Like to Sing?

Visitors to Stour Singers concerts in St. Edmund’s Church, Shipston often say they are amazed to find a 60-voice choral society of such high standard in the heart of rural England. Richard Emms, our conductor, founded the choir 34 years ago and his infectious enthusiasm and skill in voice training continually attracts singers from a wide area of Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire and Warwickshire. There is a camaraderie in the choir which makes learning fun. Practice CDs produced by Richard enable everyone to get to know the music at their own pace.

Over the years the repertoire has expanded to cover many well-known choral masterpieces, e.g. Haydn’s ‘The Creation’ last May and less familiar pieces. Two concerts are performed each year, in May and December. For this 34th season the choral content of the Advent concert on 5 December 2009 comprises Mozart’s Regina coeli & CPE Bach’s Magnificat with Christmas Music focussing upon Mary involving a fine quartet of soloists, choir & audience all partnered by the Cherwell Orchestra. (Nearer Christmas we also take carols to the Ellen Badger Hospital & Rainbow Fields Home.) Then on 8 May 2010, as a special treat, the distinguished Orchestra of the Swan will be joining us in a Vivaldi-Handel programme.

The annual subscription is £55 but newcomers are welcome for a month on a free trial basis. Music is usually hired and free to members. We welcome school students as singing members and accompanied children to concerts without charge. This outward-looking approach extends to other community projects and Stour Singers is proud to be the first voluntary organisation to join the newly formed Shipston Town Management Partnership.

Rehearsals are on Thursday evenings at 7.30 p.m. in the Hall of Shipston Primary School. At the first rehearsal of each session, 10 September 2009 & 14 January 2010, there will be a short time to meet fellow singers. There are vacancies in all voice parts – no auditions! So, if you like to sing, do come and join us on 10 September.

For further details, please contact Vic Twyman on 01608 664215

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Send mail to the editor of the Oxhill News at news-editor @ oxhill.org.uk.

Last modified: August 22, 2009