Camden News: Highgate Choral Society | Choir | New London Orchestra | South Bank | Queen Elizabeth Hall

Publications by New Journal Enterprises

Home

Archive

Competition

Camden News - by SARA NEWMAN
Published: 22 May 2008

John Hammond, Imogen Sharp, Jessica ‘O Leary, Chris Ashley and Carolyn Pascall receiving the cheque from Big Lottery’s Debbie Pippard.

Funding boost to choir makes premiere a Knight to remember

A CHOIR is singing the praises of its benevolent fundraisers after being granted almost £10,000 to premiere a new score at the South Bank.
The 130-year-old Highgate Choral Society (HCS), which claims to attract 20 new members every season, is the only north London non-professional choir to perform regularly with an established professional orchestra, The New London Orchestra (NLO).
Composer Julian Knight’s A Hundred Spirits Whisper – based on Tennyson’s poem, In Memoriam – premiered at the South Bank’s Chorus Festival at the Queen Elizabeth Hall on Sunday.
The Big Lottery Fund’s head of London region presented the HCS with a cheque for £9,969 at the choir’s rehearsal in Channing School in Highgate Hill last week.
Mr Knight, general manager of the NLO, said writing the score for the choir was a “mutual suggestion”.
“It’s a very good choir,” he said. “It’s been fantastic to write for it, especially as I know so many of them.”
HCS chairman Chris Ashley said: “This is a fantastic anniversary present. The Big Lottery Fund supports projects which extend access and participation by encouraging more people to become actively involved in local groups, increase skills and creativity by developing people and raising standards and improve quality of life.
“I am delighted that through its extensive activities within London’s vibrant music scene, HCS meets these goals and our contribution is recognised,” he added.

Comment on this article.
(You must supply your full name and email address for your comment to be published)

Name:

Email:

Comment: