07/12/11……Elijah joy for choir?s oldest singer

THE oldest member of Lord Williams?s Festival Chorus, based in Thame, will be singing for joy on Saturday, when the choir performs Mendelssohn?s oratorio, Elijah, at his request.

Now in his 90s, Eric Gladwin loves the work so much, he specifically asked the choir committee to consider it when they were finalising their programme for 2011. He said: ?In 42 years of choral singing, I regard the full-throated tuneful beauty of Elijah as a pleasure to be shared with all.?

In addition to his keen interest in music, Mr Gladwin regards himself primarily as a philosopher/poet. He has written 580 works, and has three books set to be published next year.

Chair, Claire Humphries, said: ?Although the composer originally wanted ?60 plus bearded altos? to sing the work, our membership is composed of local people across the generations from the Thame area who simply love singing. It?s wonderful to be able to perform a piece that?s been requested by such a stalwart of the choir, and thanks go to our musical director, John Gibbons, and the Ealing Symphony Orchestra for bringing Eric?s request to life.

?We are particularly thrilled to have the outstanding talents of the internationally renowned soloists, Adrian Thompson, Sidonie Winter, Helen Winter and Andrew Jarvis to sing with us.?

Elijah will be performed on Saturday, December 10th, at Thame Leisure Centre, Oxford Road, Thame, OX9 2BB and starts at 7.30pm. Tickets cost