King Edward Musical Society (KEMS)

The 2011-12 season began with work on the Gounod Messe de Ste Cecile for our November concert. For the concert, we were joined by three soloists from the RNCM, which went well for all concerned.

We were fortunately able to use some rehearsal time in November in preparation for the Christmas Concert. 2011 saw the 50th 'birthday' of the Carols for Choirs series and we sang a selection of carols from the first and second volumes. We finished our part of the concert with three Christmas Spirituals, including two small solos by Sarah Walker and John Fryer.

In January we commenced rehearsals for the choir’s 'big work' of the year: A Sea Symphony by Vaughan Williams. Scored for a large 8-part chorus, the symphony is a mammoth work for a choir to undertake, requiring them to be on their feet for much of the 60+ minutes. For the concert, we were joined by Janet Fischer, sopranoand Sam de Beck Spitzer, baritone, two young professionals who have considerable experience on both the concert and opera stage. Due to the length of the symphony, we deliberately planned a relatively short first half, comprising Toward the Unknown Region and the Tallis Fantasia. The concert itself went extremely well with all enjoying the experience immensely.

The choir ended the season with a charity concert for the Macclesfield Citizens Advice Bureau as part of the Prestbury Summer Music concert series, singing the Vivaldi Gloria and 'Goodnight sweetheart'. We were accompanied on the day by Andrew Burr on the organ.

The 2012/13 season should also be very exciting, with performances of Elgar's The Music Makers, Carl Orff's Carmina Burana, Buxtehude's Cantata Das neugebor'ne Kindelein at Christmas, along with the first performance of a new carol by Bob Chilcott

Singing in a choir is very rewarding and is great fun too. KEMS are always happy for new singers to join us, without audition. If you fancy joining us please telephone Steve Kleiser (01625 431 544) or send us an e-mail by clicking here.