Stour Singers

Stour Singers, Shipston-on-Stour’s Choral Society, is devoting the forthcoming season to the music of Handel & Haydn. On Saturday 3 December 2011 at 7.30pm a performance of Handel’s Messiah will be given in St Edmund’s Church, Shipston with the Cherwell Orchestra and distinguished guest artists: Cheryl Rosevear (soprano), Shelley Coulter-Smith (mezzo-soprano), Nicholas Hawker (tenor) and Rodney Clarke (baritone.) The conductor, of course, is Richard Emms, the society’s founder-director, who has developed the Singers from small beginnings to recognition as a major choral force today. Make a note of the date in your diary now – an opportunity to hear Messiah live in Shipston is a rare treat.

The Spring concert, also in St Edmund’s with the Cherwell Orchestra conducted by Richard Emms, is on Saturday 5 May 2012 at 7.30pm. The programme includes Handel’s Chandos Anthem No.11 (‘Let God arise’) and the main work is Haydn’s Creation Mass, not perhaps as well-known as the oratorio of similar name but very lovely hear – and to sing. The guest soloists for this event are: Robyn Allegra Parton (soprano), Cathy Bell (mezzo-soprano), Julian Forbes (tenor) and Jon Stainsby (baritone).

Ticket price has been held at £12.50 for this new season (accompanied children free) and tickets may be obtained 4 weeks before each event from choir members, R. Clarke, 27 High Street, Shipston, & at the door on concert days.

Rehearsals are held on Thursday evenings from 7-9pm in the Community Lounge of Shipston High School, Darlingscote Road, Shipston starting on 8 September 2011. There are vacancies in all 4 voice parts - no auditions! So if you have always wanted to sing Messiah do come along then. It is a friendly choir. Richard Emms has a rare ability to include novices together with experienced singers to everyone’s enjoyment so ‘be not afraid’! School students wishing to gain experience of a choral society (with parental consent) are welcomed as members free of charge.

For further details please contact Vic Twyman (choir manager) on tel: 01451 870361

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Last modified: August 16, 2011