Saturday 25th April, 2009: Guildford Cathedral, 7.30pm
Epworth Choir
Ruby Hughes, Soprano
Christopher Ainslie, Countertenor
Christopher Bowen, Tenor
Dawid Kimberg, Bass
Brandenburg Sinfonia
Conductor, Neil Ferris
Supporting Woking Hospice
Category Archives: Concerts
Christmas Concert
December, 2008: Family Carol Concerts At Guildford Cathedral And Christchurch, Woking.
The ever-popular carol concerts were performed to large audiences on both occasions and the choir again welcomed as its guest stars to the ChristChurch concert, the Susan Robinson School of Ballet. The Epworth Youth Choir entertained the audience on both occasions with a selection of modern carols and, as usual, the audiences ‘raised the roof’ with their enthusiastic singing of ‘Hark The Herald Angels Sing’ and many other Christmas favourites.
Epworth Choir wish to thank their audiences for their generous support of Woking DebRA at the ChristChurch concert and AGE CONCERN Surrey at Guildford Cathedral.
Festival of Remembrance
Saturday 8th November 2008: Royal British Legion Festival Of Remembrance At The Royal Albert Hall
The EPWORTH CHOIR, in partnership with the Wimbledon Choral Society, formed the FESTIVAL CHORUS at the ROYAL BRITISH LEGION Festival of Remembrance in the presence of the Royal Family.
Carmina Burana
Sunday 19th October 2008: Carmina Burana, Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford
The Epworth Choir continued their series of 50th Anniversary events with a concert at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford on Sunday 19th October. The concert opened with Bob Chilcotts’ SONGS AND CRIES OF LONDON TOWN’ followed by the World Premiere of Alan Simmons’ new work for adult and massed children’s choirs based on Samuel Pepys’ diaries – ‘THE GREAT FIRE OF LONDON’.
This exciting and atmospheric cantata was performed to great audience acclaim by a choir of 180 voices including many children from the Woking and Spelthorne area. The concert concluded with Carl Orffs’ CARMINA BURANA, the dramatic portrayal of the ‘merry’ lifestyle of medieval monks with it’s well-known ‘O Fortuna’ chorus.
The Epworth Choir,conducted by Neil Ferris were joined on this occasion by the Epworth Youth Choir, Spelthorne Young Voices, soloists Helena Dix, soprano, Marcus Hopkin, bass and Richard Scott, counter-tenor, the percussion section of the Chameleon Arts Orchestra and accompanists Alexander Chaplin and Christopher Cromer who also played a selection from Leonard Bernstein’s ‘West Side Story’.
” The concert was brilliant in every way……”
The Retiring Collection raised close to £500 in aid of Woking MIND
Verdi Requiem
Saturday 26th April 2008: Verdi Requiem, Guildford Cathedral
** 50TH ANNIVERSARY GALA CONCERT**
The Epworth Choir opened their 50th Anniversary Season with a Gala performance of Verdi Requiem. Epworth Choir were joined by two guest choirs, Cardiff Polyphonic Choir and Concordia Voices and the Salomon Orchestra led by Tara Persaud. The soloists were Helena Dix – soprano, Emily Bauer-Jones – Mezzo Soprano, Shaun Dixon – Tenor and Jacques Imbrailo – Bass. The Conductor was Neil Ferris – Epworth’s Musical Director.
‘Verdi’s glorious Requiem with its operatic style was performed with sensitivity, verve and enjoyment by the 200 voices blending so well together, the excellent Salomon Orchestra and the superb soloists.’
‘The ‘Sanctus’ and the ‘Agnus Dei’ showed the choir at its best for me. There were 200 voices but when I closed my eyes during the ‘ Sanctus’ it could have been just one and the ‘Agnus Dei’ brought tears to my eyes’. The ‘Libera Me’ brought the work to a breathtaking and magical climax.’
‘It was a night to remember and Epworth Choir and their fellow performers can be justifiably proud of a wonderful performance.’
The Retiring Collection Raised £875 In Support Of The Guildford Samaritans.
Christmas Concert
The Epworth Choir Family Carol Concerts conducted by Alexander Chaplin were a great success! The sell-out audience at ChristChurch Woking were treated to a feast of festive music sung by the choir and youth choir and delighted by the highly professional dancing of the Susan Robinson School of Ballet.
The near capacity audience at Guildford Cathedral enjoyed the programme of Christmas music sung by the choir and were thrilled by the organ and brass ensemble fanfares to each of the audience carols. The organist, Simon Thomas Jacobs also performed pieces by J S Bach and Leon Jessel.
It was a special treat to be entertained by the Guest Artistes, Vox Concordia A Cappella Singers whose close harmony singing of a number of Christmas favourites was much appreciated by the audience.
A Retiring Collection was taken on behalf of the CYSTIC FIBROSIS TRUST.
Opera!
Sunday 21st October 2007: ‘Opera!’ New Victoria Theatre, Woking.
Epworth Choir, together with the Chameleon Arts Orchestra and four superb soloists gave a well-received concert of Opera Choruses and Arias to a near-capacity audience at the New Victoria Theatre.
Under the leadership of the two conductors, Neil Ferris and Alexander Chaplin, the audience were treated to the Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves, Carmen, Polovtsian Dances, Aida, Flower Duet, La Boheme, La Donna e Moble, Pearl Fishers Duet and many more well known pieces from the world of opera.
The tenor, David Newman, delighted the audience with his lyrical voice as did the rich-toned baritone, Hakan Ekenas in every aria they sang. Meriel Andrew, soprano and Emily Bauer-Jones, mezzo-soprano were a real joy to listen to; Meriel’s rendition of Dvorak’s Song to the Moon and Emily’s seductive, honey-toned Carmen need special mention!
“It was a wonderful way to spend a Sunday evening and I congratulate all the performers, especially Epworth Choir – the amateurs who sang with total professionalism!”
“The professionalism of the orchestra and soloists was exceptional.”
The concert was performed in support of the CYSTIC FIBROSIS TRUST who were delighted with the retiring collection which raised well over £1000 towards maintaining the vital work of the Trust, with those who suffer from this life-threatening condition.
Haydn Creation
Saturday 21st April 2007: Haydn ‘The Creation’ At Guildford Cathedral
The Choir, with their Musical Director Neil Ferris and accompanied by Southern Pro Musica gave a memorable performance of Haydn’s supreme masterpiece. The soloists on this occasion were Ida Falk Winland, Soprano, Ben Johnson, Tenor and Haken Akenas, Bass; all three combined to bring the story of the Creation to life with an operatic vividness and power.
A retiring collection was taken in support of the CYSTIC FIBROSIS TRUST.
Concerts pre-2007
2006
Epworth Choir Annual Christmas Carol Concerts December 2006
The traditional carol concerts were once again held at the HG WELLS, Woking (‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’) and Guildford Cathedral (‘A Family Christmas Celebration’ Supporting CHASE Hospice Care for Children).
Performing with the Epworth Choir, conducted by Neil Ferris were the Epworth Choristers and the Susan Robinson School of Ballet (at the HG WELLS) and the Woking Salvation Army Band (at the Cathedral). Penelope Keith CBE, a CHASE supporter, read Christmas readings during the concert at the Cathedral. In addition to audience carols the choir performed carols by John Rutter and new carols by Mack Wilberg (Still,Still,Still,) and Alexander L’Estrange ( O Christmas Tree, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas). The Choristers gave the first concert performance of ‘A Song for Santa’ (Jimmy Jaques), soon to be released on CD.
The concerts concluded with the choir singing Craig Courtney’s new setting of ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’.
Sunday 26th November 2006 New Victoria Theatre, Woking
The Mayor Of Woking’s Civic Concert Featuring:
The Band Of The Scots Guards And The Epworth Choir
Supporting Younger People with Dementia
The Scots Guards and the Epworth Choir were delighted to be performing to a packed theatre where the enthusiastic audience were entertained with a number of favourites by the Band including ‘Strathcarron – Sword Dance’ and ‘Variations on Rule Britannia’. Epworth Choir, conducted by Neil Ferris, sang a ‘Medley from Les Miserables’, Four Spirituals by John Rutter and the Band and Choir together performed a number of items including ‘Highland Cathedral’ and ‘Jerusalem’
“The very varied programme provided something to suit every taste with musicianship and singing performed to the highest standard – A Feast of Sight and Sound”
Saturday 7th October 2006, Holy Trinity Church, Guildford
Epworth Choir ‘In Concert’
Supporting The Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice ‘Living Appeal’
In celebration of World Hospice Day, the Epworth Choir, conductor, Neill Ferris, presented to an enthusiastic audience an evening of Songs from the Shows, Jazz Classics and John Rutter’s ‘Feel the Spirit’. The soprano soloist was Alice Bishop and the accompanist, Christopher Cromar. Also featured were the Epworth Choristers who gave a memorable concert performance of the children’s stage musical, ‘Smike’
Sunday 16th July 2006 – Moonlight Seranade – Open-Air Concert At Aldro School, Shackleford – In Aid Of The Surrey Care Trust.
The concert, presented by Richard Stilgoe featured the Epworth Choir , Surrey County Wind Orchestra, GHosts Choir and In Accord Ladies close-harmony group. Epworth Choir, conducted by Neil Ferris and accompanied by Christopher Cromar performed a Cole Porter Medley, Richard Rogers ‘In Concert’, Four Spirituals from John Rutter’s Feel the Spirit and a Medley from South Pacific. The soprano soloist was Amy Moore.
Saturday 29th April, 2006. – Durufle Requiem, Guildford Cathedral
The Epworth Choir performed the Durufle Requiem to an enthusiastic audience at the cathedral at a concert which also included the Poulenc Organ Concerto, Faure’s Cantique de Jean Racine and Mozart’s Tantum Ergo, Ave Verum Corpus and Misericordias Domini. The choir’s Musical Director, Neil Ferris, conducted the concert and the soloists were Christopher Cromar, organ, Amy Moore, soprano and Jacques Imbrailo, baritone. The Orchestra on this occasion was the Southern Pro Musica with their Principal Leader, Roger Garland.
2005
December 2005: Charity Carol Concerts.
The ever popular Annual Carol Concerts were held this year at the HG Wells Suite, Woking and at Guildford Cathedral. The Epworth Choir and their Musical Director, Neil Ferris were joined on these occasions by The Epworth Choristers, The Susan Robinson School of Ballet ( at the HG Wells) and the young clarinettist, Charlotte Swift ( at the Cathedral).In addition to the traditional audience carols the choir performed carols by contemporary composers including Alan Bullard (‘Follow the Star’), John Rutter (‘What Sweeter Music’), Bob Chilcott (‘For Him All Stars have Shone’) and Howard Goodall (‘Love Divine’). Both the Ballet and Guest Soloist Charlotte Swift received rapturous applause from the audiences and the Choristers candlelight procession at the Cathedral during the singing of ‘Silent Night’ was a ‘special magical ‘ moment.
The Epworth Choir were pleased to be able to present a cheque for £5000 to the Surrey Branch of the Royal British Legion.
Sunday 23rd October 2005: New Victoria Theatre, Woking – ‘A Celebration Of Peace And Hope’
This well attended concert featured the Epworth Choir directed by Neil Ferris, together with the West Forest Sinfonia Orchestra, the Epworth Choristers and Woking’s Most Promising Young Singer of the Year, Charlotte Denham, in a selection of specially selected music and songs to evoke memories and reflections on the 60th Anniversary of the end of WW2 and the 200th Anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar.
The Concert included excerpts from ‘The Armed Man’ (Karl Jenkins), a Cole Porter Medley, ‘Finlandia’ (Sibelius), ‘South Pacific’ medley, ‘633 Squadron’ and WW2 songs (performed by the Choristers).
The evening gave great pleasure to the audience which included a number of WW2 Veterans as the Choir continued with it’s support to the Surrey branch of the Royal British Legion during 2005.
Saturday, 23rd April 2005: Guildford Cathedral – Mendelssohn ‘Elijah’
The Epworth Choir performed ‘Elijah’ at their Inaugural Concert in 1958 and have enjoyed singing this oratorio to enthusistic audiences every few years since that first occasion. At this most recent performance, directed by Neil Ferris, the soloists were Jenny Saunders (soprano), Emily Bauer-Jones (contralto), William Kendall (tenor) and Michael Pearce (bass). The choir were accompanied by the Chameleon Arts Orchestra and the organist was Andrew Daldorph.
This Performance received much acclaim from the audience:
‘This was Epworth at it’s Best!’
‘Crisp and clear with great drama – a stunning performance!’
‘It was a really EXCITING evening of music from the Choir, Soloists and Orchestra!
‘A Memorable Evening – you all sang your hearts out!’
2004
Wednesday 22nd December 2004: Guildford Cathedral: ‘Christmas Joy’ – A Musical Celebration.
The Epworth Choir, together with Guest Artiste Chloe Hanslip, the Epworth Choristers, The Susan Robinson School of Ballet and Geoff Jones performed to a near capacity audience at Guildford Cathedral. The concert was a great success and further contributed towards the Choir’s support for the St Luke’s Cancer Fund, Royal Surrey County Hospital.
Sunday 12th December 2004: H.G.Wells Suite Woking.
The Carol Concert, performed in both the afternoon and evening saw the debut of our new Musical Director ‘Neil Ferris’. The Epworth Choristers, Greenfield school and the Susan Robinson School of Ballet made their traditional contributions to the Concerts and the audiences joined in enthusiastically in the singing of well-known Xmas Carols. This year’s Carol Concerts were in support of the St. Lukes Cancer Fund, Royal Surrey County Hospital.
Sunday 17th October, 2004 : Autumn Concert – ‘The Spirit of Epworth’
The ‘Spirit of Epworth’ was the title given to the choir’s Autumn Concert which was conducted by Pat Willmott & Barry Jackson. An enthusiastic audience almost filled the hall to hear the choir perform a wide range of their favourite music from over 45 years of repertoire. The Epworth Choristers sang items by John Rutter and a Medley from ‘Oliver’. The Guest Artistes, Amy Turk, Jonathan McGovern and Brian Smith gave memorable performances which contributed greatly to the overall success of the evening.
The Concert was in support of the St. Luke’s Cancer Fund, Royal Surrey County Hospital. This Concert was also performed at Whitely Village.
Saturday 24th April, 2004: Handel’s Messiah
The Epworth Choir gave a memorable performance of Handel’s Messiah at Guildford Cathedral on 24th April, 2004 when their Guest Conductor was Stephen Farr. The soloists on this occasion were Jenny Saunders (soprano), Emily Bauer-Jones (contralto), William Kendall (tenor) and Jozik Koc (bass). The choir was accompanied by Andrew Daldorph on the organ and Ross Brown (trumpet).
2003
Saturday, 26th April, 2003: Mozart – Requiem Mass
The Epworth Choir gave a performance of Mozart’s Requiem, Haydn’s Te Deum, .
Rutter – Gloria and Parry – I Was Glad, at Guildford Cathedral. The soloists were Julie Kennard (soprano), Catherine Denley (mezzo-soprano), William Kendall (tenor) and Michael George (bass). The choir was accompanied by the Mozart Sinfonietta, leader-David Towse and the conductor was Peter Heming .
2002
April, 2002: Elgar – The Dream Of Gerontius
The Epworth Choir performed Elgar’s The Dream of Gerontius at Guildford Cathedral on Saturday, 13th April. The choir was accompanied by the Elgar Sinfonietta, and the soloists were Catherine Denley (mezzo-soprano), Andrew Murgatroyd (tenor) and Michael Pearce (bass). The conductor was Peter Heming.
Messiah – Handel Sop: Fiona O’Neill Mezzo-Sop: Margaret Hull
Tenor: Richard Braebrook Bass: Jozik Koc
Conductor: Peter Heming
2000
Creation – Haydn Sop:
Jenny Saunders Tenor: Richard Braebrook Bass: Jozik Koc Conductor: Peter Heming
1999
The Sea Symphony – Vaughan Williams ( CANCELLED )
1998
Requiem – Verdi 40th Anniversary Concert
Sop: Julie Kennard Mezzo Sop: Catherine Denley
Tenor: Neil Jenkins Bass: Michael George
Conductor: Peter Heming (Guildford Philharmonic Orchestra)
1997
Requiem – Faure, Te deum – Rutter, Music Makers – Elgar
Sop: Mary Nelson Mezzo Sop: Margaret Hull
Baritone: Jeffrey Carl
Organist: Andrew Daldorph
Conductor: Peter Heming
1996
The Kingdom – Elgar
Sop: Julie Kennard Contralto: Catherine Denley
Tenor: Neil Jenkins Bass: Mark Wildman
Conductor: Peter Heming (Guildford Philharmonic Orchestra)
1995
Elijah – Mendelsohn Sop: Jenny Saunders Contralto: Emily Bauer-Jones
Tenor: David Morris Bass: Jozik Koc
Conductor: Peter Heming
1994
Messa Di Gloria – Puccini, Chichester Psalms – Bernstein, Alto Rhapsody – Brahms Te Deum – Verdi
Sop: Sheila Mansfield Contralto: Emily Bauer-Jones
Tenor: Stephen Petch Bass: Jozik Koc
Organist: Andrew Millington
Conductor: Grace Wright
1993
The Dream of Gerontius – Elgar
Sop: Elizabeth Denham Tenor: Philip Salmon
Bass: Jeremy Birchell
Conductor: Grace Wright
1992
Requiem Mass – Mozart, Coronation Mass – Mozart, Zadoc the Priest – Handel
Sop: Shauna Beesley Mezzo-Sop: Cheryl Pickering
Tenor: Stephen Petch Bass-Baritone: Jozik Koc
Conductor: Grace Wright
Messiah – Handel( with Woking Choral Soc.)
Sop: Diane Rees Contralto: Margaret Hull
Tenor: Richard Braebrook Bass: Mark Wildman
Conductor: Grace Wright
1991
Requiem – Brahms, Gloria – Vivaldi, I Was Glad – Parry
Sop: Tracy Bounden Contralto: Helen Templeton
Baritone: Glyn Davenport
Organist: Andrew Millington
Conductor: Grace Wright
1990
Creation – Haydn Sop: Sheila Mcgrow Tenor: Myron Burnett Bass: Paschal Allen
Conductor: Grace Wright
Epworth Choir 