The community choir with the professional finish

LORD Williams?s Festival Chorus (LWFC) is performing a stunning programme of choral music by Brahms and Rutter next Saturday, March 16.

Thame?s biggest community choir has gained a name for itself as an unauditioned choir which stages concerts to an extraordinary standard ? often with some surprises for the audience on the way. 

Choir Chair, Claire Humphries, said: ?We benefit considerably from the profile of our conductor, John Gibbons, and our relationship with the superb Ealing Symphony Orchestra. We often find surprise stella performers on stage with us, like Nicola Benedetti and winners of the BBC Young Musician of the Year! The famous tenor, Adrian Thompson, is so supportive as our president, and Howard Goodall is our Patron. So few amateur choirs have the chance to put on such high-profile concerts with such prestigious soloists.

“Of course during rehearsals, it?s all just fun, and singing the most wonderful music together. Many members say to me that Monday night is the highlight of their week!”

On Saturday 16, LWFC will be performing two sublime pieces by Brahms. Noenia (?Nanie?), or ?Song of Mourning?, and the deeply moving Schicksalslied (?Song of Destiny?). In contrast, the programme also includes the rousing ?Gloria? by John Rutter, who is one of the most loved contemporary choral music composers, and ?The Lake?, from Barry Seaman?s new opera, ?Mirabai?.

Tickets, which are selling fast, cost £13 (£10) are available from Cargo in Thame, from Mrs R Scott-Smith Tel. 01844 344083, or from the web sites:www.lordwilliamsfestivalchorus.org.uk and www.wegottickets.com/event/202401 (search under Beauty and Drama).