Stour Singers

With a membership of more than 80 people, Stour Singers, under the skilled direction of Richard Emms, focus this autumn on two 18^th century works, and an early 20^th century composition. When Handel’s Messiah was first performed in 1742 at Mr. Neale’s Great Music Hall. Fishamble Street in Dublin, it was an immediate success, and continues as one of the best-loved oratorios. The choir’s Christmas concert, on Saturday 10^th December at 7.30.p.m. in St. Edmund’s Church, features excerpts from Messiah, and a celebratory cantata by Telemann, where the choir become ‘angels’ singing “Glory To God In The Highest”. Vaughan Williams’ Five Mystical Songs are settings of George Herbert poems, blending moving baritone solos with choral accompaniment. Audience participation is also invited, indeed expected, in a number of carols. The choir is joined by the Birmingham Conservatoire orchestra – The Queen’s Park Sinfonia, and renowned baritone soloist, Robert Rice. Robert started his musical career as a choral scholar at Kings College Cambridge, and has a very diverse repertoire encompassing opera, oratorio, recitals, and a particular interest in contemporary music.

Natalie Montakhab, soprano soloist, who delighted audiences in recent performances with Stour Singers, has graciously agreed to become the choir’s first Honorary Fellow. Natalie stars as Yum-Yum in the English National Opera’s forthcoming production (2017) of The Mikado, and is a lead figure in supporting music in hospitals.

Stour Singers offers much more than the opportunity to perform beautiful choral works. As a “come-all” choral society, it is keen to ensure that everyone gets the most out of being a member, and a recent informal workshop (led by recently-arrived Shipston resident, Barbara Divers) made a big difference for those who wanted to know more about the mysteries of reading and understanding music and sight-singing. Social events form part of the life of the choir, too, with an October Supper and Skittles evening.

The choir really enjoys learning, singing and being together. For further information – about the concert, about joining, or anything to do with the choir – get in touch with

Yvonne Ridley, Coordinator, on 01789 269587.

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Last modified: November 18, 2016