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A Centre for Singing

Shipston-on-Stour is a small, thriving country town, and in terms of its music, it truly has much to be proud of – a long tradition of the Town Band, an innovative  Music Society, the well-established Shipston Proms, and two significant choirs, at the very least.

Stour Singers is a large community choir, numbering more than 80 members – and attracting its singers from a wide geographical area surrounding Shipston. Cantamus is an accomplished unaccompanied choir of more than 20 singers. The musical director (and founder) of both choirs is Shipston resident, Richard Emms – teacher, conductor, composer – who provides the energy, inspiration, and enthusiasm to engage the interest of experienced singers and newcomers alike.  

Stour Singers’ annual Christmas Concert in December 2012 presented Bach’s exquisite Christmas Oratorio, attracting again a wonderful quartet of professional soloists, and the experienced Cherwell Orchestra. With St. Edmund’s as the concert venue, the audience members – led by Mayor, Fay Ivens  – were able to luxuriate in the baroque masterpiece. Less than a week later, the Stour Singers led a “Grand Carol Sing” in the Townsend Hall (an innovation for the choir), where audience participation was of the highest order, and refreshments plentiful. Stour Singers have a tradition of making music with members of the community who are not able to be out and about, and enjoyed a convivial carol evening at Rainbow Fields just before Christmas. Sadly the Ellen Badger  Hospital had succumbed to norovirus, so the choir was unable to sing there. Spring plans for the Stour Singers focus on a wonderful “double bill” of Vivaldi’s Gloria, and Dvorak’s Mass in D – so do book the date now in your diary – Saturday 11^th May, at 7.30.p.m. in St. Edmund’s Church.

Richard’s chamber choir – Cantamus – also had a very busy musical December, singing a beautiful blend of madrigals, motets, folk-songs and carols at Compton Verney for the award-winning gallery’s winter weekends.  Cantamus’ next concert is the popular annual afternoon event (now in its third year) on Sunday 3^rd. March (another date for your diary) – this year we have a concert for Mad  March Hares (but not exclusively) – with music, readings, and opportunities for the audience to sing, not to mention tea and home-made cakes. The venue for this is the Townsend Hall – and the time is 3.00.p.m..

If you would like to know more about the choirs, and the concerts, here are some contact details:

For Stour Singers:
Richard Emms, Director – 01608 662163
Vic Twyman, Choir Manager – 01451 870361
Yvonne Ridley, Deputy Choir Manager – 01789 269587

This site is maintained by villagers of Oxhill for the benefit of the community and those interested in the history, news and activities that make the village such a pleasant place to live.

Last modified: February 09, 2013