Bookham Choral Society

The Leith Hill Musical Festival is now long past but came just too late to report inthe last Bulletin. We came a creditable third in the competition classes, feeling that we performed as well as we could have hoped. Particularly noteworthy were our ladies, equal winners in the Women's Song class, and our performance in the 'Own Choice' where we were runners up singing a composition by our own conductor, Keith Willis, 'Loveliest of Trees'. Congratulations above all to our quartet, who won the Ensemble class in a field of eight, each ensemble numbering between four and twelve singers. The Festival Day drew to a climax in the evening when the competing choirs combined under conductor Brian Kay to perform the full programme of works we had been rehearsing. The main work was Elgar's 'The Music Makers' which Brian Kay described as a 'Big Sing'- it certainly was! The whole occasion was a memorable experience.

Rehearsals for our summer concert started soon after the Festival was over, but after only one rehearsal, Keith Willis was unfortunately struck down by illness of indefinite duration. We were extremely fortunate to have Martin Seymour recommended to us as a replacement. Martin has had many years experience as an organist, singing teacher and choral conductor. He himself sings as a counter tenor. Martin has proved to be very popular and successful with us.

Our concert 'Serenade for Summer' was very well received by an enthusiastic audience in St Nicolas Church. We were delighted that Keith Willis felt well enough to be present to hear the concert, which included another performance of his own 'Loveliest of Trees'. The choir sang a number of short items including a performance by our winning Leith Hill Festival quartet of their competition piece, and several beautiful solos by Susan Entwistle, daughter of Peter who is a member of our quartet. We were delighted to welcome back Michael May to give us several appropriate readings with his usual passion and drama, and the brilliant Sonas Quartet, who gave a sparkling performance of the Capriol Suite by Peter Warlock and other pieces.

Our next Concert 'Autumn Clory' will take place on Saturday, 13th November, at the Yehudi Menuhin School, Stoke d'Abernon. The Sonas Quartet will again be joining the choir. The programme will include music by Purcell, Haydn, Bruckner and Brahms.

The choral society is always keen to welcome new and enthusiastic singers. We meet every Tuesday evening from 7.45 - 9.45pm at the URC church hall in Eastwick Road, Bookham. You can find more about the choir and our programme of events from our website www.bookhamchoral.org.uk. If you would be interested in joining, please contact Liz May on 01372 458811 to find out more, or come and join us at our first evening on 7th September from 7.30pm, or any subsequent rehearsal. 

Steve Neal