What an exuberant night! The penultimate rehearsal for our Christmas concert saw our MD Hugh Beckwith and a full house of excited choir members welcome some very special guests indeed.

We felt privileged (and a little anxious!) to perform “The Winter’s Brightening” to the song’s composer, Donna Deam, who said she thought we sounded wonderful. Giving us some really helpful tips and suggestions she said she was ‘inspired by our enthusiasm’. Donna's composition was a finalist in the BBC Radio 3 Carol Competition in 2022 and we are delighted to be performing it.

Joining us from Elmbridge Borough Council was Arts Development Officer, Leah Zakss, who said she was excited to be in a room with so many singers! (Well, there are nearly 100 of us!) We are excited to have received an invitation to perform at Elmbridge Borough Council’s Festive Event and are looking forward to singing in the gallery of the council chambers!

Our super-talented and simply superb concert accompanist, Harry Baker, joined us for a pre-concert rehearsal, skilfully mastering complicated pieces on sight with ease, and leaving us all in awe! Bravo Harry! 

And Hugh, unfazed by our illustrious guests, was his charming, warm, engaging and funny self, gently and cleverly coaxing us to perform to our best, as only he can do! 

Such a brilliant rehearsal, full of enthusiasm, warmth, joy and, perhaps most most importantly, humour!