Caroline and Jo welcomed Justin and choir members and declared the meeting open
Apologies for absence
Apologies were received from Sharon Springsheim, Heather Cunningham, Lesley Thomas, Mike Cox, Will Herschel – Shorland, Martin Stoll, Rosemary Cox, Anne Plested, Felicity Todd, Angie Wilson, Anna Clampin, Carol Hammond, Pat Thompson, Linda Bradley and Sharon Steadman.
Minutes of the last AGM (held on Monday 7th October 2024)
The minutes were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.
Report by Music Director
Justin delivered his report (see attached). This was proposed by Caroline Rodbourne and seconded by Jo Curry.
Report by Chairs
Caroline delivered their report (see attached). This was proposed by John Awty and seconded by Amanda Fletcher.
Report by Treasurer
Malcolm delivered his report (see attached). This was proposed by John Awty and seconded by Jenny Hyams .
He had also brought along copies of the annual accounts for choir members that wanted them and these will be filed with his report.
Appointment of Auditor
Mr Robin Farrar was, again, appointed as Auditor for the year. This was proposed by Malcolm Butcher and seconded by Jo Curry.
Bonus Ball
Fiona was asked if she wanted to say a few words so she reiterated the importance of members taking part in this. With the increasing number of members, just one pound from everyone makes a big contribution to our funds.
Election of Committee members for the year 2025/26
Caroline Rodbourne, Julia Awty, Malcolm Butcher and John Awty were all due for re-election this year and have all agreed to stand again. This was put to the vote and they were re-elected.
Jenny Hyams and Heather Butcher are standing down, leaving 2 vacancies. The nomination of Peter Coulson was proposed by Joe Manero and seconded by John Formston. The nomination of Fiona-Catherine Thompson was proposed by Ruth Cawcutt and seconded by Kathy Smith.
Treasurer’s report (The full report will be sent out and received at the AGM)
Jenny proposed a vote of thanks to Malcolm for all of his work and John Awty seconded this.
MD’s report
Summer concert -Justin reviewed the summer concert saying that “Carmina Burana was an unqualified success on every level”. As well as praising the soloists, pianists and percussion group, he congratulated the choir for its “tight, flawless unfolding of number after number”.
Christmas concert – We are now looking ahead to Messiah at Christmas and have all the orchestra and soloists in place.
Attendance – We have got off to a slow start in terms of attendance this term. Although a number of people know Messiah well, they are still needed at rehearsals to help and encourage those who do not. Justin hopes this will improve and that the confidence gained in the summer will return. He explained that time is always tight to meet the concert deadlines, particularly in the autumn term, even when working through half term.
Voice Reps – Justin wondered how we could make better use of our voice part reps to support members, especially new ones as we are a fast-growing choir. We discussed:
Meeting and greeting new members, showing them where to sit and introducing them to existing members.
Pointing out the various key members and explaining what they do.
Listening to concerns or comments and taking them back to the relevant people.
Encouraging people to get up and circulate during breaks.
This very important topic will be discussed further.
Rehearsal Accompanist – Justin announced that he would be auditioning potential accompanists over the next 2 weeks.
25th Anniversary Events
Review of summer concert
We all agreed that this went very well and that the venue was good. Some issues were brought up:
It was quite cramped on the stage and the unusual heat didn’t help. We agreed that this would not be such a problem for any future concerts as the percussion and pianos took up a lot of space as well as the children’s choir.
Stella has been overseeing a lot of the concert arrangements up to now, including Front of House and this is very difficult whilst also singing in the choir. We discussed the idea of a Concert Manager. This would ideally be a non-choir person with knowledge of how our concerts work and what is involved. This will be put to choir members to see if they know of anyone suitable
.
Garden Party
Julia reported that this went well with about 30 attendees. People enjoyed the opportunity to socialise, with some commenting that we should have more events like this.
Singing Workshop
This went well with 61 attendees and we made £354 profit. We decided to hold another next year.
Christmas Concert
See MD’s report.
Harleston Christmas Lights
Stella, Jo and Caroline had been speaking to people from the council regarding our performing at this event. As it would only be a 10-minute slot, we wondered if many people from outside Harleston would attend. It’s also very close to our concert and Justin felt people might catch colds from standing around. We agreed not to take part this time.
Replacement and Recruitment for Committee
We again, discussed having more accessible meeting times such as evenings and weekends to try to attract new members that may be working.
Jenny and Heather will be standing down so there will be 2 vacancies.
Progress with the Making Music Platform.
This will go live after Christmas and choir members will be able to access parts of this on a mobile phone just like the website.
Nikki will be the Webmaster.
Rehearsal Rules
There is still too much talking in rehearsals, especially with people asking about page numbers. Justin pointed out that everyone receives the schedule and should refer to that.
Feedback from Sub Committees
Music
Music copies – Justin suggested that music copies are signed for when given out so that we know members have received them.
Malcolm asked if we need to order any more black folders. Ideally, we will use them as people have different colour copies of Messiah but they are then quite heavy. Some people photocopy the carols to make them lighter. It was decided we have enough.
Joint concert – There has been a suggestion for a joint concert with Wymondham Choral in 2027 – This might be either Carmina Burana or Verdi’s Requiem (the latter would require a large orchestra). Again, we discussed possible venues and wondered how far people would travel. We agreed to put this to choir members and see what interest we get.
Publicity
Posters – Heather will no longer be designing posters etc although she is happy to print what is sent to her. Justin’s friend Nick is happy to design logos etc for us if we wish.
New Member – The SC welcomed Helen Bennet who has recently joined. She will help with a variety of publicity tasks.
Social
Caroline has booked the hall at St James for the quiz on 21st March 2026.
At Grange Barn, The Street, St James South Elmham IP19 0HN
Apologies for Absence: Heather Butcher and Stella Brownsea
Minutes of last meeting (31st March 2025): These were approved.
Treasurer’s report
Subs – these will be slightly lower this term as fewer people are singing.
Bonus Ball – This is expected to be higher than last year by the end of the year.
Summer Concert – the forecasted costs remain the same.
Anniversary Events
Summer Concert
Staging – John and Malcolm confirmed that the staging visit had taken place. We can use the school’s staging with no extra charge. They will take a few squares of our own staging to be used if necessary. There will be rows of twelve.
VIP invitations – Jo has invited Basil Abbott, Chris and Baba Bracewell, Nick, who designed the poster, Janette and Karen. Chris has already replied and accepted, saying they appreciate the invite but will pay for their own tickets.
John F reported that he has been working towards getting a grant of £500 from South Norfolk Counciland has just found out that he’s been successful. He wondered if we could give them 2 free tickets. We congratulated him on his successful bid and thanked him for his work on this. We agreed that we should send 2 tickets, even though they may not be able to accept them. We will identify the tickets on the back in some way so that we know if they’ve been used.
Introductions – Jo is going to ask if Tom or Jaine from the school will be introducing the concert, after which Caroline will also make a short speech.
Action – Jo to agree with Tom or Jaine on an introduction.
Raffle – The results will be posted on a board at the end of the concert.
Front of House – Stella sent a message prior to the meeting (see attached) to say that she has passed all FOH persona details to Fiona Catherine and informed us that Eileen Ryan will also help.
Musicians’ tea –This will consist of plates of finger food. Julia will bring a tick box sheet, with suggested items, to rehearsal so that choir members can choose what they would like to provide. She would like these to be brought to the afternoon rehearsal on paper plates. There should be around 15 people to provide tea for.
Action – Julia to bring in list of food items
Dress code – Normal dress code. It was suggested that the ladies would wear a red silk rose and the men, red bow ties. Julia has agreed to order the roses and research the bow ties. Malcolm suggested the men have just white shirts but nothing was decided on this.
Action – Julia to report back on accessories
Banner – we need to check with Stella to see if she has asked the school’s permission for this to be on the railings.
Post concert coffee morning – this will be held at the Dove at 10.30 on Monday 30th June. Fiona will compile a list and Stella will call them with numbers.
Action – Fiona to make list for coffee morning
Checklist meeting – this will take place on 23rd June at 7pm
Summer Garden Party
John and Julia have kindly offered to host this. Whilst we had previously looked at both the 12th and 19th July, Julia said that the 12th would be the better date for them.
There should be enough parking space and people will be encouraged to car-chare.
Further arrangements will be discussed at the next Social S/C meeting on Thursday 12th June at Julia’s.
Action – S/C to make arrangements for Garden Party
Messiah workshop
Amanda reported that she had received 10 bookings so far. Heather produced flyers and these were distributed on seats at rehearsal. This was also announced during notices.
Nikki has put the flyer on our FB page, asking people to ‘like’ and share. Justin has put on his own site and advertised it at his other choirs. Amanda has taken flyers round shops, the library and information centre in Harleston and will do the same in Diss shortly.
Action – Amanda to distribute more flyers locally
The Publicity S/C has also distributed details.
We have agreed that we need a cut-off point of the end of July whereby we will cancel the event if we don’t have enough bookings.
Whilst Karen is hoping to play for the workshop, John Witchell has kindly agreed to keep the date open in case she is unable to attend.
Community Events
VE Day – A good number of the choir attended this event and we received a lovely letter of thanks from Redenhall with Harleston
Town Council. They have since asked us to attend the Christmas Tree Lights switch on event on 28th November. We agreed that this would be very good PR for the choir and that we would like to attend.
Action – Jo to get back to the Town Council to accept
Stella suggested that we really need to be more prepared as unaccompanied singing outdoors is always a challenge. We wondered if we could use Julia’s Karaoke machine for these events.
Justin would like to be involved in agreeing the format for public events such as this. We will probably be singing carols that we’re doing for the Christmas concert but he feels anything else would need to be rehearsed outside of normal Monday evenings. This will be further discussed at the next Music S/C meeting.
Action – to discuss how to prepare for community events
Christmas Concert
Stella has found a trumpeter for this. Karen hopes to be back by September but, if not, hopefully John can step in again.
Replacement and recruitment policy for the Committee
Malcolm informed us that the Diss branch of U3A is about to close as they struggle to get new people to join the committee. He feels that there are many long-serving members on our committee with some nearing or in their eighties and that we should be looking to recruit younger or new members with fresh ideas. He feels that more accessible meeting times would help so that working people can attend.
We will make an announcement at the start of the autumn term to give people a chance to think about joining by the AGM.
Action – Jo or Caroline to make announcement at first rehearsal
Members’ feedback
Some people have reported that Justin doesn’t always give them time to find the page numbers. This could be because he is using a different score.
Action – Jo to ask Justin to wait for people to find the page.
10. Next meeting – Monday September 15th at 2.30pm at
Apologies for Absence: Jenny Hyams, Heather Butcher and John Formston
Minutes of last meeting (29th January 2025): These were approved.
Matters arising
Choir members had reported that it was sometimes difficult to hear Justin and those giving notices. We have been looking into using a microphone but have yet to find a solution. It was thought that there are still a number of people speaking in rehearsals which makes it difficult for others to hear. Justin has been walking into the middle of the aisle to try to reach those at the back.
Treasurer’s report
Subscriptions -Malcolm highlighted the subscription income for the spring term which was £3,095 – the highest ever, and we now have 69 members. This also helps with Gift Aid.
Library costs -These have gone down this term as we only have one work and there is no photocopying involved. Some people bought their own copies. It is thought that a lot of members will already have their own copies of Messiah for Christmas.
Bonus Ball -The figure for Bonus Ball has gone down a bit and only half the choir are engaging with this.
MD’s report
Percussion section -This is now in place and they will have their own separate rehearsal with Justin prior to the concert.
Concert promotion Justin would like us to start promoting the concert early so that we can get more ticket sales. This year, tickets and posters etc will be sent to the printers on the 7th May and will be available a few days later. Justin also reported that there is an expectation in his Wymondham choir that each member will sell 2 tickets. We agreed that, although this may be difficult for some people, we should make an extra effort generally. The children’s involvement for this concert should help a great deal.
We also agreed that, when the posters do come out, all choir members should make every effort to distribute as many as possible in a wide area.
We also discussed Justin’s query about printing the children’s names on the programme. We agreed that this would be nice for the children and their parents, but we will need to speak to the school regarding this.
Anniversary Events
Summer Concert
Poster – Jo had sent us a copy of the poster designed by Paul. We agreed that the picture was lovely but just needed a few adjustments to the font so she will arrange this with Paul.
Raffle – As discussed previously, we will have prizes from the voice parts, 3 from sopranos, 2 from altos and 1 each from tenors and basses. The voice part representatives will co-ordinate this.
We questioned whether or not we could actually hold a raffle in the school so Stella will ask Jayne at her next meeting.
Dress – This will be all black for percussionists and the children would be in their school uniform.
Car parking – At the Rec or Co-op during the day and the Co-op and Factory Shop in the evening. There is also plenty of street parking nearby.
Messiah workshop
16th August at St James Village Hall. 10am – 1pm, 2pm – 4.30pm. Tickets £10.00.
We agreed that the title, ‘Come and Sing Handel’s Messiah’, was a bit misleading as we will only be singing 4 – 5 choruses so it will be ‘Come and Sing Workshop with Handel’s Messiah’.
Music – Julia will order the music in time for this. If participants would like to use their own copies, they need to know we are using the Novello Prout edition.
Lunch – Julia has offered to make a lunch of soup and rolls, charging £5.00. We will offer coffee and tea at the morning break.
We will need posters and flyers for this so that we can start booking places in May.
Garden Party
John and Julia have kindly offered their garden for this. Possible dates are the 12th or 19th July at 2.30pm. Further details to be discussed at the next Social SC.
Christmas concert
Music – Julia will already have ordered the music (see above) and we have the orchestral scores. There will be a string quartet and 2 oboes.
Raffle – This will be along the same lines as at the summer concert.
7. War VE Memorial Event
This will be held at the War Memorial on the 8th May at 9pm. We have been asked to lead the singing of ‘I vow to thee my country’ at 9.30pm. We will have a short rehearsal for this on Monday 5th May at 7pm.
8. Making Music platform
Nikki, Jo and John A have agreed to form a Sub Committee for this together with Paul.
9. Sub Committee reports
Publicity
We discussed the article about our 25th anniversary year in the Village People magazine and it was pointed out that this is delivered to 60,000 households. Members of Justin’s Wymondham choir had pointed it out to him. Caroline had also had 2 enquiries about the workshop.
Social SC
As well as the lunch, which was covered in January’s meeting, Caroline discussed the very successful quiz. We raised £698 and the raffle, organised by Fiona, made £215.
John Awty pointed out that we really need more help with putting away tables and chairs at the end of events like these.
Caroline also mentioned the Garden Party (see above).
10. Members’ feedback
Julia reported that a choir member wished to bring along an assistance dog to rehearsals. We agreed that Jo would tell members at the evening rehearsal about the request and ask anyone with any objections to speak to their voice part leaders.
11. AOB
We confirmed that the autumn term would start on 1st September so Fiona can now send out new list of dates (see attached) which will be available on the website.
12. Date, time and place of next meeting – 21st May 2025 at 2pm
Term Dates
2025
Autumn Term
Monday 1st September Choir 7pm for a 7.30pm start
hand in Carmina Birana and Claim new books if needed
No Bonus Ball
Monday 27th October Half Term – rehearsal as usual
Monday 1st December Last Monday Rehearsal/Concert Check Meeting 7pm
Friday 5th December Rehearsal St John’s Church, Harleston -Time TBC
Saturday 6th December Afternoon Rehearsal St John’s Church, Harleston
Time TBC
Saturday 6th December Concert St John’s Church, Harleston -Time TBC (Choir
in Seats)
Concert Starts 7pm
Dates for Diary
Saturday 19th July HCS Garden Party at John and Julia Awty’s from 2.30pm
Onwards
Saturday 16th August Messiah “Come and Sing” Day – St James Village
Hall
Timings starting at 10am – 1pm Hour for lunch then 2pm – 4.30pm
Having grown from a conversation at the inaugural Edinburgh Festival in 1947, 2025 will be the 77th Summer School. You will see from the attached flyer and our website (www.mssf.org.uk) that we offer a wide range of courses aimed at providing an enjoyable and convivial musical experience for participants whilst they improve their musical skills. All the courses are delivered by top level artists whilst the setting, at Gresham’s School on the outskirts of the Georgian market town of Holt is beautiful. We offer a range of residential options for participants as well as non-resident places for those who live locally or who want to organise their own accommodation. Participants can choose to take up to four courses each day whilst every evening there are at least three concerts to enjoy included in the price of the Summer School. You can find some images of last year’s Summer School, to give a flavour of how it works, here: https://www.mssf.org.uk/archive/.
We’d be really grateful if you might be willing to share details of the Summer School with members of the Harleston Choral Society and anyone else who you think may be interested. Last year we launched an offer whereby if new people registered for the Summer School and mentioned the name of their ‘home’ choir at the time of registration we in turn made a donation to their choir. I’m delighted that we were able to support Coventry Cathedral Choir, Dulwich Choral Society, the Addison Singers and the Cheltenham Bach Choir due to this initiative. We are pleased to relaunch this scheme for 2025. We will donate £100 to the Harleston Choral Society for every participant who registers for The Music Summer Summer School and Festival by 31st March 2025 who has not previously attended the Summer School and who mentions the Harleston Choral Society on their registration. We will pay any donations due once full payment has been made by the participant at the end of June 2025. To activate this donation, those registering for The Music Summer School and Festival should name their home choir (ie. the Harleston Choral Society) in the comments section of the Registration Form on our website at https://www.mssf.org.uk/ss25/register-booking/.
Held On Wednesday 29th January 2025 At The Dell, Billingford, IP21 4HL
Apologies for absence: Jenny Hyams, John Awty and Julia Awty.
Minutes of last meeting (6th November 2024): These were approved.
Matters arising: covered by items below.
Treasurer’s report (please see attached)
Main points included:
The subscriptions for the spring term should reach £3,000
The forecasted cost of the summer concert is £5,000 with income around £2,000.
Fundraisers will help. The quiz last year made over £900, the Bonus Ball, over £550 and there were gift aid receipts of £450.
The card reader was used for the first time at Christmas and 50% tickets were paid for this way. It’s also been used for music purchases.
25th Anniversary Events
Lunch 25th January. This was a great success. Members had each brought a plate of food which resulted in a wonderful buffet. Stella had provided a beautiful cake bearing our anniversary logo. Nathaniel Gee made a speech and Julia read out a speech that Chris had sent as he was unable to attend. Fiona organised a raffle which raised £142.
Archives. These were displayed on a table near the stage. They comprised of beautifully curated display boards and 2 folders of posters, programmes and other items of interest from over the years. They generated a great deal of interest and conversation throughout the afternoon.
Quiz. This will be on the 22nd March 7pm for 7.30pm start. Fiona will run the raffle and will ask members to bring in prizes on the night or the Monday rehearsal before.
Heather offered to provide some flyers to go on the seats at rehearsals. They will have Caroline’s contact details and people will be required to book either singly to make up a team or as a ready-made team.
Julia will make Lasagne and committee members will provide puddings.
Summer Concert
At Harleston Sancroft Academy on 28th June 7pm with the usual Friday evening and Saturday afternoon rehearsals. We will be using the main hall and the adjoining cafeteria area where drinks will be served.
Pianos – We are hiring 2 pianos which will arrive on Friday afternoon.
Staging – We will be using the school’s staging.
Parking – There is some parking at the school and nearby streets within walking distance of the school. The ‘rec’ car park across the road will close at 9.30.
School Choir- There will be a small choir of school pupils singing with us for part of the performance.
Poster design – We will ask if the pupils can make some posters featuring our 25th Anniversary logo. These can be displayed around the school. Heather will be working with Paul to design our own posters.
Banner – John F will organise this. It will hopefully go up on the school railings.
Percussion – We now have a group of percussion players.
Publicity – Advertising will be via social media, local publications, Diss Express, ARTSeast and community newspapers etc.
Raffle – It had been decided at the Music SC meeting that we would revert to asking voice part members for prizes. This will comprise of 3 from the Sopranos, 2 from the Altos, 1 from the tenors and 2 from the basses.
Christmas Concert
On 6th December 7pm Handel’s Messiah
The 3 soloists and orchestra (string quartet and 2 oboes) provisionally booked.
We will be singing Part one. There had been requests from members that we sing the Hallelujah Chorus as part of the programme. We agreed this
should be sung as a stand-alone encore.
Justin has invited choir members to choose 3 favourite carols and the highest-scoring will be sung in the second half.
Making Music Platform
Jo reported that John has received an email to say that our application is progressing.
Facebook
Nikki has set up our Facebook page and has posted photos of our Anniversary lunch. She will keep this up-to-date, adding anything she feels relevant. She suggested that some of her photos can be put on the website for those that don’t use Facebook.
Microphone for announcements and MD
Some members have said that they can’t hear Justin or other announcements. We are looking into the technicalities of using a microphone.
Members’ feedback – There was none.
10.The next meeting will be held on Monday 31st March at 2pm
The Silver Anniversary Display BoardsThe cakeThe marvellous spread
FRONT OF HOUSE
Throughout the time the Choral Society has been running, it has always been necessary
to have a ‘Front of House Team’ for the performances. We are indebted to the many volunteers who have helped with ticket checking and sales at the entrance; selling programmes and raffle tickets. At the interval, selling and serving the refreshments! Now, we include a glass of wine, or soft drink, and a programme in the price of the ticket, a much better idea!
One particular name comes to mind, Margaret Griffiths. Somehow, or other Margaret would magic up a team of people to help with these tasks. The volunteers all dressed to match the choir, evening dress for the gentlemen and the ladies in black. but with white tops, would all be in place and ready before the concert started. Not only did Margaret deal with front of house, she would organise the purchase of wines and soft drinks, borrow the glasses and ensure they were all clean and returned, from whence they had come, after the concert. It is with grateful thanks that we acknowledge all the past help that Margaret and her volunteers have given to the choir, but also record that sadly, many of these people are no longer with us. Although times change, we are still most grateful to all those people who volunteer and deal with Front of House matters. Thank you, on behalf of the Harleston Choral Society.
Choir Member Memories CAROL – SOPRANO
The Anne Gee years are particularly well documented in the Archives and are inspiring. It’s amazing that the choir produced three concerts a year at various venues. In 2002 Anne also organised a “Come and Sing the Messiah from Scratch” event at Wingfield Church. The proceeds were donated to a local charity. One can sense the excitement and energy generated by the formation of Harleston Choral Society. There was an audience who appreciated the opportunity to hear choral works in their own community. It is good to know that 25 years later our concerts remain popular and well attended.
Choir Memories RUTH – SOPRANO
I was fortunate enough to have attended the first concert performance of the Harleston Choral
Society and sitting in the audience listening, made me realise how much I had missed singing
with a choir. At the age of ten I joined the church choir of St John the Evangelist, in
Colchester. Under the direction of Mr Harry Pitt, I sang with them until I moved to north
Suffolk in 1975. Here, in Harleston was the opportunity to sing with a choir again! No
auditions…..just come along and sing! I joined in 2001 and have had the privilege of meeting
and working with some extremely talented people and being part of the team, as secretary for
a several years, helping with catering for orchestras and soloists, doing the bonus ball. Being
the Friends secretary for a number of years. Calling on local businesses and trying to sell
advertising to fund publishing the programmes. Above all it has been the joy of singing, at
the beginning of a new season to pick up a score and not even know the first note and then a
performance with orchestra and soloists. Needless to say, there have been the times when
things haven’t gone quite to plan but we won’t mention those. How good we all feel at the
end of the concert of something accomplished! The friendships that have been forged. The
strong health benefits from learning how to breath and stand properly, and it is acknowledged
the mental health improvement gained from singing!
Choir Memories JENNY – SOPRANO
The year 2000 was a very significant year for me:
I enrolled at UEA to do a part-time History
degree; I started the Patient Participation Group
at my local GP practice; and I became one of the
original members of Harleston Choral Society.
HCS was founded by Anne Gee in January 2000,
after a one-day workshop in Wensum Lodge in
Norwich, when she managed to get us to sing
Vivaldi’s Gloria in one day ! Anne, who died in
2010, strongly believed in teaching people to sing,
especially those who were unaware that they could
actually sing. She was a pioneer of this approach to
teaching and encouraging amateur choirs, which
she called “singing for those who can’t”.
But for Anne’s vision and enthusiasm Harleston
Choral Society would not exist today, and you
would not be able to enjoy the experience of live
choral music in Harleston.
Choir Memories Pat Soprano
With a certain amount of intrepidation, off I went to Harleston.
It seemed when I arrived at the primary school there were quite a few other people who
felt the same way.
I had seen a poster in the garage in Fressingfield, inviting anyone who wanted to join a
choir to go along and sing the ‘Messiah’. I was familiar with the piece because it was one of
my father’s favourites. I had never sung it before, but I thought “What an opportunity –
shall I have a go?”
We filed into the hall of the school and Anne Gee greeted each one of us. At a table, a lady
was taking names and which voice we would feel comfortable singing. Then we shown
where our section would be and then we took our seats.
Once everyone had been booked in, Anne had a unique way of getting us relaxed and into
the mood to sing. We all stood up and turned to our left, so we were looking at the back of
the next person. She told us to close our eyes and then imagine ourselves on a lovely warm
sunny, sandy beach with the sea lapping at our feet, holding a glass of a lovely long cool
drink! You could almost taste it! We then came back to reality and began singing ‘Messiah’.
Halfway through the evening we had a break, when two ladies offered us, tea, coffee or a
cold drink. They actually made the tea in the school office kitchen, in a teapot of course, all
in 20 minutes.
At the end of our practice. Anne would thank Jenny, our accompanist on the piano, and we
would give them both a rousing applause. We still do that to this day.
I really enjoy those two hours a week singing with other people and I have met some lovely
people over the years. I have to say the pieces that have really become my favourites are
‘Messiah’, ‘The Creation’, and ‘Elijah’. Amongst all the other works we have sung, I even
braved it one year and sang a small solo in ‘Dido and Aneaus’!
Singing pieces in Latin was quite a challenge, nothing phases us now though, we may not
always know what all the words mean, but as long as the music and singing is enjoyed by
our audiences, that’s what matters
I have missed a few concerts through illness, but through all the years, I still keep coming
back.
Fiona running the raffle
TIME LINE OF PERFORMANCES
FROM 2012 TO PRESENT
JULY 2023:
Summer Concert – Haydn: ’Stabat Mater’ and a selection of Mozart opera arias, choruses and
ensembles, and – as a tribute to our new King – Handel: ’Zadok the Priest’
DECEMBER 2022:
Christmas Concert – Ronald Corp: ’A Christmas Mass’, Christmas carols
JUNE 2022:
Summer Concert – Fauré: ‘Requiem’ and solo pieces
DECEMBER 2021:
Christmas Concert – Excerpts from the ‘Messiah’, carols and choral classics.
DECEMBER 2019:
Christmas Concert – Chilcott’s: ‘Twelve Days of Christmas”’ and ‘Behold that Star’ and Vaughn
Williams: ‘The First Nowell’
SUMMER CONCERT 2019:
An Evening with Henry Purcell. Purcell: Dido and Aeneas; three anthems (‘Thou knowest Lord
the secrets of our hearts’; ‘Remember not Lord our offences’; I was glad) and ‘O Sing unto the
Lord’.
CHRISTMAS CONCERT 2018: ’Blessed be that Babe’. Handel: ’Messiah’ [part 1],
Telemann: ’German Magnificat’.
SUMMER CONCERT 2018:
Rossini: ‘Petite Messe Solennelle’
CHRISTMAS CONCERT 2017:
Bach: ’Orchestral Suite No 4 in D Major’, and Bach: ’Christmas Oratorio’
SUMMER CONCERT 2017:
Mozart: ’Requiem’ and Haydn: ‘Maria Theresa Mass’
CHRISTMAS CONCERT 2016:
Vivaldi: ’Gloria’, Faure: ’Cantique de Jean Racine’, ‘The Shepherds’ Farewell’ from
Berlioz: ‘L’Enfance du Christ‘, Franck: ’Panis angelicus’ and carols
SUMMER CONCERT 2016:
Bach: ’St John Passion’
CHRISTMAS CONCERT 2015:
Handel: ’Messiah’
SUMMER CONCERT 2015:
Brahms: ’Requiem’
21 JUNE 2014:
Haydn: ‘The Creation’
29 JUNE 2013:
Mendelssohn: ‘Elijah’
16 JUNE 2012:
Handel: ‘Zadok the Priest’, Vivaldi: ‘Gloria’, Vaughan Williams: ‘The Old Hundreth Psalm
Tune’, and Mozart: ‘Coronation Mass’
<p><strong>FIONA– ALTO</strong></p>
<p>
Fiona Bartlett is a Founder Member of Harleston Choral Society (HCS). She joined the Choir
for its First Rehearsal in January 2000. This was at Canon Pickering Junior School which was
later called Harleston Primary School and is now Harleston Sancroft Academy Primary
Phase. There were a lot of members who joined on the first night and some are still
members 25 years later.
Fiona has seen a lot of members coming and going for various reasons including the
deceased of the Membership. In Fiona’s time at HCS there have been 7 Music Directors and
6 Accompanists. There have been lots of works by different composers throughout Fiona’s
years with HCS but her favourite year was when we did 2 concerts when Stella Brownsea
took the choir on for a year. The choir did a Gilbert and Sullivan Evening for the Summer
Concert. This was excerpts from G&S operas, and Trial By Jury was performed by the Choir
as the Chorus, and several Singers that Stella knew from Music Societies she worked with
doing the principal parts. For the Christmas Concert with Stella the Choir did St Cecilia
Mass by Charles Gounod, and Carols sung by the Choir and Audience accompanied by an
amateur Orchestra made up of Players from Societies Stella worked with.</p>
Here are some learning aids from Justin for Carmina Burana including a pronunciation guide which is available here as a printable pdf file.
There is a lot on YouTube. The link here will take you to a list of voice parts on YouTube.
