Looking Back on 2010

In January we welcomed our new Musical Director Stephen Moore. Although the programme had already been selected Stephen inspired the choir to present a tremendous concert in April of Haydn’s “Creation” together with soloists and an orchestra – this was his first foray into conducting a choir and large orchestra, Words used by the musical critic were ‘dramatic and powerful’, ‘choir sung with joy and exuberance’m (full report may be read in the Braintree & Witham Times of 6th May).

In July the Society ventured with a ‘Come & Sing’ for the summer concert and there were many new people who joined on the day to sing familiar and un-familiar pieces of music with a performance in the evening.

November was the autumn concert which this year was at Finchingfield Church – a very cold evening but great music. The Choir sang two Haydn pieces, ‘Te Deum’ opened the concert and here again the music critic commented ‘it was vibrant and lively with the slower middle section sensitively sung and well controlled’ then all the soloists taking part each performed a solo item with Stephen accompanying and playing his own organ solo item – Tony Evans must also be congratulated as he not only played for all our rehearsals, then sang in the concert but also accompanied one of the soloists! Another talented member of the choir, Maureen Best (also Secretary to the Society) gave solo performances on the clarinet.

The concert then ended with Haydn’s “St Nicholas Mass” again the music critic was complimentary ‘ the choir and four soloists gave a delightful rendition of this Mass with the sympathetic organ playing of Nigel Brown adding much to the performance’(full report can been read in the Braintree & Witham Times of 1st December).

Social and Community Events

Our annual Quiz Evening was again a success – we all look forward to the next one!.

In May the Choir was invited to take part in the Service of Thanksgiving in Remembrance organised by Janet C. Davies, Funeral Directors at St Mary’s Church, Bocking who said that the pieces we sang as solo items were perfect for the Service.

The Choir was again at St Mary’s for the Wedding of Amanda and Lee (we sang a few years ago at Amanda’s sister’s wedding) and they thought we sang our solos wonderfully and that the congregational singing would not have been the same without the choir!

We were then invited to sing at the Willow Tree Animal Sanctuary Christmas Carol Service at Chelmsford Cathedral – three solo carols were to be performed and we thank one of our sopranos, Teresa Downs, for leading us for these.

Then came the snow!!! The annual Farleigh Hospice ‘Light up a Life’ Service held in George Yard was postponed due to the weather but took place two weeks later and it was great to see a good number of our choir taking part – although still slightly snowing and pretty cold!

The final community event the choir took part in was Carols Around the Tree at the new Community Hospital. This was organised by the Chairman of the Friends of the Community Hospital, Chris Green, and Churches together. Although space was limited there were nearly 50 singers – Braintree Choral, Anglia Singers and other church choirs – after the Service a small number of singers visited the Courtauld Ward and sang carols to the patients.

Finally – Beaten by the Weather

Our Christmas Carol Concert unfortunately had to be cancelled due to snow – many roads were almost impassable and it was decided by our Chairman and Vice Chairman to cancel which was a terrible shame.

After rehearsing a super programme it was really disappointing – more so as this was to be Stephen’s last concert with us and everyone wanted to send him off on a high note!

Stephen has been an inspirational conductor to the choir and will be missed – his ideas, musicality and patience with us has been a boost to our confidence and we all wish him every success in his new post as Director of Music at St Matthew’s in Northampton.

Now into 2011

There have been a number of applicants for the position of Musical Director and the selection panel has chosen two who will take part of the first rehearsal on Tuesday 4th January – in the meantime, Tony has ‘volunteered’ to take rehearsals until a new MD is appointed.

Date for the concert is to be Sunday 17th April at St Mary’s Church, Bocking performing Stainer’s “Crucifixion” and Fauré’s “Requiem”.

In May some of the choir are visiting Braintree Choral Society in Massachusetts.

In September there is an opportunity to join with other choirs and to sing at Snape Maltings.

Happy Musical New Year to everyone.

 September 2010 - Newsletter

From the Concert Secretary

Plans are well under way for our November Concert on Saturday 20^th at St John the Baptist Church, Finchingfield. This year the rehearsal will be from 4.30pm with a tea/comfort break at 6.00pm and performance at 7.30 – more details nearer the time.

On Thursday 2^nd December we have again been invited to take part in the Farleigh Hospice ‘Light up a Life’ Service in George Yard at 6.10pm –joining in with the community carol singing – again we need as many singers as possible to join with the singing.

Saturday 11th December – Braintree Community Hospital - We have been invited to sing Carols Around the Tree at 4.00pm – there will be a retiring collection to help Friends of the Hospital. As space is at a premium they can only accommodate about 16-20 singers we would like to know who will be able to attend – sheet will be on the table for names.

Our Christmas Carol Concert is to be on Saturday 18^th December returning to St Peter’s in the Fields Church, Bocking End. It will be an evening of Carols, Readings and an organ piece played by Stephen and we will be joined by the Choir from Felsted School -more information nearer the time.

Into 2011 we have been invited to join the school choir at Hedingham School on Thursday 24^th March.

Our major concert in the Spring is to be on Saturday 16^th April – planning to sing Fauré “Requiem” and Stainer “Crucifixion”.

The American Trip is planned for 8/9th May – 15/16^th May with a concert on 14^th May singing the Fauré and possibly the items in the song book which Stephen made up for the summer concert. There is still time for singers to join this trip.

We have also been invited to join Trianon Music Group at Snape Maltings on 10^th September to sing Poulenc “Gloria” and Carol Orrf “Carmina Burana” – rehearsals in July – if anyone is keen to join this we would like to know as soon as possible.

Sylvia Lester - Concert Secretary  

From the Public Relations Secretary

During the summer break, I have been trawling our Patrons and Sponsors to renew their support of Braintree Choral Society and have been quite successful in persuading them to continue supporting us. It would be excellent if we too could support some of them. Care Cleaners allow a 10% discount to over 60’s.!! There may be benefits from others! We always need financial support to help with our concert expenses so if anyone knows of others who may be willing to give this help please let us know.

Sylvia Lester – Public Relations Secretary