West Bridgford Social Singers’ year began with a series of workshops with Norwegian Conductor Bjorn Sigurd Skelbred who introduced several new songs to the choir. Bjorn visits us every year from Trondheim where he directs several choirs.
These songs, (one in Norwegian) are now being refined for performance at a later date. Other workshops in conjunction with local choirs involved ‘Singing with Ben and Dom,’ and an afternoon learning songs from “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat.”
Several choir members have braved the elements and have started raising money for this year’s charity, Prostate Cancer UK by running, walking, swimming and cycling. Between them in January 11 Singers and Musical Director Simon Thompson covered a distance of 2,105 km.
The choir continues to support Hayward House and will be
singing there again with staff and patients, and looks forward to visiting Caernarfon later in the year, and also performing in other local venues.
The choir is now looking for a new Musical Director. Simon Thompson who began the choir with a small number of parents and teachers at Jesse Gray school 33 years ago has announced his intention to step down at the end of the Summer Term. “It was a difficult decision,” said Simon. “The support I’ve received from everyone connected with the choir has been phenomenal.”
From such a small beginning, the choir now has 95 members and has developed a reputation for high quality performances from a large, varied repertoire. “This is an exciting opportunity for a Musical Director who values community, inclusivity and musical growth,” said choir Chairman Jason Gilman-Hughes.
Further details can be found online at: www.westbridgfordsocialsingers.com.
The photograph shows Bjorn leading one of the workshops.
Written by Joan Jamieson