CHOIR REPORT for the year 2008
The Ad Hoc choir had another successful year commencing with the performance of John Rutter's 'Requiem' at Easter, with soloist Kate Balkham (soprano). Su Dymond 'wielded' the baton again and thanks go to her for the preparation and rehearsal of the Ad Hoc choir and of course for the reward of a chocolate at the end of each practice. The choir would of course find it difficult without an organist and once again thanks must go to Nick Fanthom for his hard work (hours of practice) and usual high standard of playing. It was also very pleasing to be so well supported both in the choir and as importantly by the number of people who came to listen. A good audience always gives the choir that boost which transforms a good performance into a very good performance.
Easter soon passed and already it was time to start thinking about the programme for the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols. This year I decided that we should use carols predominantly from the Faber Carol Book. A number of the carols we had performed a few years ago, which I interspersed with new carols to provide a fair balance, which made the work load less onerous and hopefully more pleasurable for the choir. Lisa Fanthom once again had the unenviable task of singing the solo first verse of Once in Royal David's City, and gave a creditable performance, well done Lisa! I must thank everybody who took part and worked so hard to achieve an excellent result. As always I am very fortunate to have the continued support of both Su Dymond (rehearsal accompanist and singer) and Nick Fanthom (organist and singer), to whom I extend my thanks. This time due to a shortage of tenors Nick volunteered to sing tenor which for a bass is quite an adventure, if not an ordeal!
The Ad Hoc choir is about to commence rehearsals for the Easter performance of "To The Cross" a wonderful collection of readings interspersed by various genre of music, which is to be performed on Good Friday, April 10th 2009 at St Paul's. Su Dymond is once more taking to the stroppy box (and also playing the piano) to conduct this very different thought provoking performance with Chris Strickland (organ).
I must thank all those who have joined the Ad Hoc choir during the year, not only was it encouraging that people returned to sing but that they also brought new singers with them.
Finally I wish to thank the Clergy, Churchwardens, St Paul's P.C.C. and the congregation for all their support over the last twelve months.
David Hadley
