Clive Fairburn had the honour of conducting the centenary concert, a performance of Verdi’s “Requiem”. Clive conducted the choir’s first performance of “Carmina Burana” and took the choir to the Barbican and Queen Elizabeth Hall in London.
The choir continues to look forward in the first 20 years of its second century. We have had two young conductors, Jonathan Finney and the current holder of the post, Leo Hussain. Janet Lincé was the first woman to be Musical Director (although Gillian Lovett had conducted at several concerts from 1965 to 1984). Under Robert Barsby, the choir performed with the Japanese choir Laurel Echo in Osaka, Japan.
The choir continues to add to its repertoire - contemporary 20th century music by Fanshawe, Gorecki, Patrick Hawes, Pärt, and Tavener; first performances of highlights of the classical repertoire such as Beethoven’s “Choral Symphony” (a memorable concert with the Newbury Symphony Orchestra) - as well as performing favourites such as “Elijah”, and of course Handel’s Messiah”, the work for the 120th anniversary concert on December 11th. Such variety is the key to the choir’s success. Long may it continue.
