Woking’s Epworth Choir presented ‘A Night of Gilbert & Sullivan’ – a selection of Popular Choruses and Solos, at the H G Wells Conference & Events Centre, Woking, on Saturday 13th July, 2013. The Concert was conducted by Matthew Willis and accompanied at the piano by Michael Waldron. The selection of G&S music was drawn from Yeoman of the Guard, Pirates of Penzance, The Mikado, The Gondoliers and many other works by this famous duo!

A true ‘Night to Remember’ for both performers and audience! – The choir had not sung G & S for many years but their enthusiastic singing on the night spoke volumes for their ability to embrace a wide range of repertoire. Under the baton of their Musical Director, the internationally renowned Matthew Willis and amply supported by the choir’s virtuoso accompanist, Michael Waldron, the audience were treated by the choir to a feast of G & S opera at it its very best!

The choir’s very own soloists performed to great acclaim and at the end of the performance the audience showed their appreciation with rapturous applause and gave most generously to the Retiring Collection which raised a much-needed £444 for Age UK Surrey.

Surrey Choirs & Orchestras perform Berlioz Grande Messe des Morts.

Woking’s Epworth Choir and Godalming Choral Society joined forces under the baton of Matthew Willis to perform Hector Berlioz’s masterful Requiem Mass at Guildford Cathedral on Saturday 20th April 2013. The choir of 200 voices was accompanied by Redhill Sinfonia, Woking Symphony Orchestra and four brass groups. The soloist was the acclaimed international operatic tenor, Ben Johnson.

The Performance was dedicated to the memory of Sir Colin Davis who died just a few days before the concert.

Undoubtedly the largest and in parts the loudest of all Requiems, this performance raised the roof of the Cathedral and left the near capacity audience breathless, whilst the occasional glimpse of peace prompted music making of the utmost tenderness. Performances of Berlioz Grande Messe des Morts are memorable for the power and sincerity of this interpretation of the sacred word and this occasion was certainly no exception.

Shelagh Godwin, Music Critic for The Surrey Advertiser wrote:

…A challenge well met by the combined voices of the Epworth Choir and Godalming Choral Society’

Ben Johnson provided a lovely tenor solo in the Sanctus, accompanied by the softest of shimmering strings’

The Offertorium….superbly played, ….was beautifully shaped by conductor Matthew Willis.

(Click here for full text of Shelagh Godwin’s Critique, Surrey Advertiser, 26th April 2013)

The Concert supported the vital work of the  Surrey Air Ambulance, a ‘Charity that Saves Lives’. Through the generosity of members of the audience, the Retiring Collection raised the huge sum of £2254 for which the Charity are extremely grateful.

The Epworth Choir staged two very successful Christmas Concerts in December 2012, conducted by the choir’s Music Director, Matthew Willis. Both Concerts raised much-needed funds for local Charities.

The first, on 10th December at Christ Church Woking, was in aid of the local branch of  Macmillan Cancer Support, the Mayor of Woking’s Charity. The concert featured the ever popular Susan Robinson School of Ballet,  Katherine Dienes-Williams, Organist and Master of the Choristers at Guildford Cathedral and Woking Young Musician Finalist, Matilda Lloyd, trumpet.

The choir would very much like to thank all its guest performers and a special mention must go to the Susan Robinson School of Ballet who, as always, helped to create a truly magical Christmas atmosphere with their superb dancing – a big Thank You to Susan Robinson and the young ballet dancers! Also, a special Thanks to 17 year old Matilda Lloyd for her hugely entertaining and exciting trumpet solos!

Epworth Choir were delighted to be supporting Macmillan Cancer Support and the retiring collection raised £864 towards the valuable work of the Charity who provide practical, medical, emotional and financial support to people living with cancer.

The second concert was performed on 22nd December at Guildford Cathedral, in support of Home Start Guildford. The TV presenter Rob Curling made a guest appearance at the concert which also featured the All Saints Warlingham Handbell Ringers. The ever popular audience Carols were accompanied by Guildford Cathedral Sub-Organist, Paul Provost.

The highlight of the concert was the performance of the All Saints Warlingham Handbell Ringers, who delighted audience and choir alike with their arrangements of carols and festive pieces.

Local MP Anne Milton made the Appeal on behalf of Home Start Guildford who provide much-needed support to local, struggling young families who need help for a variety of reasons. The retiring collection raised the magnificent sum of £1,235 towards the vital work of this Charity.

Woking’s Epworth Choir presented Opera! – an evening of popular Choruses and Arias, at the HG Wells Centre, Woking, on Saturday 13th October, 2012. This ‘Evening at the Opera’ was conducted by Matthew Willis and accompanied by the Chameleon Arts Orchestra. The concert featured solo performances by International Opera Singers, Susan Young, soprano and Sean Ruane, Tenor. Music from the world of opera included Madam Butterfly, Humming Chorus; Turandot, Nessun Dorma & Finalé; Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves, Suite from Carmen; La Traviata, Brindisi and many more!

The concert supported the vital work of the Cystic Fibrosis Trust and a Retiring Collection raised the magnificent sum of £1004.

“A Brilliant performance by the choir, orchestra and soloists – enjoyed every moment. Congratulations to the Conductor, Matthew Willis for such a wonderful Night at the Opera!’”

“The soloists were wonderful, not just for their lovely voices but for their obvious rapport with the choir, the conductor and each other. The Finale was an absolute triumph!”

“A thoroughly enjoyable evening. The choir was in great voice and great spirits – they surmounted the ‘language’ challenges magnificently and, as ever, their timing was perfect!”

“What an excellent evening – we all loved it and are very much looking forward to Epworth Choir’s next concert!”

Woking’s Epworth Choir sang singing Haydn: The Creation, at Guildford Cathedral on Saturday 14th April, 2012, 7.30pm. Epworth Choir were delighted that HRH The Countess of Wessex GCVO, Royal Patron of Transform Housing & Support was able to attend this Concert. The Performance was conducted by Matthew Willis and accompanied by The Salomon Orchestra and featured International Opera Soloists,  Helena Dix, Soprano, Sam Furness, Tenor and Grant Doyle, Bass.

The performance received great applause and many members of the audience expressed their appreciation:

…one of the most exciting and moving choral concerts I have heard for a very long time.
…the choir sounded very professional and the talented and well balanced soloists added to a musically very satisfactory experience in a challenging acoustic’
… Sheer orchestral magic…the orchestra interlude before the recitative O happy pair’ sent shivers down my spine’
…The muted beautiful sound from the Choir during And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters’ contrasted dramatically with the sudden burst of sound …and there was LIGHT!’

Congratulations to the Conductor, Matthew Willis…a Magical performance: Quite wonderful; A delight to hear!’

The concert ended with a Charity Collection which raised more than £2000 for the Surrey-based Charity, Transform Housing & Support. The Charity provides housing and support for vulnerable and excluded people, empowering them to reach their goals and live independent, productive and fulfilling lives. Transform Housing & Support are celebrating their 40th Birthday in 2012.

Full review by Marigold Jackson

Were you in the audience for Epworth Choir’s performance of Haydn’s “The Creation” on Saturday 14th April? If not you missed a musical treat. From the choir itself, through The Salomon Orchestra to the three wonderful soloists, this must have been one of the most exciting and moving choral concerts I have heard for a very long time.

The magical moments were many –
The muted, beautiful sound from the Choir during “And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters” leading to the sudden burst of sound “and there was LIGHT”.
“The heavens are telling the glory of God”, always a favourite chorus of mine, with the chorus interspersed with the trio of soloists, did not disappoint.
The great excitement of “Achieved is the glorious work”.
And many more!

Of course, it was not just the Choir who made this such a magical evening. The three soloists, Helena Dix (Soprano), Sam Furness (Tenor) and Grant Doyle (Bass) were a delight to both hear and watch. They interacted with each other as a team throughout their performances, which, of course, gave so much more meaning to the words they were singing.

I don’t think I can do better than to quote a number of comments heard from the audience after the performance –
“I loved the way the three excellent soloists were singing as a team and interacting beautifully, while deferring to the conductor.” “Magical performance”; “Quite wonderful”; “A delight to hear”.

Well done Epworth Choir! Well done Matthew Willis. I look forward to your “OPERA!” on 13th October. Don’t miss it!!

Marigold Jackson, 18th April 2012

The Epworth Choir staged two very successful Christmas concerts in December 2011, both of which played to near capacity audiences.

The second concert was performed on 17th December at Guildford Cathedral, in support of Action for Children. The choir was once again pleased to welcome Katherine Dienes-Williams and Alex Pickering from Guildford Cathedral, and also Meridian Brass who provided robust accompaniment for the audience carols.

The undoubted highlight of the concert was the appearance of the International Harp Ensemble, a group of more than 20 players of all ages, on harps large and small, who delighted audience and choir alike with their arrangements of carols and festive pieces.

Actress Nerys Hughes made a special appearance on behalf of the charity, Action for Children, for which she is an ambassador and long term supporter. She entranced everyone with her storytelling and amusing anecdotes and made a special appeal on behalf of the charity. Epworth Choir is pleased to announce that the retiring collection raised the sum of £1080 towards the vital work of Action for Children.

These Christmas concerts were the first under the baton of Matthew Willis, Epworth’s new Musical Director, whom the choir would like to thank for all his hard work and invaluable guidance.

The Epworth Choir staged two very successful Christmas concerts in December 2011, both of which played to near capacity audiences.

The first, on 12th December at Christ Church Woking, was in aid of the local charity, Link Leisure and featured the ever popular Susan Robinson School of Ballet, Katherine Dienes-Williams – organist at Guildford Cathedral, Alex Pickering – Head Girl Cathedral Chorister and Woking Young Musician Katie MacDonald – violin.

Sadly, Daniel Hill, accompanist and virtuoso soloist, was making his final appearance with the choir who extend warmest wishes for his future career.

The choir would very much like to thank all its guest performers and a special mention must go to the Susan Robinson School of Ballet who, for many years, have been wowing audiences with their artistry and precision – a big Thank You to Susan Robinson and the young ballet dancers! Also, the Link Leisure High Notes Choir must receive a special Thanks for their hugely entertaining and enthusiastic rendition of three lively Christmas songs!

Epworth Choir were delighted to be supporting Link Leisure and the retiring collection raised over £780 towards the valuable work of the charity who support people with learning disabilities in the local community.

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.

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.

Woking’s Epworth Choir and the Epworth Youth Choir will be performing a Family Christmas Carol Concert in Christ Church, Woking on Monday 13th December 2010 at 7.30pm. The concert will be supporting the Charity, CICRA (Crohns in Childhood Research Association).

This year’s concert will feature a new carol, Blessed be that Maid Marie, composed by the Choir’s Musical Director, Amy Bebbington. Other carols both old and new include, William Mathias’ Sir Christemas and John Rutter’s Sans Day Carol. There will be plenty of opportunity for everyone to participate in celebrating the festive season by joining in with the ever-popular audience carols accompanied on the Organ played by Guildford Cathedral organist, Katherine Dienes-Williams.

The Epworth Choir is proud to announce that young dancers from the Susan Robinson School of Ballet will also be performing during the concert. The talented young ballerinas, who perform with breathtaking elegance, often go on to pursue professional careers. In the past the ballet has really helped create a truly magical family Christmas atmosphere.

The charity, CICRA provides invaluable support for children and young people with Crohns Disease or Colitis. The charity also raises funds to enable research to be carried out into the causes of both diseases in the hope of eventually discovering a cure. The Epworth Choir are delighted to have this opportunity to support the vital work of this charity.

This much anticipated annual Carol Concert will, as usual, be a joyous evening of seasonal music that perfectly captures the true spirit of the Festive Season and must be a highlight of your Christmas List!