The Witchert Chorale, a thriving local chamber choir, was founded in Haddenham almost 15 years ago. In this time it has earned a reputation in Haddenham and the surrounding area for the quality of its singing and its entertaining and varied programmes. David Quinn, who directs the choir with enthusiasm, has many years of choral experience, both as singer and conductor.
Witchert is now looking for some new singers to join its ranks and continue the music making. It has a strong core of male voices, which could only be improved by a few additional tenors and basses. (The women's voices are equally strong and any women interested in singing are also welcome to get in touch.) The Chorale is a relaxed and friendly bunch, and there is always a laugh to be had at rehearsals and a party to be enjoyed after a concert, but they take their singing seriously and are keen to maintain their high quality of performance. Interested singers are invited to join for a couple of rehearsals to get to know the choir a little (and for current members to get to know them) before a place on their list can be offered.
Saturday 22nd June marked the end of a highly successful season for Witchert Chorale, with a sell-out concert in Oriel College Chapel, Oxford. The fact that many of the Haddenham audience found their way to Oxford to hear the Witchert Chorale speaks for itself. Fiona Carr, a regular concert goer and music teacher said, "The standard of singing seems higher at every concert. The variety and challenges of each choice of programme never disappoints – where does David find an endless supply of attractive yet rarely performed pieces?"
The money raised at this concert was over £900 to be shared between Christians Against Poverty UK and the Oxford Samaritans and bringing the season total to over £5500 raised for charities and good causes, which is a choir record.
So joining Witchert Chorale is not only a musical experience, but a chance to be involved in some incredibly worthwhile fundraising, whilst becoming part of a group of friends, very much itself part of the local community.
For more information please look at www.witchert.org.uk, Facebook @Witchert, Twitter @WitchertChorale and Instagram @witchertchorale
Any singers interested should contact Ann Millar in the first instance, via the website or at ann@greysmead.com.
