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.
