Westbury Choral Society presented its Spring Concert at Westbury Methodist Church on 18th April, before a large and appreciative audience.
Under its conductor Luke Pickett the choir presented a wide ranging programme, from the joyous opening to Handel’s Coronation Anthem ‘My Heart is Inditing’ to the serene ‘In Paradisum’ ending Faure’s Requiem. Other works included ‘Linden Lea’, an excerpt from Bach’s ‘Coffee Cantata’ and the ‘Hallelujah’ from ‘Shrek’ by Leonard Cowen.
Soloists in the Faure Requiem were soprano Mary Pope and baritone Paul Fletcher. Mary also joined the choir in Stephen Adams’ ‘The Holy City’. The accompanist throughout was Gary Desmond assistant organist at Bath Abbey.
On the following Wednesday present and past members gathered at the Railway Inn for a meal in celebration of the 90th Anniversary of the choir’s formation. The evening was a great success and everyone agreed not to leave it for another 90 years before holding a similar event!
At the society’s AGM on 29th April. outgoing chairperson Shirley Rhys was warmly thanked for her hard work over the past three years. Joan Gallop was elected as the new chairperson. It was confirmed that the choir will take part in the Westbury Music Festival and has once again been invited to contribute to the Carol Festival at Imber Church on 19th December.
Rehearsals recommence at the start of September when the choir will begin to prepare for the Music Festival and this year’s Christmas Concert. New members in all voice sections would be warmly welcomed but especially tenors and basses. No audition is required.
For further information and to hear recordings of recent concerts visit the society’s website www.westburychoral.org .uk or contact Luke Pickett on 01225 345408.
