Reviews
Review: ‘Songs from the Shows’, 15th October 2011
Woking’s Epworth Choir performed Songs from the Shows to an enthusiastic sell-out audience at a Charity Concert supporting the Woking Hospice, at ChristChurch, Town Centre, Woking, on Saturday 15th October, 2011. The concert, which was a very successful Debut for the Choir’s new Music Director, Matthew Willis, highlighted well-known songs and choruses from West Side Story, Phantom of the Opera, My Fair Lady, South Pacific, Chicago and Les Miserables.
Also featured in the concert was international tenor and star of opera and musical theatre, Kevin Kyle. Kevin gave a well-received performance, which, together with a delightful solo from Alexandra Pickering, Head Girl Chorister at Guildford Cathedral and virtuoso piano solos by Daniel Hill, helped make the occasion a relaxed evening of glorious music in true Epworth style!
Epworth Choir were pleased to have this opportunity of supporting the vital work of the Woking Hospice and the amount raised by donation and a retiring collection was over £1000.
Mass of the Children, Rutter; Musick's Jubilee, Carter; Selection of English Songs by Alan Bullard, Bob Chilcott, Roger Quilter and William Walton
Epworth Choir performed John Rutter's Mass of the Children at Guildford Cathedral on Sat 9th April, 2011, in a concert of contemporary music which also included Andrew Carter's Musick's Jubilee and a Selection of English Songs.
On this occasion the Epworth Choir, with Guest Conductor Neil Ferris, were joined by the young singers of The Spelthorne Young Voices and the Guildford Philharmonic Orchestra. The organist and pianist was Martin Stacey. The soloists were Julie Cooper, soprano, a regular member of Harry Christophers and The Sixteen, together with Laura Lemmon, soprano, Ruth Massey, mezzo-soprano and Johnny Herford, baritone. All the soloists were warmly applauded and Laura Lemmon's short recital of English Songs was very well received.
John Rutter wrote Mass of The Children to give young people the opportunity to perform in a major work alongside adult singers and this concert performance was greatly enhanced by the inspiring singing and musicianship of The Spelthorne Young Voices. The young singers of the Spelthorne choir with their conductor, Joanne Gardner also gave a very moving performance of two of Bob Chilcott's songs, The Lily and the Rose and Can You Hear Me.
Andrew Carter's Musik's Jubilee, first performed in 2003, has received wide acclaim by both choral societies and audiences world-wide and this performance, accompanied by the Guildford Philharmonic Orchestra was no exception with enthusiastic applause from the audience.
The concert supported the work of The Samantha Dickson Brain Tumour Trust and a retiring collection raised £440 towards the vital work of this charity.
'Sublime to Sizzlin…' - Saturday 9th October 2010, Christ Church Woking
Epworth Choir brought some warmth to a chilly autumn evening with this concert of Spirituals, Jazz and Songs from the Deep South.
The Guest Artiste, celebrated mezzo-soprano, Melanie Marshall, gave a magical performance in Highlights from Porgy & Bess and her uplifting solos in John Rutter's Feel the Spirit ended the concert with the audience standing with the choir to sing When the Saints go Marching In!
The concert, conducted by Amy Bebbington also featured the choir's accompanist, Daniel Hill who entertained the audience with virtuoso performances of Gershwin preludes and Maria from West Side Story, on the piano. Also appearing was former Woking High School student, and Woking Musician of the year Finalist, Alexander Campbell, who performed Jazz Solos on the Trombone.
The Retiring Collection raised £615 for The Friends of Woking Community Hospital.
