Newbury community choir's Christmas comeback concert success
MORE than 40 members of Newbury’s Three Rivers Choir took to the stage recently in their first Christmas concert since 2018, reports the choir’s Lucy Rumens.
It was also the community choir’s first performance at St John the Evangelist Church, a stunning atmospheric location for the varied programme of choral pieces.
Ann Wright, who has directed the choir since 2014, started the evening by leading the choir in Enya and Nicky Ryan’s Amid the Falling Snow. The wintry theme continued with Let it Snow and In the Bleak Midwinter, before showcasing the choir’s skills perfectly with Vivaldi’s Gloria.
Along the way various choir members gave Christmas-themed readings and there was a small ensemble piece performed at the back of the church, taking advantage of the great acoustics.
The evening concluded with some fun-filled performances, a Thirty Second Fa La La, Sleigh Ride and the cheerful We Need a Little Christmas. Throughout it all the choir were accompanied by Royal Ballet School pianist Christine Evans, who shone particularly during Gloria where, as Ann said, she had to be a whole orchestra.
With an audience of more than 100, it was a great way to get into the Christmas spirit. Dick Finch, who was in the audience, said: “We’ve had a lovely evening hearing some old Christmas favourites and some songs that were new to us. We’re looking forward to the summer concert!”
Choir member Robert Meyer said: “It felt wonderful to be together, singing at Christmas with an enthusiastic audience. Those weeks of rehearsal have really paid off.”
Three Rivers Community Choir meet on Thursdays at Winchcombe School (during term time).
All are welcome, there are no auditions. No experience is necessary and there is no need to read music. New members are welcome to come and give them a try in the new year when their term begins. Check their website www.threeriverscommunitychoir.org.uk or their social media for the date.
Contact Lucy Rumens – lucy@maplecrescent.co.uk for further information.
