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Vivian Anthony of Leicestershire Chorale talks about the group’s history and legacy in his new book.
I suppose there are others who can claim to be in their 75th year as a chorister, but how many are still singing with a choir as good as Leicestershire Chorale?
Lark Ascending sets out, in over 30,000 words and pictures, the story of this humble 45-year-old chamber choir. I came on the scene in 1992, just as MD Paul McCreesh, now of the famous Gabrieli Consort, was moving on to greater things. He gave our members the chance to work with professional musicians and achieve memorable performances – among them, Bach Passions, Handel Oratorios, Biber and other Venetian composers. He opened Chorale’s 40th anniversary concert conducting Walton’s ‘Coronation Te Deum’. Paul took over from Peter Fletcher, whose worldwide fame came from being the principal music adviser at Leicestershire School, and doing outstanding work with young people. With the help of director of education Andrew Fairbairn, Peter built on the international reputation of the Leicestershire School’s Symphony Orchestra. Fairbairn and Fletcher founded Leicestershire Chorale in 1977 with the aim of raising singers’ standards to those already being achieved by instrumentalists. Later, Peter returned to direct a dramatic performance of Bach’s ‘B Minor Mass’ just before he died in 1996.
'Fairbairn and Fletcher founded Leicestershire Chorale in 1977 with the aim of raising singers’ standards to those already being achieved by instrumentalists.'
Jonathan Tilbrook, MD from 1995-2004, was enthusiastic in his support for the YouthFindAVoice branch of the chorale, which stages spectacular concerts with singers from many Leicestershire schools - Verdi’s ‘Requiem’ being perhaps the most notable. Jonathan introduced music from Eastern Europe, particularly the Czech Republic, and Stravinsky’s ‘Les Noces’.
Work with young people is central to the chorale’s objectives, and as president and former headmaster, I was happy to raise the money for this work. With the generosity of the chorale’s friends, grant-makers and donors, over £100,000 has been raised since I took over from Fairbairn in 2007. Over 100 youngsters have benefited from our choral scholarship scheme, while the choir gained so much from the sound of their youthful voices. Many scholars have gone on to achieve great things - some like Tim Morgan are soloists, while others are in top choirs.
'Over 100 youngsters have benefited from our choral scholarship scheme, while the choir gained so much from the sound of their youthful voices.'
Tom Williams, the current and longest serving MD, has been a great mentor to the scholars and an outstanding choir trainer. His experience as a counter-tenor soloist at King’s College, Cambridge, Exaudi and Temple Church, and as a voice tutor in leading schools, gives Tom all the skills needed to develop a choir to the highest of standards for amateur music - in fact, many of the 40 members have professional experience. Together with accompanist David Cowen, they are a well-balanced, committed team.
Repertoire ranges from the 15th to 21st centuries: Monteverdi’s ‘Vespers’ to Rachmaninov’s ‘Vespers’, Tudor music like Tallis’ ‘Spem in Alium’, music by contemporary composers like Whittaker, Weir, Weeks and Pärt, and Tom’s interpretation of the great classical masters - Bach, Handel, Brahms, Mendelssohn, Elgar and others. Add to that the wonderful tours and singing in cathedrals (with St. David’s my favourite) and I cannot imagine a finer chamber choir in the heart of England.
To request a copy of ‘Lark Ascending: A History of the Leicestershire Chorale’, e-mail Vivian Anthony
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Leicestershire Chorale next sing at Holy Cross Priory Church on 8 April. Find out more on their website
