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History
The Hillingdon Choral Society (HCS) was formed in 1980. There were 30 singers conducted by Peter J Williams at the inaugural concert that December, who performed a selection of carols together with the "Fantasia on Christmas Carols" by Vaughan-Williams. Initially the choir was an Adult Education class but became independent in 1982 and now has about 120 singers.
The repertoire is varied and at least 3 concerts have been given during each season in the Hillingdon area. The Society also has an impressive list of European tours; Germany (1987), France (1990) and Belgium (1992), and in 1993 and 2003 to Hillingdon's Twin Town in France, Mantes-la-Jolie, for a Three Choir Festival. The Society has also visited the Czech Republic (1997), Austria(1999) and Holland (2004).
Key events for the choir in the last few years, were a performance of Haydn's "Creation" on 1st January 2000 to celebrate the new Century, the hosting in October 2000 of the combined BT Messiah recital of local Voices for Hospices, a concert in Chartres Cathedral in May 2001 as part of our French tour, and finally in July 2001, the celebration of our 21st Anniversary by our concert in the Queen Elizabeth Hall on the South Bank, London.
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The society today
The members of the HCS all have at least two interests - the enjoyment of singing, and the performance of choral works for local audiences!
The repertoire is varied with an average of three concerts per year.
Over the years, we have performed the works of composers ranging alphabetically from Bach to Vivaldi by way of Cherubini, Elgar, Orff, Lehar, Poulenc, and Rutter. Our conductor is still that same Peter J Williams who was in on the founding of the Society in 1980. Sometimes we concentrate on one major work, on other occasions, several are enjoyed.
The Society is a Registered Charity and, although largely self-supporting, it does benefit from grants from the Hillingdon Arts Association through the Uxbridge Guild of Arts. An elected committee carries out the day-to-day business of the Society.
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How to join
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Come and sing with us!
HCS welcomes those who enjoy singing, with no formal auditions, although an ability to read music is desirable. Membership is open to anyone over 18 years of age, with current members' ages ranging from early 20's to late 80's. |
Music is provided by the Society, although many members choose to purchase their own copies of key works.
Subscriptions for the 2002/03 season are £55.
Whether you would be continuing with an existing interest, restarting an old one, or just want to try a new experience - come and give us a try. You will be very welcome!
Quotes from the Uxbridge Gazette about recent concerts are
"What a feast of an evening this was, with the high standard and exciting performance we have come to expect from this society."
Concert version of 'Die Fledermaus' "Show was like good wine.......sparkling."
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