Rachel L. Jackson, Minister of Music. conducts the Fremont Presbyterian choir and Orchestra. Sacramento, California, December 10, 2022. Arranged for SATB by John Whittaker From FOLKSONGS OF THE FOUR SEASONS - IV. WINTER (1949, arr. 2020) CELEBRATIN...  moreRachel L. Jackson, Minister of Music. conducts the Fremont Presbyterian choir and Orchestra. Sacramento, California, December 10, 2022. Arranged for SATB by John Whittaker From FOLKSONGS OF THE FOUR SEASONS - IV. WINTER (1949, arr. 2020) CELEBRATING THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BIRTH OF RALPH VAUGHN WILLIAMS Instructed by the greats including Sir Charles Villiers Stanford and friend Gustav Holtz, Composer Ralph Vaughn Williams was one of the first to gather folk songs and carols from around the countryside of England in the early 20th century. He found his identity as a national composer with his synthesis of folk music, classical training and the experience gained as Musical Editor of the English Hymnal. Composed over the span of four decades culminating in 1949, Folksongs of the Four Seasons is a cantata of 16 songs commissioned by The Women’s Institute; four for each season. The Winter section take the listener on a journey through the Christmas practices of the working poor in Victorian England. A...    less

Welcome to Wells Cathedral Voluntary choir. The choir was formed in 1986 initially to provide a choir for Midnight Eucharist on Christmas Eve, but since then we have become an established part of the Wells Cathedral scene, and now sing 40 to 50 of the re...  moreWelcome to Wells Cathedral Voluntary choir. The choir was formed in 1986 initially to provide a choir for Midnight Eucharist on Christmas Eve, but since then we have become an established part of the Wells Cathedral scene, and now sing 40 to 50 of the regular services throughout the year, as well as some of the festival services which include a Requiem Mass on All Soul’s Day. We are an amateur auditioned choir of 30 and strive for a high standard, so for potential members it is important to have a reasonable sight-singing ability. We rehearse regularly throughout the year on a Thursday evening. The music we perform is very varied and as well as psalms we sing a wide range of canticles, masses and anthems of all genres so “Variety is the spice of life”! There is no membership fee, as we are fortunate to be supported financially with grants from the Cathedral Chapter and the Friends of Wells Cathedral. When we are in the Cathedral we are often singing in the Quire where we face one another, effectively as tw...    less

Only Canadian choir invited to perform at the 12th International Youth choir Festival in Daejeon, South Korea. Recorded by the Daejeon Civic Youth choir. Music: - Dobbin's Flowery Vale (Trad. Irish , arr. Matti Kallio arr. Sarah Quartel/ Canada) - Ga...  moreOnly Canadian choir invited to perform at the 12th International Youth choir Festival in Daejeon, South Korea. Recorded by the Daejeon Civic Youth choir. Music: - Dobbin's Flowery Vale (Trad. Irish , arr. Matti Kallio arr. Sarah Quartel/ Canada) - Gamelan (R. Murray Schafer) - Past Life Melodies (Sarah Hopkins) - Panta Rhei (Jim Papoulis) - Snow Angel - III. God Will Give Orders, IV. Sweet Child (Sarah Quartel) - Pakkanen (Soila Sariola)  

"Serendib " by the Royal College choir, was sung at the Festival of choirs 2008, under choir leader Viraga Perera

[this is a version of a post which first appeared on my blog From the Front of the choir]   I realise that apart from my profile page on this blog, you probably don’t know much about me or my journey to become a choir and singing workshop lea...

[A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the choir]   I often get people writing to me for advice about choirs. Some of them don’t agree with the direction their choir leader is taking them, some ...

[A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the choir]   The fact is that pretty much anyone can lead a choir. Some do it better than others and some do it worse, but it’s not rocket science. However,...

[A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the choir] How do you know if a choir session or singing workshop or performance has been a success? photo by shadowkilla_tk and if it has gone badly, how does that...

Vandeca is Metro Vancouver's newest and freshest vocal experience! This group is made up of 10 singers and performers all under the age of 25, giving Vandeca a youthful and fresh take on every genre, from classical to pop, musical theatre to jazz, and eve...  moreVandeca is Metro Vancouver's newest and freshest vocal experience! This group is made up of 10 singers and performers all under the age of 25, giving Vandeca a youthful and fresh take on every genre, from classical to pop, musical theatre to jazz, and everything in between! Each singer in Vandeca comes from a different musical background, shaping who we are as a group. Having only been in existence since November of 2011, this group has big plans to shape the face of choral music in Vancouver, encouraging our audience to feel connected with our performances through multi-genre pieces, and using movement and amazing sound to inspire others to become involved with their local choral groups.  less

[A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the choir]   I find it hard to believe, but I started my choir WorldSong way back in October 1997. In 2007, we planned several events to celebrate our 10th anniversary...