Mass of the Children

Mass of the ChildrenEpworth 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.

Christmas Concert

Christmas ConcertWoking’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!

Sublime to Sizzlin’

Sublime to Sizzlin'Woking’s Epworth Choir announce this year’s Autumn Concert – ‘Sublime to Sizzlin’….!’ An Evening of Spirituals, Jazz and Songs from the Deep South. Epworth Choir are delighted to announce that the celebrated mezzo-soprano, Melanie Marshall will be the Guest Artiste. Melanie is frequently hailed as one of this country’s most versatile singers, encompassing jazz, opera, oratorio, musical theatre and cabaret. Her numerous recordings include John Rutter’s ‘A Christmas Festival’ and, ‘Feel the Spirit’, which will be performed at this concert. Melanie will also feature in ‘Highlights from Porgy & Bess’ arranged by Harry Simeone.

Epworth Choir are pleased to announce that the concert will also feature former Woking High School student, and Woking Musician of the year Finalist, Alexander Campbell, who will be performing Jazz Solos on the Trombone. Also appearing will be The Epworth Youth Choir, Daniel Hill, piano and Andrew Martin, Percussion. The concert will be conducted by Amy Bebbington.

The concert will be supporting The Friends of Woking Community Hospital.

Mozart Requiem

Mozart RequiemEpworth Choir opened their 52nd Season with a performance of Mozart Requiem, Mozart Exsultate, Jubilate and Schubert Mass in G major at Guildford Cathedral on Saturday 24th April 2010.

The soloists on this occasion were Helena Dix, soprano, Rachel Lindop, mezzo-soprano, Richard Monk, tenor and Paul Charrier, bass and the orchestra was the Merriman Concert Orchestra. This was the debut concert for Epworth Choir’s newly appointed Music Director, Amy Bebbington.

Helena DixThe concert commenced with the exquisitely beautiful and lyrical Mass in G major followed by a virtuoso performance of Mozart’s Exsultate, Jubilate sung by Helena Dix. The second half featured Mozart’s deeply moving and hauntingly dramatic Requiem.

The audience were most generous in their support of the St Luke’s Cancer Centre Charity, GRACE, with a retiring collection of £774.

 

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.