New members sought

The Sandgate Choir is looking for new members after another “fantastic” year of music-making.

Term begins again with weekly rehearsals, each Monday, starting on September 7 at 7.30pm in Sullington Village Hall, just outside Storrington.

The choir is under the direction of Christopher Larley, an experienced conductor and singer with strong ties to Chichester and the musical life of the local area. Alison Manton, the accompanist, has been with the choir for nearly ten years and is a very experienced accompanist with a wealth of musical knowledge.

Chris said: “On Monday, September 14, we are having an open rehearsal, with people welcome to join in singing and conversation, to see if the choir is a good fit for them. Whilst all voice parts are welcome, we particularly need basses and sopranos.

Chris added: “The choir are very friendly and welcoming. I have had a fruitful two years at the helm so far, and we have sung such memorable music – always to an appreciative audience. We are now looking to increase our numbers, with perhaps an eye on performing some more large-scale works.”

“The choir performs a very varied programme of sacred and secular music throughout the year with Christmas, spring and summer concerts in local venues. The choir has become known not only for its performances, but also for its sense of community. Members come from Storrington and surrounding villages, creating a welcoming and sociable atmosphere, where experienced singers and complete beginners can sing side by side.”

“This year’s Christmas programme includes Cecilia McDowall’s A Winter’s Night, Eric Whitacre’s Seal Lullaby, and Ola Gjeilo’s In the Bleak Midwinter. These are all pieces by living composers, but very accessible for choir and audience alike.

“We will be joined by Martineau Brass for the occasion, who will also accompany some more traditional carols, for the audience to participate in. This concert is on Sunday, December 13 at 4pm, at Our Lady of England Church in Storrington.”

“The spring concert, on March 20 in the same church, sees the choir joined by an orchestra, to perform Mozart’s Coronation Mass, Laudate Dominum, Ave Verum Corpus, and then Haydn’s Little Organ Mass, and Insanae in Vanae Curae in the second half. This is a real treat, with some well-known and loved choral favourites. We will be joined by four soloists for the occasion.

“Our summer concert on July 3 2027 is still in the planning stages, but is always a firm favourite, with lighter music, songs from shows and afternoon tea.”

Chris added: “As an off-shoot of the main choir, we also have a group of choir members who visit local care homes to provide a musical afternoon for the residents. So the choir continues to play an active role in the community by bringing people together through music, producing local concerts and encouraging anyone who loves singing to come along and take part.”

More information is on the website www.thesandgatechoir.com or you can email the chair of the choir, John Fisher, on [email protected].