Communication with the soloists – none seemed necessary
Direction of entries – very good
Control of dynamics – very good
Sensitivity to text and music – excellent
General
I was impressed that someone came round before the performance to make sure that everyone had a programme. Also that the choir came on in oder. But do the ladies need their handbags and car keys on stage. I felt that the choir’s standing and sitting a little ragged. I observed very good eye contact between choir and conductor. Not too much heads in books. I noticed a little head bobbing as choristers tried to see the conductor, but on the other hand the performance area was a little cramped. Some of the Messiah arias were read instead of being sung, which I found very imaginative.
Most importantly, there is little doubt that the performance was extremely well received by a very appreciative audience.
The work chosen for the March concert in 2002 was Joseph Haydn’s The Seasons. Ann Tilley said in the Echo that the work which was rarely performed gives an ideal picture of country life, paying particular attention to the weather. The soloists were Emma Silversides, sopano, Graham Wili, tenor, Jochem van Ast, baritone, with Carlton Etherington on continuo.
The choir again joined forces with the Churchdown Male Voice Choir in The Queen’s Jubilee Concert given in Chosen Hill School on July 6, 2002. In a full programme the male voice choir performed songs such as The Lost Chord, Doctor Foster, Jubilate, and this Old Man. The Choral Society sang Handel’s Zadok the Priest and settings of English folk songs by Parry, Chilcott and Rutter and also the very lively I do like to be beside the seaside, by Glover-Kind and Old McDonald had a farm, in a setting by George Mitchell. The soloist was the ever - dependable Sue Black. The accompanist was John Clift
The Christmas offering of that year was Messe de Minuit by Marc-Antoine Charpentier. Also on the programme were traditional readings and old English carols.
On April 12. 2003 the choir gave its first performance of Brahms’ German Requiem in St Andrew’s Church. The soloists were Fiona Harrison, soprano and Jochem van Ast, baritone. At the organ was Ian Ball.
The Summer Concert given in July of that year included a suite of folk songs by Rutter, Country Gardens by Grainger and readings by Cynthia Baron and Norman Holland.
Two pieces were chosen for the Christmas Concerts on December 6 in St Andrew’s Church. Haydn’s Harmony Mass preceded Fantasia on Christmas Carols by Vaughan Williams. The soloists were Dorothy Fitzgerald, soprano, Gilliam Haslam, contralto, Gareth Groves, tenor, Benedict Nelson, bass. The orchestra leader was Janet Fromes and the conductor was Ann Tilley.
On Saturday April 3, 2004 the choir performed Samson by Handel in St Andrew’s Church. It was the first time that the choir had performed this great work and it was received with enthusiasm by a large audience. The soloists were sopranos, Rachel Luxon and Dorothy Fitzgerald, Maria Jagusz, alto, Peter Wilman, tenor and Richard Strivens, bass.
The Summer Concert on July 17 comprised songs by both classical and modern composers, with the second half of the concert given over mainly to songs by Gilbert and Sullivan.
Elgar’s Music Makers was the work chosen for the Christmas Concert on December 11, 2004 in St Andrew’s Church. The soloists were Maria Jagusz, alto, David Pexton, bass. Geoffrey Short was the leader and the conductor was Ann Tilley. It was reported in the local paper that extra seating had to be brought in to accommodate the audience.
On Saturday March 19, 2005 the choir performed Nelson Mass by Haydn and Songs of the Sea, by Eric Thinman. The soloists were Dorothy Fitzgerald, soprano, Karen Longmate, alto, John Crayford, tenor and David Parsons, bass. The guest conductor was John Clift.
Musick’s Jubliee with words by Alfred Tennyson, Andrew Marvell and John Dryden and music by Andrew Carter was the choice for the Summer Concert given in Churchdown Community Centre on Saturday July 2, 2005. The soloists were Dorothy Fitzgerald, Annabel Taylor and Michelle Barnes and the reader was Alan Flower. This was the last concert under Ann Tilley as she had taken the opportunity to retire after 15 years with the society.