LATEST NEWS
Announcing our new Chairman...
Music Director Paul Spicer with new Chairman Philip
Philip Bellshaw takes over as Chair this month
Elected in November 2018 he has only just taken over the role from outgoing Chairman Sarah Platt due to illness.
Philip has lived in Birmingham for most of his life and he is by profession a solicitor specialising in mental health law.
His wife, Marion, has been a member of Birmingham Bach Choir for more than 25 years, but Philip only joined 4 years ago, since when he has thrown himself into choir life and activities with gusto.
"Music has always been at the heart of my life, and I am both thrilled and honoured to become the chairman of such a fantastic choir in its centenary year. I am very much looking forward to working with our superb conductor, Paul Spicer, the amazingly supportive and committed members of the management committee - and indeed the entire choir - as we strive to make 2019 a centenary year to remember. There is a real buzz about the choir at the moment; spirits are high, commitment from choir members is fantastic, the standard of music-making is superb and there is a true sense of community amongst us. It really is a privilege to be a member of such a great choir, let alone to become its chairman. Following in Sarah Platt's footsteps will be difficult, as she was - and is - such an organised, focussed and dynamic person, but I know I can rely on her for support and guidance, as well as from our marvellous vice-president Michael Palmer, with his wealth of experience and wisdom."
We welcome 5 new singers!
from left to right: Tristan Stubbs, Sue Atkinson, Alison Douglas, Hilary Bloxsom & Kate Tingle
At the start of this season a record number of singers expressed interest in joining us.
Congratulations to the 5 who auditioned successfully.
They come from varied backgrounds but share a passion for singing, and desire to be part of our current ‘challenging’ music programme.
To read more about our new members please click here.
Thank you to all who joined us to sing Elgar’s The Music Makers
Despite the fact many had never sung this work before we had a good turn out and made an excellent sound on 2nd Feb
"A couple of hundred singers coming together to sing Elgar’s wonderful The Music Makers on a two hour rehearsal was a great way
to get the Birmingham Bach Choir’s centenary season off to a flying start. This challenging work was eagerly devoured by everyone there
and, together with the choir’s own fabulous mezzo-soprano soloist Sarah Platt and wonderfully virtuosic and supportive pianist Martyn Rawles, the resulting performance was incredibly tight and had memorably beautiful sections. Altogether a triumph!” (Paul Spicer - Music Director)
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Three centenary events for your diary
MUSIC FOR PASSIONTIDE
A beautiful concert of Herbert Howells Requiem, plus music by JS Bach, Bruckner,
Lassus, Leighton, Lotti & Tallis
Tickets & more info available here
SPECIAL RECITAL
As part of our centenary year 2019 we announce the renowned baritone Roderick Williams will be giving a recital:
Thursday 9 May 2019, Routh Hall, Bromsgrove School.
Roderick will be singing Beethoven and Schubert song cycles.
Tickets on sale now - click here
STEAL AWAY - SPIRITUALS TO MELT THE HEART
Saturday 22 June 7.30 pm
Pershore Abbey, Pershore
Saturday 6 July 7.30 pm
CBSO Centre, Birmingham
Tickets available on this site from February 20
John Joubert March 1927 - January 2019
Last month the choir was deeply saddened to hear of the death of its long time Patron, friend and supporter, John Joubert whose wife Mary sang with the choir for many years
A small group of singers from the choir were very honoured to sing at his funeral, together with a small group from Ex-Cathedra,
at the beautiful church of St Nicolas in Kings Norton. Amongst the music we performed Joubert’s most beautiful
The Souls of the Righteous (which he composed for the funeral of his own brother) and Brahms Geistliches Lied
The connections between the choir and Joubert were many and close.
We send heartfelt condolences and warmest wishes to his widow, Mary, and to his daughter Anna and son Pierre.
We acknowledge with thanks the work of professional photographers Adrian Burrows, Frank Wood and Rob Gillespie, whose photographs appear on this website.
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