Surrey Heath Singers delivered a delightful concert on Saturday evening, featuring baritone soloist Ian Helm. The program offered a journey through diverse musical landscapes, lead by our conductor Ed Bonner.

The first half opened with Ralph Vaughan Williams’ “Five Mystical Songs,” showcasing Helm’s rich baritone alongside the choir’s nuanced harmonies. It transitioned seamlessly into Charles Villiers Stanford’s evocative “Songs of the Fleet,” a tribute to the seafaring life. The interval provided a welcome respite before returning to Vaughan Williams’ “Songs of Travel,” a poignant exploration of human experience through the eyes of a wanderer.

The second half shifted gears with Frank Bridge’s introspective “Three Miniature Pastorals” for piano, offering a moment of serene reflection, played wonderfully by Geoff Tuson on piano. The concert culminated in Edward Elgar’s “From the Bavarian Highlands,” a vibrant suite capturing the essence of the region, from lively dances to tender lullabies.

Ian Helm’s captivating performance and the choir’s masterful execution made for a truly memorable evening. The thoughtfully curated program offered something for everyone, showcasing the versatility of both the performers and the chosen composers.

Sofi Jeannin – Singing Together
An interesting series of programmes from BBC Radio 3, now avaiable on BBC Sounds.

Sofi Jeannin is the Chief Conductor of the BBC Singers.

Sofi was Music Director of Surrey Heath Choral Society before returning to Paris in 2008 to become the Music Director of La Maîtrise de Radio France.

Our General Knowledge Quiz Night

Was held on Saturday 24 February
At  St Paul’s Church, Crawley Ridge, Camberley, GU15 2AD

Supper was delivered by Oysters Fish Bar

Many thanks to Frances and Crispin for organising the Quiz Night event, which was a great success.

Our 2023 Christmas Concert with Wholenotes Community Choir was held on Saturday, December 16, at St Paul’s Church in Camberley. We had a full house and everyone enjoyed our joint concert.

See the post on the SHS Facebook Page

Many thanks to everyone who attended, to everyone who helped make the evening a success. Our special thanks go to Ed Bonner, Alison Wrigley, Geoff Tuson and all those singing up on the stage.

Here are 2 videos – click here and click here

In early December, some members of the choir went singing as part of our outreach programme.

Frimley Park Hospital

On Sunday (Dec 3) a group of the choir supported the Chaplaincy at Frimley Park Hospital by providing music and singing at the Memorial Service in the hospital.

 The Knights Foundation

On Tuesday (Dec 5) a group sang carols at Jake’s Playbarn in Sandhurst in support of The Knights Foundation. This local charity provides support and equipment to disabled, deprived or seriously ill children and their families.

Step by Step

On Saturday (Dec 23) we gathered in the wind and cold to sing carols at The Meadows in Blackwater. This was in support of the charity Step by Step which provides support for young homeless people.

The YouTube recording of our Concert on November 11, 2023 is available here, courtesy of St Peter’s.

July 15, 2023

This concert is available on YouTube first half – second half

Comments from members of the audience

• Your quality of singing was much more accurate and improved from before the pandemic.
• A previous choir member was so impressed he might consider returning.
• There was much appreciation of the quality of the soloists singing.

www.highcrosscamberley.co.uk/organ-recital