THE FOLKESTONE CHORAL SOCIETY
|
Consisting of over 100 voices, Folkestone Choral Society is the largest choir in the area and draws members from as far afield as Deal, Canterbury, Ashford and Romney Marsh. We exist as a Charitable organisation to bring the enjoyment of choral music sung to a high standard to the community of the Shepway District in Kent and many visitors to the area. No other country in the world has such a strong tradition of choral music. Folkestone Choral Society rehearse every week to prepare for at least three concerts a year always accompanied by professional orchestras and soloists. Our programmes range from the great oratorios to more modern composers. Some concerts also include popular concertos and orchestral pieces to complement the choral works. The Society aims to cover over a number of years the major classical works for choir and orchestra from the 17th to 21st centuries.
|
|
Affiliated to the National Federation of Music Societies
Registered Charity No. 275075 - R
Registered Charity No. 275075 - R
By Susan Carey - Published in the Hawkinge Gazette & Channel Coast News 28th March 2018.
The Folkestone Choral Society were in fine voice as they opened the 2018 series of concerts at St Leonard’s church in Hythe on Saturday 24 March Under the masterful direction of their conductor Stephen Hope they gave an appreciative audience two requiems, the first by Sir Philip Ledger who is not nearly as well known as he deserves to be and the second by the ever popular John Rutter. In between the requiems were a series of short instrumental pieces by first the harp, then the flute and finally the cello. It all made for a very fine evening of listening. Folkestone Choral Society Photo: Susan Carey Taking the lead soprano role was Felicity Hope, the conductor’s daughter and an accomplished singer with many appearances at major venues as well as performances a guest conductor with several choirs in the South East. The tenor part in the Ledger Requiem was taken by David Walder who is a regular soloist with choirs and choral societies both in the UK and abroad. Not content with his leading role in the first half of the concert, David also joined the chorus in the second half to sing the Rutter requiem. It was during a pause in the Rutter Requiem that the church clock struck nine and Stephen Hope theatrically checked his watch and waited for the chimes to finish before continuing the piece. At times, Stephen leapt into the air as he was conducting urging the choir to give their utmost. The choir seemed to respond well to this style and sang whole heartedly. One very welcome feature of the concerts held at St Leonard’s church is that they are free for under 18s and it would be good as the programme continues to see more young people take advantage of this. Among those attending was Cllr Mrs Ann Berry the Deputy Mayor of Folkestone enjoying the concert with her husband Maurice. Do you enjoy singing ? Would you like to sing the great choral masterpieces accompanied by professional orchestra and soloists ? Then why not join us ? We are currently recruiting singers in all sections of the choir. Gentlemen are especially welcome ! We have three exciting concerts planned for 2018. Ring 01303 210940 / 239673 or use the "Form Entry" by Email on our "Join Us!" page. New members are always very welcome.
|
|
Appointed Assistant Organist at Canterbury Cathedral in 1978, David served under Allan Wicks before assuming the responsibility of Organist and Choir Master at Lincoln Cathedral in 1986. Two years later he returned to Canterbury to succeed Dr. Wicks who was retiring.
Read more............. |
Berkeley Hill is the organist and choirmaster at St. Leonards Church, Hythe and choirmaster of the Shepway Singers.
Read more........ |
CONCERT VENUES.
PROMS CONCERT 29th November 2014 at the Saga Pavilion under the direction of Berkeley Hill.
|
