Plans are well underway for Prestbury Choral Society's first concert of the season, which marks its 50th anniversary year.
The choir will perform Durufle's Requiem and Notre Pere, and Faure's Cantique de Jean Racine on Saturday 26th November at St Peter's Church, Prestbury.
Cynthia Crewe said "It all began back in 1961, the same year that the Beatles first performed at the Cavern Club, the 'Bay of Pigs' invasion of Cuba was thwarted, the 'Apollo' programme, to put a man on the moon, was announced and the first edition of Private Eye was published.
"A gentleman called Victor Trill was appointed headmaster of Prestbury Primary School, joined the ad-hoc choir which led the Lenten evening church services, then suggested that the choir continue, giving its first concert that Christmas in St Peter's Church. Certainly, with a chairman named Trill and two early members named Peacock and Nightingale, the choir was bound to succeed!
"Over the years we have had a succession of very able and professional Musical Directors who have greatly improved the musicianship and standard of the choir, aided by highly skilled accompanists, and four excellent chairmen who have organised us since Victor Trill's retirement in 1980. Andrew Dean, our wonderful Musical Director for the last nine years, has now moved on to pastures new, but it is fitting that he will join us to play the organ at this next concert.
"Our new MD, Carlo Fanti, has been indisposed due to illness, but we are fortunate that James Pelham, usually our excellent accompanist, is also a talented Musical Director and Conductor whose musical passion and enthusiasm is making rehearsals a lot of fun."
This concert, with its rich harmonies and stirring moments, promises to be enjoyable for audience and choir alike.
Cynthia added "We hope that many will join us to enjoy this 50th season's programme of concerts which includes the Manchester Carols (December 10th), Haydn's Nelson Mass and Mozart's Requiem (24th March 2012) and, to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, Handel's Coronation Anthems (9th June 2012)."
Tickets for the November 26th concert, priced £9.50 and £8.50 for concessions, are available at the door or by calling 01625 829353 or through the Prestbury Choral Society website.
