The year 2004 is scheduled to be very special for Chepstow Choral Society, as it celebrates its 25th Anniversary.
It was in 1979 that the origins of Chepstow Choral Society were formed under Anne Martin, namely Kingsmark Singers, subsequently to become Chepstow Choral Society some years later. Under her leadership the choir performed works which included Messiah, Vivaldi's Gloria, Hiawatha's Wedding Feast and several others.
In 1987 there were changes of musical direction for a short period after Anne stepped down, but it was in 1990 that it was combined with St Arvans choir under the then directorship of Jeremy Winston. He was succeeded by Robin Stubbs, by which time the choir had an established constitution and committee and was performing works in various venues with orchestral accompaniments.
Graham Bull, the Society's present Musical Director, took over in the autumn of 1998. The Society continues to have some of the original founder members actively singing and is delighted that this year will provide a wonderful opportunity to not only "look back a little" but also to continue "moving forward a lot". Current registered membership now stands at 65 and it is heartening to report that the number of new members is increasing.
As is the current case for many relatively small and local choral societies around the country, life is never easy or straightforward. The increasing demands and expectations of a public now able to hear top quality music on CDs not only in the home but also in their cars and even more importantly the easy accessibility of major centres and concert halls now means that choral societies such as Chepstow have added pressures.
Money is a constant worry - concerts do not just "happen", they need funding - and there is now a growing concern at the availability of young choral singers and their willingness to give the commitment required. A society which cannot respond to these different challenges and circumstances will inevitably find survival more difficult and it is with some pride that Chepstow Choral Society arrives at this Silver Anniversary year in better heart than for many years and with a genuine optimism and excitement about the future.
In its 25 years of singing, Chepstow Choral Society has presented a whole collection of choral "jewels in the crown". To list but a few, these range from Elgar's Dream of Gerontius, Vaughan Williams's Toward the Unknown Region, Haydn's Creation, Charpentier's Te Deum, Bach cantatas, the Requiems of Fauré, Mozart and Rutter, the Coronation Anthems by Handel and only last autumn, the Society presented a little known work of Vaughan Williams, An Oxford Elegy, which was wonderfully received by the audience
and was a first performance for both Chepstow and the choir. The Society provides a Christmas music and Carols presentation for the town each year, there have been special occasion concerts, participation in the Chepstow Festival and during the past seven years, participation in two major charity events: the Voices for Hospices (1997) Messiah and a memorial concert in aid of the National Meningitis Trust (1998) with the concert raising £3500 for the individual charities.
Professional instrumentalists have played at CCS concerts and well-respected soloists have been welcomed and given a platform with the choir in Chepstow.
Chepstow Choral Society's current Musical Director Graham Bull is known to many in Chepstow for his association with St Mary's Priory Church before moving to Bristol. Under his musical direction the choir has a commitment to produce the best of which it is capable and the philosophy is to enjoy singing, to keep choral singing alive in these difficult times and to present programmes which are not only attractive to participate in and challenging to achieve, but also enjoyable for our audiences. The Society has also embarked on a policy
of providing opportunities for young musicians who are commencing their professional careers and this has generated much favourable response from audiences who have been delighted to support the future musicians for this country.
Chepstow Choral Society believes that the programmes chosen for this special year certainly fulfil the criteria listed in this philosophy! On Sunday March 28th, at St Mary's Priory Church, Chepstow, the Society will present a choral programme by two of the major 19th century Italian composers: Rossini and Verdi. Rossini's Petite Messe Solennelle was written for 4-part chorus, 4 soloists, piano and harmonium and is "neither petite nor solemn". The soloists for this performance include some locally well-known names, as well as some new names for the Chepstow audience.
The Society is also arranging with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales to loan their authentic harmonium. Verdi's Stabat Mater is the second of his "Four Sacred Pieces" and is written for chorus and is a complete contrast. It will be a first performance of both these works for the Society.
On Saturday July 17th the Chorus will be joined by an orchestra comprising mainly young instrumentalists drawn from National Youth, County College orchestras and four existing young soloists for a celebration performance of Handel's Messiah. This will take place during Chepstow Festival.
Chepstow Choral Society feels there is much to look forward to and with that in mind welcomes new members from all voice sections. It also appreciates the help it receives from local businesses who display posters and advertising and is also grateful to the Welsh Amateur Music Federation to which it is affiliated and which provides some welcome support.
However, it must be remembered that, like so many others, Chepstow Choral Society survives by its own efforts. It is not in receipt of any official grants or funding and as such has to balance the price of tickets with the costs of concerts.
All income is directed towards future concerts and the running of the Society. As in all walks of life, quality is never cheap and the Society is conscious of the delicate balance that has to be maintained. Not withstanding, music would be the poorer without our local choral societies and Chepstow Choral Society is determined to continue to provide the town with live choral music for many years to come.
Further information may be currently obtained by telephoning 01291 623310 (Marjorie Duerden). The Society is in the process of establishing its own website, which it is hoped will be available very shortly. New members are most welcome and anyone interested can contact the number given above. Rehearsals take place at Chepstow Leisure Centre on Wednesday evenings at 7:30pm (during term time).
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