Chichester Singers

It’s not long to wait now – the anticipation is growing! 🎶

Tickets to Mendelssohn’s ‘Elijah’ concert go on sale on 5 October, and the countdown has officially begun. The choir is having so much fun rehearsing this masterpiece, and we’re excited to share it with you.

While you wait to secure your ticket, did you know?

• Mendelssohn was a child prodigy, hailed as a “second Mozart” by some of the finest musicians of his day. By age 15, he had already composed his first symphony for a full orchestra!
• He played a pivotal role in reviving interest in Bach’s music. In 1829, at just 20 years old, Mendelssohn conducted the first public performance of Bach’s St. Matthew Passion since the composer’s death.
• Elijah’s premiere was an unforgettable triumph in 1846, with an audience of 2,000 packing into Birmingham Town Hall. The applause was so thunderous that Mendelssohn had to return to the stage multiple times!

Join us for this monumental work on 16 November 2024 at Chichester Cathedral and experience the magic yourself.

🎶 A Night of Power, Passion, and Glory at Chichester Cathedral! 🎶

We are delighted to extend an exclusive invitation to you for a once-in-a-lifetime evening with the Chichester Singers on 16 November. We will be presenting the awe-inspiring 'Elijah' by Mendelssohn in the majestic Chichester Cathedral, promising an unforgettable experience.

'Elijah' is no ordinary oratorio—it’s an epic musical journey filled with drama, emotion, and divine intervention. Experience the story of the prophet Elijah as he confronts false idols, calls down fire from the heavens, and brings a drought-stricken land back to life with rain. With Mendelssohn’s signature brilliance, this work beautifully captures the struggle between faith and doubt, human frailty, and ultimate redemption.

The piece opens with Elijah’s curse, sending shockwaves through the orchestra. It is followed by a stirring chorus as the people beg for relief. Highlights include the spine-tingling confrontation between Elijah and the prophets of Baal, the dramatic return of the rain, and the serene, angelic choruses accompanying Elijah’s ascent into heaven.

Stay tuned for exciting updates—tickets for this highly anticipated event will be available soon. Be sure to secure your seat early for what is set to be a truly spectacular performance in one of the UK’s most majestic venues.

Come for the music, stay for the story, and let Mendelssohn’s 'Elijah' grandeur sweep you away!

📅 16 November
🏛️ Chichester Cathedral
⏰ Tickets available soon—watch this space!

🎶 The Chichester Singers Are Back! 🎶

Rehearsals are in full swing as we prepare for our much-anticipated concert on 16 November, where we'll be performing Mendelssohn's iconic "Elijah". This powerful oratorio brings to life the dramatic story of the prophet Elijah, filled with intense choruses and stunning solos.
Did you know? At its 1846 premiere, Mendelssohn’s "Elijah" received such thunderous applause that the performance had to pause while the audience gathered their breath—quite the reception for a masterpiece!

We’d love for you to join us on this musical journey, whether as an audience member or as a singer!

We’re always welcoming new members, so if you’ve ever thought about joining a choir, now’s the perfect time!

Visit our website to learn more: https://chichestersingers.co.uk/sing-with-us/

🎶 Join The Chichester Singers! 🎶

We’re kicking off our new season with rehearsals starting on 11 September. We’re excited to perform Mendelssohn’s ‘Elijah’ this autumn, featuring the acclaimed baritone Gareth Brynmor John.

It's a stunning oratorio that has captivated audiences since 1846. The musical piece vividly portrays the dramatic trials and triumphs of the biblical prophet Elijah, making it a powerful experience for both performers and listeners.

We’re always welcoming new members! If you’re interested, come to our rehearsals on Wednesdays from 7 to 9 p.m. at Chichester High School.
Visit our website to learn more: https://chichestersingers.co.uk/sing-with-us/

Join us and be part of something special! 🎵

🎶 Bye for now, see you at the end of the summer! 🎶

After a successful 2023/2024 season, Chichester Singers are taking a well-deserved break following our fantastic Summer concert. 🌞

Our traditional Summer Party was a blast! 🎉 Great fun, lovely venue, flowing wine, and deliciously different canapés made by Zoe and Suzie from Thyme and Yew, a local home-catering business. 🍷 A memorable evening indeed! ✨

We’ll be back in September, rejuvenated and ready to start rehearsing for our highly anticipated November performance of Mendelssohn’s 'Elijah.' 🎵
We’re also excited to welcome potential new members who would like to join our ranks and sing with us (https://chichestersingers.co.uk/sing-with-us/).

Enjoy your summer, and see you soon! 🌟

Dear Friends and Supporters,

We are filled with gratitude as we reflect on the vibrant Summer Concert we shared last Saturday. Your presence turned our musical gathering into a true celebration, and for that, we are deeply thankful.

The evening was a musical feast, beginning with the invigorating jazz-influenced choral and solo pieces that set our spirits soaring. The first half of the concert was an energetic journey that prepared us for the second half’s dive into the enchanting world of Latin-American music.

Our performance of works by Shearing, Rutter, and Ramirez captured the essence and energy of this repertoire with great strength. It was an honour to perform John Rutter’s Birthday Madrigals on the very day he was knighted. We will be sure to share with him just how much we relished the experience.

A special mention must go to Sue Graham Smith, our pianist, whose brilliance shone brightly throughout the evening. Her performance was nothing short of spectacular. We also hope you enjoyed the musical foundation provided by our talented guitarist, bass player, and percussionists, whose contributions were instrumental in building the performance you witnessed.

Lastly, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to Bibi Heal and Matt Long, whose vocal talents are only surpassed by their ability to communicate and connect with us all. They truly gave more to the occasion than just their voices.

Thank you once again for being part of this unforgettable evening. Your support means the world to us, and we look forward to sharing many more musical moments with you.

🎶 Get Ready to Swing into Summer with The Chichester Singers! 🎶

Prepare to be dazzled as tomorrow, The Chichester Singers kick off the Festival of Chichester in grand style! This isn’t just any concert – it’s a swing and jazz extravaganza set against the stunning backdrop of the Chichester Cathedral.

Imagine the soaring arches of the cathedral filled with the soulful melodies of John Rutter, the toe-tapping rhythms of George Shearing, and the passionate beats of Ariel Ramírez. It’s a musical cocktail that promises a night of jazz-infused bliss with a Spanish twist!

Our Musical Director, Jonathan Willcocks, is fearlessly leading the choir into uncharted musical territories, promising a performance that’s as exhilarating as it is unique.

For a sneak peek, check out Jonathan’s interview with Phil Hewitt, where he delves into the concert’s details: https://www.sussexexpress.co.uk/whats-on/things-to-do/chichester-singers-to-open-the-festival-of-chichester-4641048

It’s a bold new adventure for the choir, and you’re invited to be a part of this musical journey.

Tickets are still available—grab yours for a refreshing twist on our choir’s repertoire and a night to remember!

📅 15 June at 19:30
📍 Chichester Cathedral
🎟️ BUY TICKETS: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/the-chichester-singers

✨ Meet Bibi Heal: A Journey from Jazz to Classical Magic!

The Chichester Singers are thrilled to welcome soprano Bibi Heal to our stage for an evening of enchanting music! 🎶

🌟 Fun Fact: Bibi grew up singing jazz with her saxophonist dad and discovered classical music at 18. Her incredible journey includes mentorships from legends like Dame Kiri Te Kanawa and Barbara Bonney.

🎵 What to Expect: A vibrant mix of pieces, from a stunning Mass to playful duets and jazzy tunes. Don’t miss her fiery performance of Rodrigo’s “Cuatro Madrigales Amatorios!”

Bibi's unique storytelling through music, combined with Jonathan Willcocks' dynamic programming, guarantees an unforgettable night. Secure your tickets now and join us for a musical adventure!

📖 Read the full interview between Simon O’Hea and Bibi Heal here: https://musicinportsmouth.co.uk/profile-bibi-heal-soprano-and-the-chichester-singers/

📅 15 June at 19:30
📍 Chichester Cathedral
🎟️ BUY TICKETS: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/the-chichester-singers

Tickets are also available from the Novium's Box Office, where they can be purchased in person or by telephoning 01243 816525.

🎶✨ Experience a Magical Night with The Chichester Singers at Chichester Cathedral!🎶✨

Join us for a special concert at Chichester Cathedral, part of the Festival of Chichester, featuring a lighter and more summery repertoire. Enjoy an eclectic mix from Argentinian folk to jazzy rhythms that will have you swinging in your seats and leave you with joyful 'earworms' for days!

Prepare to be captivated by the exclusive performances of the London Percussion Ensemble, guitarist Will Scott, string bassist Phil Batten, and our wonderful piano accompanist, Sue Graham Smith. The unforgettable voices of soloists Matthew Long and Bibi Heal will add a touch of magic to the evening.

The programme includes George Shearing's "Songs and Sonnets," George Gershwin's "Liza," "Summertime" and "Fascinating Rhythm," John Rutter's "Birthday Madrigals," Joaquin Rodrigo's, "De los álamos vengo, madre," Ernesto Lecuona's "Siempre en mi corazón," Richard Hageman's "Miranda," Jorge Morel's "Danza Brasiliera," Augustin Barrios' "El último trémolo," Roland Dyens' "Tango en Skaï," and Ariel Ramírez's "Misa Criolla."

Don’t miss this enchanting evening! Please get your tickets now and join us on the night!

📅 15 June at 19:30
📍 Chichester Cathedral
🎟️ BUY TICKETS: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/chichester/chichester-cathedral/ariel-ramirez-george-shearing-john-rutter/e-jblbbz

Tickets are also available from the Novium's Box Office, where they can be purchased in person or by telephoning 01243 816525.

🎶✨ Get ready for an evening of musical brilliance! 🎶✨

Experience the electrifying energy of three brilliant choral works filled with rhythmic vitality and infectious melodies. This is a rare opportunity to hear our choir alongside a top-notch jazz ensemble, creating a mesmerising fusion of styles.

We are delighted to present two exceptional soloists, Bibi Heal (soprano) and Matthew Long (tenor). In addition to their roles in the choral pieces, they will enthral you with a variety of solos and duets, spanning from timeless Gershwin classics like "Summertime" and "Fascinating Rhythm" to vibrant songs from the rich musical heritage of Latin America.

Our concert will also showcase The Percussion Ensemble of London and guitarist Will Scott, who will breathe life into Latin American rhythms with their solo performances. And be sure not to miss our extraordinary accompanist, Sue Graham Smith, as she unveils her jazz prowess in a performance that's bound to leave you spellbound!
Mark your calendars and join us for a night of musical magic you won’t want to miss

📅 15 June at 19:30
📍 Chichester Cathedral
🎟️ BUY TICKETS: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/the-chichester-singers

Tickets are also available from the Box Office at the Novium, where they can be purchased in person or by telephoning 01243 816525.

🎶 Tickets are finally here for The Chichester Singers' concert on June 15, and you won't want to miss it! This performance will feature the enchanting "Birthday Madrigals" by the legendary John Rutter. 🎶

Written in 1995 to celebrate the 75th birthday of jazz icon George Shearing, it's a delightful fusion of Elizabethan madrigal texts, including two gems by Shakespeare, infused with a modern twist influenced by jazz.

Prepare to be captivated by Rutter's ability to breathe new life into classic texts. His composition is a journey through a range of emotions, from rapture to sorrow to humour, all infused with vitality. It's a unique blend of tradition and innovation that will leave you spellbound and tapping your feet to the rhythm of history.

Mark your calendars and grab your tickets now for an evening that promises to be a celebration of music, friendship, and the timeless beauty of the human voice!

BUY TICKETS: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/the-chichester-singers

🎶Get ready for the timeless melodies of George Shearing's "Songs and Sonnets" and more at our upcoming concert on 15 June!🎶

Tickets for this unforgettable musical journey go on sale this Saturday, 4 May 2024, at 9:00 AM. Don't miss your chance to experience the magic live!

Immerse yourself in the unparalleled legacy of George Shearing, a maestro of jazz piano and composition. His timeless classics include 'Lullaby of Birdland,' and his extraordinary talent, undimmed by blindness since birth, continues to captivate audiences. Feel the pulse of his inimitable style as our choir, joined by the fervent jazz enthusiast Sue Graham Smith, channels his genius on stage.

George Shearing's "Songs and Sonnets" is a musical tapestry weaving together poems and songs from William Shakespeare's illustrious works. Renowned for his jazz prowess, Shearing approached this endeavour with a bold twist, infusing the timeless texts with his signature 20th-century jazz styling.

Mark your calendars and secure your tickets early – this is one concert you won't want to miss!

https://chichestersingers.co.uk

We're thrilled to announce that preparations for our next concert are officially underway!

One of the breathtaking pieces we'll be singing on 15 June is ‘Misa Criolla.’ This iconic work, full of vibrant Spanish sound, is renowned for its energetic rhythms, rich harmonies, and captivating melodies. Composed in 1964 by the Argentine composer Ariel Ramirez, it's one of the first masses to be written in a folkloric style, incorporating traditional South American rhythms and melodies. Alongside an ensemble featuring harpsichord/piano, guitar, and string bass, prepare to be dazzled by the electrifying array of percussion instruments such as Tenor Drums (Bombo Argentino), Tom-Toms (Tumbadoras), Triangle (Triángulos), Jingles (Cascabeles), Small Gong, Temple Woodblocks (Cocos), and Snare Drum with Brushes (Tambor), adding layers of excitement and rhythmic intensity to this extraordinary musical experience.

We can hardly wait to share the magic of ‘Misa Criolla’ with our audience! Stay tuned for more updates. 🎵

https://chichestersingers.co.uk/

Spring has finally sprung, and with it, the melodies of Chichester Singers are set to bloom once more! After a refreshing Easter break, we're eagerly tuning up for our upcoming rehearsals starting on Wednesday, 17 April.

Our hearts are brimming with excitement as we prepare for our concert on June 15. It will showcase the enchanting notes of Ramirez's Misa Criolla, Shearing’s 'Songs and Sonnets,' and John Rutter's 'Birthday Madrigals.'

Are you ready to let your voice soar alongside ours? Come, experience the joy of harmonising with like-minded souls and be part of something truly special.
Curious to learn more or eager to join our musical journey? Reach out to us today! Take the chance to be a part of the magic!

https://chichestersingers.co.uk/contact/
https://chichestersingers.co.uk/

Hey Singers! 🎵 The countdown has begun! 🕒 The Chichester Singers are gearing up to start rehearsing for our spectacular 15th June concert featuring Ramirez's ‘Misa Criolla,’ Shearing's ‘Songs and Sonnets,’ and John Rutter's ‘Birthday Madrigals!’ 🎼✨

Are you passionate about singing and ready to join a vibrant community of music enthusiasts?🎶 We're calling all singers to join us on this musical journey! Each term, we welcome new members to attend a few rehearsals before auditioning for a place in the choir.
If you're intrigued and want to learn more about us or are eager to become part of our choir family, don't hesitate to reach out!

https://chichestersingers.co.uk/contact/
https://chichestersingers.co.uk/

We had such a great time performing on Saturday night at the Cathedral! We received amazing feedback from so many people. The association for many who came was the local relevance of the Chichester Psalms and also the Great and Glorious Victory written by our own Maestro Jonathan Willcocks! Along with the vibrant Haydn Te Deum made for a wonderful repertoire. Special thanks to both soloists, James Oxley and George Haynes. Thank you also, to all our supporters, volunteers and of course, members for making these events possible!
Onward to the next concert which will be part of the Festival of Chichester. Watch this space for more dates for your diary. if you want to come and join us, head to our website sing with us page https://chichestersingers.co.uk/sing-with-us/

Not long to go now till our exciting concert on March 23rd in Chichester Cathedral, and tickets are going so fast! We will be welcoming local Counter-tenor, George Haynes to sing solo with us. George says: 'I’m so excited to be performing the countertenor solo in Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms in the upcoming Chichester Singers concert. As a Northampton boy, I enjoy the connection between there and Chichester in the form of Walter Hussey, who came from St Matthew’s Northampton to be Dean of Chichester. He was the great commissioner of art and music who made this piece possible. The Bernstein really is unique in choral music, there is nothing quite like it, and is always a delight to hear and perform.'
Go to our website and TicketSource page to get your tickets now! https://chichestersingers.co.uk

Hurry! Tickets are now on sale!! We have a fantastic programme to offer you for our concert on March 23rd in Chichester Cathedral. One of the works is written by the currently newsworthy composer, Leonard Bernstein. Nominated for 7 Oscars, the film, Maestro, is about his life, the closing music of which is taken from his work Chichester Psalms which we are so excited to be performing in Chichester Cathedral on 23rd March. In 1965 Leonard Bernstein was commissioned to write this work for the annual festival. Originally written for an all-male choir, it was first performed in the Cathedral on July 31, 1965.

We are also singing one of our own Maestro’s works, the wonderfully evocative work A Great and Glorious Victory; not just about the battle of Trafalgar and the famous victory for Nelson, but the less well-known victory for humanity in the face of a great storm which came up after the battle and for which all enmity was put aside to help save the lives of fellow imperilled sailors, whatever nationality.

These works, along with Hayden’s lovely Te Deum for Empress Marie Therese will make for a wonderful evening of singing!

We are so fortunate to be being accompanied by orchestra Southern Pro Musica, and Soloists, James Oxley (Tenor) and George Haynes (Counter-Tenor) will be singing with us. Like and follow us to hear more about these in the weeks to come.

In the meantime, book your tickets by following the link. https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/the-chichester-singers

We so look forward to seeing you!

Our next concert takes the classical elegance of Haydn’s Te Deum and contrasts it with the evocative colour of Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms (which was originally commissioned for performance in Chichester Cathedral) and the expressive beauty of Finzi’s elegy for solo tenor and strings Dies Natalis. Remaining close to home, the second half of the programme features our own Music Director, Jonathan Willcocks’ A Great and Glorious Victory which dramatically chronicles the events of the 1805 Battle of Trafalgar with an overriding message of the triumph of humanity over the horrors of warfare. What could be better than all of that?!! Come and join us at Chichester Cathedral on 23rd March 2024 Time: 7.30pm. Tickets will be on sale very soon – watch this space……..

We are starting rehearsals again at 7pm on Wednesday evening at Chichester High School. Come and join our merry throng! We welcome new members of all voice parts. You can try out a couple of rehearsals with us before arranging an audition, to see how you like it. We are a very friendly bunch and the singing is almost guaranteed to bring you joy! Head to the 'sing with us' page of our website to find out further details. https://chichestersingers.co.uk/sing-with-us/ We hope to see you soon!