More on the The High Wycombe Choral Society in pictures.
International links
In 1988 the Society forged a link with the Virginia Choral Society in the United States of America, which resulted in exchange visits taking place. The 60th anniversary concert in 1994 was shared with the Virginia Society. The last exchange trip, a performance in High Wycombe of Carmina Burana, occurred in 2015, marking the end of a period of rich cultural and musical exchange.
In 2001 further international links were formed in Australia, with the city of Wagga Wagga in New South Wales. Members of the Society joined with two local choirs and the Australian Army Band Kapooka on August 11 of that year to provide an evening of entertainment at the Charles Sturt University in the city, which was attended by an audience of nearly 600. A reciprocal visit took place in April 2002.
The Society today
The Society is a friendly and dedicated choir, comprising people who love singing together. Singers from all ages are welcomed, the current group ranging from young students to "senior citizens".
The performances blend choral music spanning the centuries, from the 18th right up to the 21st Century. Works by the great British composers such as Elgar and Vaughan Williams are often performed. Most concerts focus on one major piece from the traditional repertoire. Typically, the choir is accompanied by either an orchestra or organist and joins with other choirs. Their ranks are further bolstered by professional soloists and instrumentalists.
In the Autumn of 2023 Alison Ponsford-Hill, an enthusiastic and talented musician, became Musical Director of the Choir. Alison’s musical journey started as a girl-chorister at Salisbury Cathedral before studying at Trinity College, Cambridge and King’s College, London. She is a respected teacher and currently teaches at Eton College and University College, Oxford.
The next concert is Bach’s ‘St John Passion’ and will be performed in conjunction with Wycombe Philharmonic Choir and Wycombe Sinfonia on Saturday November 16 at 7.00pm, at All Saints' Church, High Wycombe. Tickets are £15 at the door or by emailing hwcs100@btinternet.com. U18s are free and students £5.
The choir is always interested to hear from new singers and would welcome anyone who has just moved to the area, or who wishes to start singing again. If you think you would like to join them, why not come to one of their rehearsals, enjoy the evening and find out how to become a member. Go to https://www.hwcs.altervista.org/.
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