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- A Thought-Provoking Concert
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Date Posted: Sun, 6 Jul 2025On Saturday 28th June, Wimborne Choral society performed Michael Tippett’s Spirituals from his ‘Child Of Our Time’ oratorio and Zoltan Kodály’s ‘Missa Brevis’ in Wimborne Minster, our second concert under the direction of Colin Davey. These very different works each make a statement about the troubled state of the world during the time of their compositions.
Tippett had for the underlying theme of his work (written in 1939) the rise of Nazi Germany and the Stalinist purges in Russia. Kodály composed his Missa Brevis in 1944 in very difficult circumstances whilst in hiding in the vaults of Bucharest Opera house because of the Nazi invasion of Hungary.
The works are very different in style: Tippett’s spirituals were written in the style of chorales, with reflective words and four-part harmony, while the poignancy and terror of the invasion of Hungary during World War Two were conveyed by Kodály with his varied use of harmony, for example by use of the diatonic and modal scales.
There was also a wonderful Organ solo by Sam Hanson in this concert. Maurice Duruflé’s work ‘Prelude Sur Le Nom d’Alain’ was written to commemorate the life of Jehan Alain, a close friend of the French composer. Jehan Alain was killed during World War 2 in 1942. The two movements appear to convey firstly the terror of war, and then, in the fugue, try to look beyond the war situation.
Having worked on them since April, it was great to see the parts of the Tippett and of the Kodály come together during the afternoon rehearsal and the evening performance. We were delighted to be joined by wonderful soloists Alexandra Burstow, Rhea Patel, William Gadd and Jonathan Prentice for this thoughtful and enjoyable concert!
Jane Whyborn/Lorna Lyons
- WCS Concert Tickets available soon
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Date Posted: Wed, 7 May 2025
Tickets will soon be on sale for our next concert.
Friends can book from 12th May, general sale from 26th May.
In addition to all the usual outlets, our tickets are now available via online retailer TicketSource.
See Ticket Information for full details ... Ticket Information …
- First concert with new Musical Director Colin Davey
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Date Posted: Fri, 18 Apr 2025
Wimborne Choral Society … A New EraOn Saturday 29th March Wimborne Choral Society was delighted to perform our first concert with new Musical Director, Colin Davey.
The concert began with 3 of Brahms ‘Liebeslieder – quirky little love waltzes, which contrast nicely with our more usual repertoire of sacred music. We then enjoyed Schubert’s Fantasia in F Minor, a 4-hands piano duet from our previous leader Chris Dowie and the ever-popular Sam Hanson.
The second half of the concert featured the main event, Brahms beautiful ‘German Requiem’, sung in English to stay true to the original intention that those listening would understand the text.
A retiring collection was held in aid of Music Therapy at the Child Development Centre, Poole Hospital.
Colin has said that he is honoured to continue previous incumbent Christopher Dowie’s work and legacy, having come to love the Wimborne community after moving here in 2019. He brings with him a wide variety of musical experience, including working for a cathedral, a ballet school and private members’ clubs – and of course at Wimborne Minster itself, as Organist and Director of Choirs.
Our next concert is on Saturday 28th June 2025, 7.30pm in Wimborne Minster. See our website for details of future concerts or for information about singing with us: https://www.wimbornechoralsociety.org.uk
- The End Of An Era: Chris Dowie's Final Concert with WCS
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Date Posted: Sat, 14 Dec 2024
Saturday 30th November saw Wimborne Choral Society celebrate the end of an era with a wonderful concert in Wimborne Minster.
The sell-out final concert in the 47 year tenure of Christopher Dowie as founder and Musical Director featured choruses from Bach’s B Minor Mass, Chris's own quirky, humorous and moving orchestral tribute to his family, 'Domestic Suite', and concluded with Mozart's Requiem, dedicated to the memory of Michael Dowie (1972-2020). As well as the choir, the concert also featured Wimborne Chamber Orchestra, organist Sam Hanson, and vocal soloists Jaqueline Foan, Catherine Murray, Michael Aitkenhead and Hugh Sutton, all of whom are regular contributors to our concerts.
At the end of the evening, audience and performers alike paid tribute to Chris’s long service to the choir and to music in the town of Wimborne Minster, in particular his special role as founder and long-term leader of Wimborne Choral Society. Floral tributes were offered, a prestigious ‘Fellow of the London College of Music Lifetime Achievement’ award was presented to Chris, and a final musical farewell was played in his honour: Edward Elgar’s ‘Salut d‘Amour’, a piece written by Elgar for his wife, appropriate as we have also expressed our deep thanks to Pauline Dowie for her immense support and contributions over many years.
This concert was also the last under the guidance of our Chair of nearly 20 years, Marion Brown. She has been a wonderful servant to the choir, ensuring that everything runs smoothly. She will be greatly missed as Chair, although we are delighted that she will continue to be an integral part of the choir, continuing as a singer and Librarian.
Wimborne Choral Society is looking forward to the future under the leadership of new Musical Director Colin Davey, but Christopher Dowie’s vision in founding this choir, his musical knowledge and direction at rehearsals and concerts, and above all his humour and friendship will be greatly missed by all.
- Celebration Lunch
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Date Posted: Mon, 4 Nov 2024
On Saturday 26th October, current choir members were joined by former members and friends, as well as some of our regular accompanying musicians and soloists, to celebrate 47 years with Christopher Dowie at the helm of our choir, as he approaches his retirement. We also took the opportunity to mark the end of Marion Brown’s long and brilliant tenure as Chair of the Society.
The sun shone as we looked out across the beautiful Cranborne Chase from Horton Village Hall, and tucked into a lavish ‘bring and share’ lunch. Between the courses, tributes and thanks were offered, presents were given and memories shared. Finally, we cut (and consumed!) the lovely cake made specially for the occasion.
- New Musical Director for WCS
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Date Posted: Thu, 10 Oct 2024
***** STOP PRESS *****
Following Christopher Dowie's imminent retirement at the end of this year, after 47 years at the helm of Wimborne Choral Society, we are delighted to announce the appointment of Colin Davey as our new Musical Director from January 2025
More information to follow ...
- Rehearsals To Begin for Chris Dowie's Final Concert with WCS
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Date Posted: Thu, 15 Aug 2024
Rehearsals will begin on 5th September 2024 for our last concert led by founder/director Christopher Dowie.
The concert will feature Mozart's 'Requiem', choruses from Bach's 'B Minor Mass', and Christopher Dowie's own 'Domestic Suite'.
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Ticket Information …
Rehearsals take place in Wimborne Methodist Church every Thursday evening, 7.30-9.30. (term-times only).
Membership is open to all, without audition. We always welcome new members.
Why not come for a trial rehearsal?
Read About Joining Us …
