WINCANTON CHORAL SOCIETY
Early in 1986, the Wincanton Arts Association (WAA) was formed to promote a wide range of arts within the town. These would include concerts, art exhibitions, theatre and dance, both professional and amateur.
Following a number of successful choral concerts, which formed part of the annual Festival, the Wincanton Choral Society was formed in 1990 when it became clear that it needed to have a separate identity from the WAA in order to grow and flourish.
The Society quickly established itself and, under a series of talented musical directors, presented two concerts each year in St Luke’s Church, often with well-known soloists and accompanied by an orchestra usually comprising local professional instrumentalists.
Over the past sixteen years the repertoire has gradually extended to embrace more adventurous and demanding works. At the same time the membership of the choir steadily increased until, in 2004, it became necessary to find larger venues for both rehearsals and concerts.
Highlights of recent years have included the Verdi ‘Requiem’ with Durweston Choral Society under our Musical Director Simon Twiselton and the rarely sung ‘Five Tudor Portraits’ by Vaughan Williams with the internationally renowned mezzo soprano Jean Rigby, who has sung at The Royal Opera House, English National Opera and Glyndebourne. Last year the Society had much to celebrate. It was the 20th Anniversary of its foundation, and Simon Twiselton’s tenth year as Musical Director. To mark this auspicious occasion a Gala Concert was held on 16th May 2010, which included Mendelssohn’s ‘Hymn of Praise’, Borodin’s ‘Polovtsian Dances’, an especially written work for the choir and a Youth Choir, as well as Constant Lambert’s Rio Grande – a piece which featured the amazing talent of pianist Anita D’Attellis. It was her last concert as accompanist for the Society, after five wonderful years.
Forthcoming Events:
Christmas 2011
A much appreciated concert which was accompanied by Jackie Bevan on the piano and a string quartet. There was a flautist who ably played some of the carols both with the soloists and the choir.
OUR NEW SEASON 2012 IS UPON US
We begin our new season on Monday 9th January with rehearsals for our Winter Concert, which this year will be on Sunday 20th May.
We are looking forward to working with our accompanist, Jackie Bevan, who is already well-known to many as she is involved in a wide variety of musical activities throughout the West Country.
We are always happy to welcome new members, too. As a community choir we require no audition – just a love of choral singing! Rehearsals are every Monday evening, from 7.15 to 9.00 pm in the Performance Centre at Wincanton’s King Arthur’s School.
Please contact Sally, our Chairwoman, on 01749 860457, if you require any further information about us and what we do.
