Thames Head Singers

We were joined by lots of wonderful singers to rehearse and perform Stainer’s Crucifixion in the lead up to Easter.
There was some great vocal coaching from Andrew and fantastic refreshments were served up by ‘The Two Carols’ throughout the day.
Julian Elloway did a grand job of accompanying us and the day culminated in a very credible performance in St. Mary’s Church, Painswick.
Thanks to everyone who joined us for this very enjoyable day.

This year’s summer concert was a bit different! Will Todd’s Mass in Blue uses the words of the traditional Latin mass but with jazz and blues music. We were lucky to be accompanied by a fantastic jazz quartet and soprano soloist, Megan Strachan.  The choir put in lots of hard work learning the unusual rhythms, chords and notes – quite new to us as a chamber choir!  We were rewarded with a full house, a standing ovation and a very exciting and enjoyable evening for all.

The concert also featured a colourful selection of pieces by choir, soloists and musicians including three beautiful songs by Stroud composer, Emily Hall, sung by Kevin Ashby.

Musical Director, Andrew Hopwood conducts the choir and soloist, Megan Strachan.

The Jazz quartet;  Matthew Morris (Saxophone), Julian Elloway (piano), Pam Smith (drums) and Dave Ayre (Double Bass).

The beautiful canal-side church of St. Cyr’s in Stonehouse was a cool sanctuary on a searingly hot summer’s day as we celebrated the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee with music from all around Britain.

The programme included Britten’s Choral Dances from Gloriana as well as modern classics from Lennon and McCartney and Lloyd Webber – plus a wonderful medley of theme tunes from her majesty’s favourite – James Bond.

We were joined by the wonderful soprano, Megan Strachan who performed two beautiful arias for us and the afternoon was rounded off with a delicious afternoon tea.

Thanks to all the team at St Cyr’s who made us feel so welcome.

 

Saturday 18^th December 2021, Holy Trinity Church, Minchinhampton

After two long years without a concert, we were overjoyed to able to perform with the Capriol Chamber Orchestra at Minchinhampton church for Christmas.

And what great evening it was, beginning with the Magnificat and followed by a selection of carols and orchestral pieces by the Capriol, all brought together by our wonderful Musical Director, Andrew Hopwood.

Congratulations to the choir members who sang such amazing solo’s and to the orchestra and Julian Elloway who did us proud on organ and piano. The audience lifted the roof when they joined in with some of the carols and the Capriol’s ‘interactive’ version of Sleigh Ride was a highlight of the evening.

Jonathan Trim’s new arrangement of Away in a Manger brought the evening to a wonderful conclusion with a memorable performance by choir and orchestra. Click here to listen.

This concert was originally planned for Christmas 2020, which should have been a year of celebration for the Thames Head Singers’ 40^th anniversary – it may have been belated, but it was fantastic to share our birthday bash with an audience at long last.

From a member of the audience….

“It is two weeks since I came to your Christmas Concert at Minchinhampton Church, and I will always remember it as one of the highlights of Christmas 2021.
It was a joy to be there, but I am sure not easy for you to prepare for in these difficult days of ‘Covid’. It truly was a great achievement and I am sure greatly appreciated and enjoyed by everyone who came. Thank you all so much.”

Five Valley Sounds
There was a retiring collection for local charity, Five Valley Sounds who produce and distribute an audio version of the Stroud News and Journal and other publications to local people who are blind or have difficulty reading. For further information email [email protected]