Chamber Choir delights with Valentine’s performance at St Alkmund's 

On Tuesday lunchtime our fabulous Chamber Choir performed a choral delight for Valentines Day at St Alkmund's Church in Shrewsbury conducted by their stupendous, energy-driven director, Richard Robbins.   

Themed, Valentines: The birds and the bees, the concert was a true celebration of exquisite choral timbres performed to a supportive and incredibly well attended audience. Bookended by the Chamber Choir, there were also performances by some superb soloists and the newly formed Octo Cantores which highlighted the depth of quality throughout both the vocal parts and across the age spectrum.   

Highlights were plentiful but particular mention should go to the sublime performance of O Love by Elaine Hagenburg which provided the opportunity for the choir to experiment with the expanses of timbre, the energetic and rousing performance of the Indonisian Folk Song, Hela Rotan arranged by Ken Stevens and the finale of Big Yellow Taxi by Joni Mitchell which left everyone in a suitably joyous mood and wanting more! 

Head of Choral Music, Richard Robbins said: “The choir sung with a really varied palette, gutsy and committed singing was contrasted with subtle and gentle musical warmth. They all should be commended for their musicality and dedication.” 

We now wish them luck as they prepare for the finals of the Barnardos Choir of the Year competition in Symphony Hall on 4th March. 

Maria McKenzie

Director of Music