Some 400 singers, mainly from the Farnham area, but also from around the country, converged on Farnham Maltings for a choral workshop run by the legandary composer and conductor John Rutter. The material used was mainly his own work. It included Mass of the Children, in which Farnham Youth Choir was involved in the original UK premiere. The day concluded with a performance of this work in the Great Hall with 70 boys, who had been enjoying their own workshop at the same time, providing the children's parts.
Singers from Farnham & Bourne Choral Society, St Mary's Church Frensham, Waverley Singers, Hart Male Voice, Vivaldi Singers and the Guildford Choral were amongst many local choral groups that were represented.
The event was arranged by the Association of British Choral Directors, in association with Farnham Youth Choir, with David and Gillian Victor-Smith bearing the brunt of the organisation.
Commented David:"John Rutter's workshop was a sell-out. He does several of these round the country and we are delighted that Farnham is now on the circuit. To have the Boys' choral event at the same time added to it and we were delighted that so many gave up their Saturday for a lot of hard work and fun"
Singers from Farnham & Bourne Choral Society, St Mary's Church Frensham, Waverley Singers, Hart Male Voice, Vivaldi Singers and the Guildford Choral were amongst many local choral groups that were represented.
The event was arranged by the Association of British Choral Directors, in association with Farnham Youth Choir, with David and Gillian Victor-Smith bearing the brunt of the organisation.
Commented David:"John Rutter's workshop was a sell-out. He does several of these round the country and we are delighted that Farnham is now on the circuit. To have the Boys' choral event at the same time added to it and we were delighted that so many gave up their Saturday for a lot of hard work and fun"
Amy Bebbington, one of three guest conductors with David Victor-Smith, leads the 70 boy trebles in one of their morning sessions, accompanied at the piano by Brian Cotterill.
Singing Day with John Rutter