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.