LATEST NEWS
We're back....
Paul Spicer says…
“Rehearsals are well under way for our wonderful Bach concert in November.
Singing Bach after having spent time ‘away’ on other repertoire is always like coming home for the Bach Choir,
and this programme, although entirely new for almost everyone, is proving to be heart-warmingly exciting as the music comes alive and grows with each rehearsal.
Particularly challenging is the Missa Brevis in G minor which is typical Bach with gorgeous lyricism and heart-stoppingly virtuoso semiquaver runs!
All taken in their stride by the singers but still needing to be second nature by the time of the performance.
This concert should be one of our best of recent times and we look forward to working again with the Musical and Amicable period instrument orchestra who are such fine musicians, and also a terrific group of soloists.”
(Paul Spicer - Music Director October 2018)
Birmingham Bach Choir rehearsing in Birmingham Cathedral 2017
Our four soloists, click here for more information about them
Tickets are already selling well for this concert
Saturday 24 November, St Philip’s Cathedral Birmingham
The orchestra and soloists:
Natalie Clifton-Griffith (soprano), Simon Ponsford (counter-tenor), Daniel Auchincloss (tenor),
Julian Debreuil (baritone)
Baroque Orchestra: The Musical & Amicable Society
We especially welcome back the orchestra, Natalie, and Daniel who performed so superbly at our concert of St John Passion, 2016
WELCOME
With the new season come auditions for new members…… We’re delighted to welcome Jane Clarke to our Alto section
Jane Clarke with Music Director Paul Spicer following her successful audition
Jane from Edgbaston has a life long history of music making, mainly as an instrumentalist (viola/violin).
Brought up in Derby, Jane developed her medical career in London, Peterborough, and Melbourne Australia before moving to the Birmingham area in 1996 to take up the full-on role of consultant respiratory paediatrician at Birmingham Children’s Hospital from which she has recently retired.
Always involved in making music with various instrumental and choral groups she says…
"In retirement, I have more time for music & have achieved a long-time ambition to sing with the Bach Choir, having enjoyed participating in several of their 'Come & Sing' events. Paul is both inspirational, encouraging and approachable - a brilliant conductor/director/teacher. I’m really looking forward to the variety of musical repertoire that the choir tackles, but I am delighted that in my first rehearsals, we’ve been exploring the choral music of JS Bach: I was introduced to his keyboard and violin works nearly 50 years ago by my school music teacher, & he's still one of my favourite composers - more glorious music to discover!"
Dates for your diaries
TWO OPPORTUNITIES for you to come & sing:
Lichfield Cathedral Saturday 17 November.
Dona nobis pacem
Paul Spicer will be leading this workshop & performance of Vaughan Williams’ heartfelt plea for peace to commemorate the centenary of the end of WW1.
Whilst it is not a Birmingham Bach Choir event many of us will be there singing with Paul.
All voice parts are welcome to sing.
For full details and application.
Looking further ahead Birmingham Bach Choir has its annual Come & Sing!
Saturday 2nd February 2019
Selly Oak Methodist Church
Our Come & Sing is always a great day of singing, socialising and of course enjoying the wonderful home-made cakes.
Elgar’s The Music Makers is a departure for us from better known choral pieces but something we believe many of you would love the chance to sing.
Tickets will be on sale on this site from November 1st
ALSO COMING SOON …..
Festive Service of Nine Lessons and Carols
Sunday 16 December 3.30pm
St Alban’s Church, Highgate, Birmingham B12 0YF
Our annual service of beautiful carols, old and new, chosen by Paul Spicer and interspersed with scripture readings.
All are welcome. There is no ticket price.
Special Event...
As part of our centenary year 2019 we announce the renowned baritone Roderick Williams will be giving a recital:
Thursday 9 May 2019
Tickets on sale on this site from 1st December
Last chance...
To listen in to Radio interview with Alto Annie Kennedy
Annie chats with Pete of Radio Choice Worcester about singing in the choir and our Summer Concerts
Listen to our Conductor & Director Paul Spicer on R3
Paul chats to Katie Derham about his new Richard Rodney Bennett recording with the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire Chamber Choir.
Radio3 26 June In Tune…a lively mix of conversation, arts news and live performance.
We acknowledge with thanks the work of professional photographers Adrian Burrows, Frank Wood and Rob Gillespie, whose photographs appear on this website.
