members only
RAISED VO ICES In sharp contrast to December’s visit to a shooting club and the cacophony of repeated gunshots; this month we enjoy the soft and melodic joys of choral melodies. Continuing our Members Only series, Solent Life have been speaking with one of the region’s leading choirs, The Lymington Choral Society.
Rehearsals are at Lymington Community Centre on Wednesday evenings 7.30 - 9.30pm and visitors are always welcome. www.lymingtonchoral.org.uk Details of the Musical Director Michael Goldthorpe can be found on his own website at www.michaelgoldthorpe.com Words by David Rose-Massom 46…
.co.uk • JANUARY 2013
Publicist for the choir Viv Parsons contacted us and said, “Our choral society exists to allow singers from the New Forest area, and beyond, to enjoy making music together, it is that simple. In addition to having a voice, the essential qualifications for membership are enthusiasm and commitment. One of the things we are proud of is that we have a no-audition policy, anyone is welcome to come along and join and we can help them find their singing voice; we are very proud of the high standard we have achieved with the Society.” Peter Stonnard is the Chairman of the Choral Society. “Lymington Choral Society is just a very friendly group of people who work well together and love singing,” he told Solent Life. “As with many clubs of this sort we do have a majority of lady members in our 70 strong society and we could really use some more men as it means we are a ‘voice’ or two short at the moment. “In the past we have worked towards giving two main concerts each year and we are joined on stage by an orchestra of some 25 musicians and four or five guest professional singers; which makes for an impressive sound and experience for both the members and the audience.” “The Lymington Choral Society, or LCS for short, has been established in the New Forest for many years, in 2011 we celebrated 50 years of singing and performing, that gives us good classical roots that will help improve anyone’s vocal abilities,” Peter explained. “We are aware that some people may be nervous about walking through the door and wanting to join in with experienced singers; but we hope nobody is put off in coming to see what we are all about.” The Society rehearse and practice one evening each week and all they ask is the commitment to be at those rehearsals as