Performing at the Last Night of the Proms!

One of our sopranos went to a choral workshop led by Bob Chilcott and sat next to Eloise Toone. Eloise shares our enthusiasm for choral singing and sings with the National Youth Choir of Great Britain (18-25 age group). She has kindly penned a postcard about an amazing experience she had in September…. On SaturdayContinue reading “Performing at the Last Night of the Proms!”

Charles Hubert Hastings Parry

John pens a second postcard from time spent in Gloucestershire… Parry’s big three pieces are ‘Jerusalem’, I was glad (sung at many royal occasions) and ‘Repton’ – the hymn tune used for ‘Dear Lord and Father’ of mankind’. In our next concert we are singing Parry’s Songs of Farewell, a collection of songs generally quieter in nature andContinue reading “Charles Hubert Hastings Parry”

Connections

John Hobbs, bass and sometimes pianist of the choir, explores the connections between a composition and two composers living and working in Gloucester. 1910 – what a year to be alive! A time when Elgar, Richard Strauss, Vaughan Williams, Sibelius, Debussy, Ravel, Mahler, Bartok, Poulenc, Stravinsky, Copland, Schoenberg and many other famous composers were addingContinue reading “Connections”

Teamwork makes the dream work

This week’s postcard comes from Rachel Bacon, our rugby and singing loving first soprano. If you’ve been watching the women’s rugby world cup over the last few weeks, you’ll have seen some amazing rugby, record breaking crowds and a masterclass in plaiting hair. You’re probably thinking ‘What on earth has this got to do withContinue reading “Teamwork makes the dream work”

Music of the Stars

Rachel Parkes, who will be conducting our concert at St John’s Carrington, 29 November 2025, has chosen a programme that includes Cecilia McDowall’s Music of the Stars. The score contains a ‘Composer’s note’ that conductor and singer can use to deepen their understanding of both text and the music, resulting in a richer performance forContinue reading “Music of the Stars”

Something for Everyone

Wasn’t the Last Night of the Proms from the Royal Albert Hall fantastic yesterday? We were treated to an eclectic and exuberant programme with superb instrumental players, singers and soloists joyfully conducted by Elim Chan. A thrill for participants and audience alike.  Bill Bailey’s rendition of Leroy Anderson’s The Typewriter was great fun, and AlisonContinue reading “Something for Everyone”