Local choir, City Voices Bristol, are enjoying a busy year of song. Back in the swing with many new members this friendly choir has an exciting programme lined up for 2023.
On 1st May choir members was due to join others from across Bristol and the South West to form a massed choir of 650 singing Handel’s “Zadok the Priest” to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III and the 650th anniversary of the City of Bristol. The event “Sing for the King!” was held in Bristol Cathedral in partnership with St George’s Bristol as part of Bristol’s Festival of Voice.
Another opportunity to contribute to the Festival of Voice will take place on Saturday 27th May at St George’s when City Voices Bristol will perform part of their own eclectic repertoire of songs old and new, alongside performances from a number of other Bristol choirs
Before then however a contingent of choir members will be off to Croatia on 9th May to participate in the FAKS choir festival. City Voices Bristol first took on this challenge in 2017 and in 2018 joined forces with their “sister” choir Roath Community Chorus based in Cardiff to form the Bridge Chorus especially to perform at the festival. Another successful trip followed in 2019 before pandemic restrictions closed in. The festival emphasises and supports friendship between nations with choirs not just from the host nation but also from Italy, Slovenia and other parts of Europe, all singing for fun – not competition.
Bristol City Voices annual summer concert “Sounds of Summer” will take place this year at All Saints Church Pembroke Rd Clifton on Sunday 25th June at 7 pm. The programme will be as varied as ever featuring soulful gospel songs, classic pop and even a song composed by Henry VIII – it seems that Greensleeves was not his only hit – plus a rousing folk song from Ukraine in the original Ukrainian language. Tickets are £10 (£5 for under 18s) and are available via Eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/sounds-of-summer-tickets-612563683467
Planning ahead, the popular Christmas concert will be held once again at St George’s Hall, this year on 3rd December and, to complete a truly musical year, choir members hope to repeat and expand on the successful carol singing session held at St Monica’s nursing home last year.
City Voices Bristol rehearse at Redmaids’ High School Performing Arts Centre at 7.15 pm on a Monday evening and welcome new members. No auditions, just a warm welcome and commitment to the philosophy “Singing is for everyone”.
For more details www.cityvoicesbristol.org
Christine Betts