The East Grinstead Choir dedicate their next performance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
Alvin M. Keeling
2 min read
The East Grinstead Choral Society was founded in 1952, the year the Queen ascended the throne.
One of his first performances was “A Coronation Concert of British Music Through the Ages”, which celebrated the coronation the following year.
Seven Decades On The Chorus sing one of the Queen’s favorite Christmas carols “See Him Lying in a Bed of Straw” at their upcoming Christmas concert.
Chairman Gill Olliver said: “Our performances over the years have often had a recurring royal theme as we mark common milestones.
“Our most recent gig was ‘A London Jubilee’, a joyful performance with St Swithun’s Church Choir and St Mary’s Primary School Choir to celebrate Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Her Majesty.
“Our thoughts and condolences are with the Royal Family as we mourn the loss of our longest serving British monarch. We send our best wishes to our new King, Charles III.
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Rehearsals have started and new members are welcome.
The choir, led by professional music director Laurence Williams, rehearses at St Swithun’s Church on Thursdays from 7.30pm.
Gill said: “There are no auditions and you will be welcomed to sing regardless of your voice or background.
“The Queen was known to appreciate upbeat music and during her private singing service she was known to choose Calypso Carol ‘See Him Lying in a Bed of Straw’. In memory of his spirit, we will sing a new arrangement of this song.
The concert will also include Haydn’s Mass for St. Nicholas and Vaughan-Williams’ “Fantasia on Christmas Carols.”
The choir’s coronation concert was held at County Grammar School on Saturday, June 6, 1953.
It featured the coronation anthem “Zadok the Priest” by GF Handel, as well as two Air Cadets in herald costumes playing a trumpet fanfare.
A tribute to the painting has been formed by the Horley Sea Cadets, the 4th Sussex Cadet Regiment of the Royal Artillery and the East Grinstead Air Cadets.
An abbreviated version of the coronation concert was then played at the Radio Center Cinema to complement the screening of the film “A Queen is Crowned”.
