GUILDFORD PHILHARMONIC CHOIR
Registered as a Charity No.
1026337
seeae
President: Sir David Willcocks, CBE, MC.
MVVeveY
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Chorus Master: Jeremy Backhouse
R
are
Accompanist: Jeremy Filsell
Chaimans Jon Frigg, 13 Viaroge
Gote, Ol Villog, G, Surmy, Gl5.
Ml 01385 56634152308
Surtorgs Sephon Jopon, Cloeho, el Glode, Hobary St Wiry, Doking, Sereg, M5 682G, Tl 01306 730383
Treasurer: Cob Cowell, 1 Penhurst, Shores Road, Wohing, Surrey,
Wembsrship Sec: Voreen _Ayton, 51 Garrich Close, Hersham,
GlU21 4 HP. Tet: 01483 770896
Wallon on Thames, Surrey, XT12 SHNZ. Tet: 01932 221918
NOTICE
THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING of the CHOIR
will be held at 7:30pm on Monday June 26" 2000
at Christchurch Hall, Waterden Road, Guildford
AGENDA
1.
Apologies for absence
2.
Consideration of the Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held at Christchurch, Waterden
Road, Guildford on Monday June 28TM 1999, and, if agreed as a correct record, to adopt them.
3.
Chorus Master's Report
With programme of Concerts for the 2000-2001 Season.
4.
Chairman's Report.
5.
Treasurer's Report and Presentation of Accounts.
If agreed, the adoption of the Accounts.
6.
Election of Officers: Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer & Membership Secretary.
All the retiring Officers are willing to stand for re-election. Other nominations must be
received in writing, duly proposed and seconded, including confirmation of the nominee's
willingness to stand, by Monday, June 19" 2000.
7.
Election of Additional Committee Members: Not more than eight nor less than four additional
committee members are to be elected.
The following seven retiring Committee Members are willing to stand for re-election: Jackie
Alderton, Marion Arbuckle, Elizabeth-Claire Bazin, Margaret Dentskevich, Laurie James, Susan
Ranft, Hilary Trigg. Other nominations must be received in writing, duly proposed and seconded,
including confirmation of the nominee’s willingness to stand, by Monday, June 19" 2000.
8.
Appointment of Chorus Master
Jeremy Backhouse has indicated his willingness to continue.
9.
Appointment of Accompanist
Jeremy Filsell has indicated his willingness to continue.
10. Appointment of Independent Examiner of Accounts
Jenny Hasnip has indicated her willingness to continue.
11.
Any Other Business
Which must have been notified to, and accepted by, the Chairman, at least 48hours prior to the
Meeting.
12.
Date of next AGM
Stephen Jepson, Hon Sec, May 25TM 2000
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Agerda20 0-06-26 doc
GUILDFORD PHILHARMONIC CHOIR
Registered as a Charity No.
1026337
President: Sir David Willcocks, CBE, MC.
Chorus Master: Jeremy Backhouse
Accompanist: Jeremy Filsell
Qhatrman: Joln Teigg. 13 Vicarage Gate. OnslowUllage, Guldford, Suwsey. JUE 52). B 01453 566341 oz §23084
Secretany: Stephen fepson, Qleschole, Felday Glade, Folmbany St MWary. Dorking. Suviey. RS 67G. B &) 01306 750555
Trcasirer; Bob Cowell, | Penkicrst, Shoes Road, Wking. Scy. JUZI1 ¢7P. B &P
01455 770596
Membcrship Sec: Nnneen Agton, 51 Garsick (lose. Fersham. Walton ou Thames. Swney. K712 53, B 01932 221915
Minutes of the Annual General Meeting of the Choir
Held at Christchurch Hall, Waterden Road, Guildford,
at 7:30pm on Monday June 26TM 2000
The following were present at the Meeting.
John Trigg (Chairman), Jeremy Backhouse (Chorus Director), 9 committee members (including the 3
remaining officers) and 66 choir members whose names are on the associated register. Jeremy
Filsell (Accompanist) was also present.
Apologies were received from: Elizabeth-Claire Bazin, Mo Kfouri, Francis Worpe, Nora Kennea, Ros
Plowright, Val Leggatt, Terry Ellis, Alec Leggatt & Roger Penny.
1.
The Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on June 28TM 1999 were summarised by the
Secretary and taken as read.
Matters arising: Chris Robinson presented a short item on the Choir's Constitution.
The Committee had attempted to hold an Extraordinary General Meeting on June 19" to amend
Ttem 5b of the Choir's Constitution (of June 1999). The Committee's intention had been to
seek the Members' approval for the removal of any reference to a time limit on a Chairman's
term of office. The current wording limits his/her term "normally" to five years. Due to
opposition led by Chris Robinson (who had been responsible for the preparation and wording of
the current Constitution), the Committee had agreed to abandon the EGM.
Chris now explained why he believed it was both unnecessary and counter to the wishes of the
majority of Members to change the wording of Item 5b. He pointed out that while it was
healthy for the Choir to have regular changes of Chairman, the present wording did not
preclude a person from serving more than five years in "abnormal" circumstances. Furthermore,
the whole business of getting approval from the Charity Commissioners and the Membership for
an unnecessary change was time wasting. There should be no change without a compelling reason,
and he did not believe that this issue was a compelling one. The real issue was the lack of
persons of fering themselves for election to the post. His opposition to the change in wording
was definitely not a criticism of John Trigg's tenure, which he felt had been admirable in every
way. However, John had now served for five years and no one had come forward to give him a
break.
While agreeing with Chris about the real issue, Stephen Jepson said that he had proposed the
amendment because he (and the majority of the Committee) felt that the inclusion of the word
“normally" in clause 5b made nonsense of the five-year limitation. He felt this was inappropriate
in a Constitution. However, the Committee appreciated the strength of feeling against the
suggested change and had therefore already abandoned the idea.
2.
Chairman's Report.
John Trigg referred to the earlier statements regarding the position of Chairman and the fact
that he had now been in office for his maximum "normal" term of five years. He pointed out
that, not only were there no new nominations for the position of Chairman, but that there were
less than the maximum number of nominations (8) for the Committee than the Constitution
allowed. He also pointed out that all members of the Committee had spent the preceding months
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trying to persuade other Choir members to stand for election. He thought that it would be
difficult for a member who was not already serving on the Committee to take over the
Chairmanship without gaining that experience first. While he was more than happy to continue
doing the Chairman's job (which he enjoyed), he would be very pleased to relinquish the task if
someone else was prepared to take it on. He would be very happy indeed to preside over an
election made necessary by a plethora of nominees.
In his review of the year, JT paid special tribute to the professionalism and dedication of the
"two Jeremies". Not many choirs could boast quite such consistently enjoyable rehearsals, and
the special rapport between Jeremy Backhouse's inspired leadership and Jeremy Filsell's
superb accompaniment - not to mention the exchange of musical jokes and contrapuntal wit made the hard work a real pleasure. The recent performance of Belshazzar's Feast had been
outstanding, winning rare praise for the Choir from the local paper's critic, and it was a pity
that the Civic had not been more crowded for the occasion.
While musical success now seems to be regularly forthcoming, the fact that the Choir remains in
a healthy financial position is a tribute to the hard work put in behind the scenes by all the
officers and members of the Committee. As well as a tribute to them, JT also paid tribute to
those Choir Members who have worked so hard to sell tickets. Without them, we would be
singing to an empty hall. Again, he made the point that the selling of tickets is far and away the
most important job that members do for the choir - as well as, not apart from, singing.
JT had great pleasure in January meeting with Robin Onslow, David Watts, Jim Miles and Nicola
Goold to discuss the Choir's position in relation to the Borough over its activities. This resulted
in the Borough's Grant to the choir now being made by the Borough itself (rather than the
Philharmonic Office), plus an increase to £3000 for the ensuing year. In addition, the Borough
has made various undertakings to the Choir, including better ligison with the Guildford
Philharmonic Office, and a commitment to the annual joint concert with the Guildford
Philharmonic Orchestra.
Referring to the "business" side of the individual concerts, JT made the following observations.
The "Creation" concert with the GPO had been a great success and a sell-out. Nicola Goold had
been effusive with her praise.
The Mayor's Christmas concert, when JB had been struck down with the flu and Adrian Peacock
had taken over at short notice, had had a more mixed reception. There had been difficulties in
reconciling the Choir's musical requirements with those of the Guildford Symphony Orchestra,
and there had been moments when the 6SO seemed to be taking over the direction of the
concert entirely. The audience was also down on the previous year. The absence of a "celebrity"
presenter was still felt to be an improvement. Nevertheless, the concert was promoted by
Guildford Rotary, meaning that the sorely overworked GPC Committee didn't have too much to
do for it, and the decision had been made to go ahead again in 2000 with the 6SO.
The February concert with the University Choir and Orchestra had been most enjoyable. The
experience of working both with Professor Forbes and with younger musicians on the verge of
professional careers had been good. It was hoped that there would be similar concerts with
Uni$ in future, although probably not in 2001.
The St Matthew-Passion "Gala" concert with our friends from Freiburg had been the highlight
of the year. For a start, the expected substantial financial loss failed to materialise. There had
been interesting discussion between Freiburgers and Guildfordians about JB's choice of
(essential) cuts, but in the end, all were agreed that the actual performance was a triumph. JT
had been able to pass on (last week) lots of "best wishes" from the Freiburger Bachchor and
great praise for Jeremy.
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E-mail: Chairman..Secretary.. Treasurer.. Membership.. @GuildfordPhilharmonicChir.org.uk
Finally, the magnificent performance of Belshazzar's Feast already referred to above. An
excellent concert: What a pity about the audience size! Ticket Sales and more Ticket Sales,
please.
To summarise, the year had been very successful for the Choir, with almost all comments being
positive. The few comments about platform appearance were being worked on. One area which
needed addressing was the erratic attendance record of some members at rehearsals, which
Jeremy would touch on in his report. A good base from which to look forward to next year.
Chorus Director's Report.
The Chorus Director's Report (3 pages, including the draft programme of concerts for 20002001) is attached (on file).
Treasurer's Report and Presentation of the Accounts.
The Treasurer's Report and the Accounts for the Year ending April 30TM 2000 are attached.
The comprehensive nature of these was much appreciated. Adoption of the Report and the
Accounts was proposed by Mike Jeffery and seconded by Les Harfield. The motion was carried
unopposed.
Election of Officers.
Nomination forms had been posted on the Choir Notice Board for the previous three weeks. The
retiring individuals were the only persons nominated for the offices of Chairman (John Trigg),
Treasurer (Bob Cowell), Secretary (Stephen Jepson) and Membership Secretary (Noreen
Ayton). Having been duly proposed and seconded and having expressed their willingness to
continue, the Chairman asked the meeting if they should be declared elected. This was carried
unopposed.
Election of Additional Committee Members.
Nomination forms had been posted on the Choir Notice Board for the previous three weeks. The
following individuals, all retiring members, were the only nominees.
Jackie Alderton,
Marion Arbuckle,
Elizabeth-Claire Bazin,
Laurie James
Susan Ranft
Hilary Trigg
Margaret Dentskevich
All seven had been duly proposed and seconded, and had expressed their willingness to continue.
As the Constitution permitted eight Additional Members, the Chairman said he would accept
late nominations. As none were forthcoming, he then asked the meeting if all those nominated
should be declared elected, and this was carried unopposed.
Appointment of Chorus Director.
The re-appointment of Jeremy Backhouse was proposed by John Trigg and carried by
acclamation, unopposed.
Appointment of Accompanist.
Jeremy Backhouse recommended the re-appointment of Jeremy Filsell. This was immediately
carried by acclamation, unopposed.
Appointment of an Independent Examiner of Accounts.
Bob Cowell reported that Jenny Filsell had decided not to continue as Independent Examiner,
and that he had not yet been able to find someone to replace her. He would welcome suggestions
from anybody present as to who might be approached. It was agreed that, once a suitable
Examiner had been found, the new Committee should make the appointment.
10. Any other business.
Tony Macklow-Smith had written to the Committee proposing that the Choir "should offer 10
complimentary tickets at each concert to one potential source of future members to such
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choirs and schools as Farnham Youth Choir, Guildford Grammar School and High School". He
asked that this should be raised at the AGM and the question answered about the Choir's
future intentions in the matter of "maintaining our links with the young generation". John Trigg
replied that the outgoing Committee had discussed the points TM-S had made and decided to
pass the matter forward for discussion by the new Committee. On the subject of free tickets
for young people, he commented that similar initiatives of this nature by several other choirs in
the past had failed to produce a single extra young concert attendee, let alone a new singing
member. The Choir already offered tickets at concessionary rates to all students.
Alan Batterbury asked if the Committee had considered changing the name of the Choir to
avoid confusion with the Guildford Philharmonic Orchestra now that we were no longer officially
related. John Trigg briefly explained the history of the separation and replied that the
Committee had indeed considered the desirability of a name-change but had concluded that the
right course of action would be to retain the name by which we were already known and to which
we had a right
Chris Robinson re-iterated his earlier comments about the need to find a suitable Chairman to
replace John Trigg.
Elaine Chapman asked if there was a "job description” for the post. Stephen Jepson replied
that one had been produced in Neville Creed's time, but things had changed somewhat since
then. He added that he felt that any good Chairman would work to his/her own individual
strengths and delegate when it was advantageous to do so. John Trigg certainly did.
Norman Carpenter wondered whether a case could be made for a "professional manager".
Hilary Trigg commented that her view was that the present Committee happened to work rather
well together as a team, and that additions to the team would be the best way forward.
11 . Date of the next AGM.
Monday June 25TM 2001
Website: http://www GuildfordPhilharmonicChoir.org uk
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Annual General Meeting
26 June 2000
e
GUILDFORD PHILHARMONIC CHOIR
(Registered Charity No.1026337)
REPORT AND ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30" APRIL 2000
Report of the Hon. Treasurer
1
The Committee and Jenny Filsell, the Independent Examiner, have considered the
choir accounts and do not feel that there are any issues, which they are required to
bring to the attention of the Charity Commissioners.
2
In preparing the accounts I have made every effort to show only income and
expenditure for the year in question in order to obtain a clear annual picture. This
has resulted in a change in the way the 100 Club is recorded. As a result, there
was minimal declared income from the 100 Club since costs and most income for
this year was included in last year’s accounts. The 2000/2001 account will present
a total picture on 100 Club.
3
The surplus for the year has increased to £10,533.50, which included £341.84
attributable to 1998/1999 (£10191.66 net). This is attributable to a large number of
factors as can be seen on the presented accounts but it is worth noting, in
particular, the amount attributable to fundraising and, in particular Jackie
Alderton’s efforts on car boot sales. We also increased income from tax refunds
on covenants.
4
The Concert Sub-Account summary is as follows:-
Chase Concert
The Creation
Bridge/Bruckner
St.Matthew Passion
Income
Expenditure
575
12736
650
14246
7313
1613
8019
1435
Total
(706)
178
( 75)
(1510)
The Chase expenditure included a £4,000 donation to Chase. The St.Matthew
figures include all hospitality income & expense and publicity costs plus an
expected EU grant of €750 (about £455). 1 was particularly delighted with ticket
sales on the St.Matthew Passion, which exceeded £8,500. A fantastic effort which
we must maintain. The concert programme therefore had a deficit of £2,113,
which has been offset by a grant of £2,090 brought forward from 1998/9. The
final figures for Belshazzar (not in the financial year under review) are not yet
available but early indications suggest a loss of around £3,700
5
The fundraising sub-account made a profit of £1,245 excluding GBC concert
ticket sales.
6
Looking to the future, the choir is in a sound financial position with reserves of
£36,000 but, with costs generally rising we must always be vigilant. We will no
longer receive a grant through the Guildford Philharmonic office but I am glad to
announce that we have received a grant of £3,000 from the Borough for the
coming year (it was £1250 last year). We will receive less refund of tax per
pound in the future due to the reduction in the standard rate of income tax. There
has been a fundamental change in the handling oftax relief
to charities. Although
existing covenants may continue there is no longer a requirement to sign up for 4
years to benefit the choir. All that is required is for a donor to the choir to sign a
declaration agreeing that the choir can claim tax back through Gift Aid on any
donations or subscriptions paid. Tt doesn’t cost you a thing so can I ask all
members who pay tax or have a tax paying partner to sign a Gift Aid form so that
we can maximise our income from the taxman
1 must re-emphasise the need for maximum effort on ticket sales by members
Sales by the Civic box office are a small proportion of sales (20% in the case of
St.Matthew).
Finally Jenny Filsell, to who I am grateful for her advice and support, is unable to
continue as Independent Examiner and I convey our thanks to her for her hard
work
Bob Cowell, Hon.Treasurer, 26 June 2000
‘GUILDFORD PHILHARMONIC CHOIR
It
// s
BALANCE SHEET as at 30th April 2000
1999
2000
L
£
5,243.84
3,252.48
19,033.76
35273
2,989.92
10,152.83
27,530.08
31,495.48
32957
32904
27,859.65
31,824.52
625.00
500.00
ASSETS
Balances at banks
Barclays High Interest account
Current account
TSB account
TSB Term account
Sub-total
Cash
Sub-total
Other assets
Assets account
Prepayments
Stock
Sundry Debtors
Sub-total
TOTAL ASSETS
LIABILITIES
Accrued 100 Club prizes
Accrued rehearsal costs
Advanced income
Sundry Creditors
18,000.00
600.00
600.00
1,101.94
293278
5,259.72
33,119.37
838.00
3,649.76
5,587.76
37,412.28
0.00
(650.00)
(2,455.00)
(2,437.39)
(2,074.20)
(716.00)
0.00
(661.00)
TOTAL LIABILITIES
(7,616.59)
(1,376.00)
NET ASSETS
25,502.78
36,036.28
Reserve fund brought forward
18,881.14
2550278
Net surplus/(deficit) for the year
Additional surplus from 98/99
6,621.64
10,191.66
34184
FINANCED BY
Reserve fund carried forward
25,502.78
36,036.28
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30th APRIL 2000
1
Accounting Policies
These accounts have been prepared under historical cost convention and in accordance
with applcable accounting standards and the charities Statement of Recommended Practie;
*Accounting by Charities”
2
Assets
The charity has contributed £2,500 to the Association of Surrey Choirs' purchase of staging for
performances in Guildford Cathedral. This investment s now fully written off although the charity
as afounding member of the ASC has a continuing interestin the staging
In this past year, the Broadwood grand piano used for rehearsals was given to the charity
by the Guildford Philharmonic Society at a nominal value of £500. Itis NOT being depreciated
as any depreciation would be immaterial.
to which they relate. The
3 Infulure, 100 Club income and liabilties will be recognised in the year
income for the current year (1 May 1999 to 30 April 2000) had already been included as income in the
1999 accounts. Income for the current year therefore appears low in the incomelexpenditure account
4 Committee Members' Remuneration
No remuneration directly or indirectly out of the funds of the charity was paid or payable to
any commitiee member or to any person known to be connected with any of them.
R.J Cowell 23 June 2000
GUILDFORD PHILHARMONIC CHOIR
INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30th APRIL 2000
1998/99
INCOME
£
Borough Grant
Concerts:
1500.00
GBC
Choir
706.00
1613.20
21908.61
3271.05
Twinning
2411.50
Subscriptions
1088.00
77.00
823.02
1382.30
517.20
162.24
Friends
100
£
1250.00
11699.49
Donations
Freiburg
1999/2000
140.00
General
sale
fund raising
of goods
Gross
Interest
Miscellaneous
received
receipts
Music sub-account
contributions
785.41
134.79
363.50
865.00
879.74
601.28
590.00
603.00
607.60
729.72
850.00
10170.00
10823.90
2440.78
2778.36
34595.24
47177.45
10294.23
21625.08
Patrons
Social
events
sponsors
Subscriptions
Tax refunds on covenants
TOTAL INCOME
EXPENDITURE
Direct charitable expenditure
Choir concerts
Freiburg twinning
3334.73
673.01
493.85
Rehearsal fees
6759.00
6754.00
Rehearsal room hire
Staging depreciation
3270.00
3145.00
Music sub-account hire charges
Sub-total
Fund
raising
625.00
625.00
24955.97
32642.93
costs
100 Club prizes
650.00
Cost of stock sold
365.40
GBC concert ticket purchases
624.00
102.18
1435.2
66.00
274.32
1705.40
1811.70
Bank charges
47.70
31.50
Miscellaneous
200.32
345.79
Presentations
317.99
Social event costs
Sub-total
Administration
costs
1941.87
212.00
Publicity
Subscriptions
Sub-total
572.22
174.00
1312.23
2531.16
TOTAL EXPENDITURE
27973.60
36985.79
6621.64
10191.66
341.84
NET SURPLUS (DEFICIT) FOR THE YEAR
Plus surplus attributable to 98/99
Total this year
10533.50
)
)
3PChoir-All Accounts
)
07106100
1999/2000 Concerts
01/05/99 Through 30/04/00 (in Pounds)
Page 1
1) May 1999
1a)Nov 1999
3) Feb 2000
4) Mar 2000
Buffet
Collections
Grants
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
126.00
216.10
1,955,00
Receptions
Sponsors
Tickets
0.00
0.00
7,31264
0.00
0.00
161320
0.00
0.00
575.00
287.50
850.00
8,639.67
Category Description
OVERALL
TOTAL
INCOME
Concert Inc:
Programmes
TOTAL Concert Inc
TOTAL INCOME
661.51
0.00
0.00
0.00
126.00
216.10
1,955.00
66151
28750
850.00
18,140.51
731264
161320
575.00
12,735.78
22,236.62
731264
1,613.20
575.00
12,735.78
22,236.62
EXPENSES
Admin:
Publicity:
Adverts
Posters
TOTAL Publicity
Concert Exp:
0.00
0.00
0.00
TOTAL Admin
0.00
717454
7,800.06
0.00
0.00
0.00
475.55
0.00
1,600.00
47555
260.83
2,350.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
350,00
Orchestra
62552
0.00
Receptions
Royalties
Soloists
0.00
260.83
750.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
Tickets
0.00
143520
Hospitality
Programmes
Staging
Venue
Concert Exp-Other
TOTAL Concert Exp
TOTAL EXPENSES
578.68
300.00
787.90
4,115.60
0.00
1,389.94
1,700.00
600.00
0.00
1,389.94
1,389.94
750.00
Conductor
0.00
1,380.94
0.00
0.00
0.00
121144
121144
0.00
0.00
178.50
178.50
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
300.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
640.00
676.27
430.00
825.11
285.08
640.00
1,254.95
1,030.00
1,435.20
1,613.01
4,40068
8,018.53
1,435.20
650.00
12,856.55
22,960.28
8,018.53
1,435.20
650.00
14,246 .49
24,350.22
07106100
3PChoir-All Accounts
1999/2000 Concerts
01/05/99 Through 30/04/00 (in Pounds)
Category Description
TOTAL INCOME - EXPENSES
1) May 1999
-705.89
1a)Nov 1999
178.00
Page 2
3) Feb 2000
-75.00
4) Mar 2000
-1,51071
OVERALL
TOTAL
-2,113.60
GUILDFORD PHILHARMONIC CHOIR
AGM - 26 JUNE 2000
MUSIC DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Well —it's been quite a year! When | started looking back at the season, | found that the rehearsals, and
concerts especially, inevitably coloured by my personal highs and lows of the year; so you must forgive me
if in this report, the personal features more strongly than usual!
We came back after the summer break to “The Creation”, me happy in the knowledge that Sally was
pregnant with twins, though she sadly lost one shortly after 12 weeks. The rehearsals for the Haydn went
well and we were able to concentrate very much on style as well as assuring we were technically as good
as we could be. This was the first time we had sung “The Creation” in many years | believe and a fine
performance it was too. En Shao was his usual charming, inspirational and complimentary self — he’s
always so good to work with — and even the local press acknowledged that the choir was on impressive
form.
Then it was almost immediately on to Christmas carols and the concert in the Dorking Halls for the Princess
Alice Hospice. As before when we sang for them it was a wonderful, if slightly lengthy, evening. I'm sure we
would all like to be involved in any of their concerts in the future.
Well, the next concert was the Christmas concert in the Guildford Civic, for which | was struck down with
that wretched flu. But | understand Adrian Peacock did a good job and there was enjoyment on both sides.
Al this was against a background at home of collapsing ceilings, rain coming in through exposed areas of
the roof, eleven buckets catching the floods in one bedroom, having to sleep in a sleeping bag on the sitting
room floor, and so on, as our loft extension gradually — very gradually — took shape.
The New Year, New Millennium, began for some of us with a service in the cathedral. Let me just say that
there were some very good moments but one less good moment! But it was an honour to have been asked
to take part and good for our reputation
It was then into the combined concert with the University forces, which was again an interesting programme
and as with last year, it was invigorating to join forces with Sebastian and his choir and orchestra. Next year
we won't be sharing a concert, principally because Sebastian is having a year's sabbatical and his
replacement has his own ideas for this concert, but that will give us a somewhat less busy schedule around
this time of year. We will assuredly collaborate again in the future
Only a month later — with another moving cathedral service under our belts, courtesy of Adrian Peacock
again — we welcomed once again our friends from Freiburg. Their knowing the St Matthew Passion as they
do certainly helped our confidence and, as | said at the time, when all was going wrong during the afternoon
rehearsal, it was the choir that | was able to rely on completely — quite a relief! In the event, the concert was
wonderful — with some glorious solo and choral singing and a real sense of atmosphere. The whole stay of
the Freiburg Bachchor was a great success, despite every attempt of fate to scupper it!
Just 4 days later George was born, Sally having been in hospital nearly three weeks by then. Meanwhile we
were into the Walton and Vaughan Williams, the performance of which we gave just a few weeks ago. |
must say | had been looking forward to conducting the Forest Philharmonic Orchestra again after the
Mahler last year — and | was not disappointed: they really want to play well for themselves and us and that
enthusiasm comes across strongly. The Walton is such a fantastic piece and you really pulled out the stops
and responded to what | tried to give from the podium. Many of the orchestra were deeply impressed with
what you were doing behind them. Having the Vasari Singers present | hope did not upset you: | decided on
inviting them along to add weight to the choral sound, give extra confidence on some of the entries and
complex rhythms, and to provide a really strong semi-chorus. | hope you enjoyed them being there — they
certainly loved sharing the platform with you. Also having David Fanshawe there to oversee the first live
concert performance of the symphonic version of his new fanfare and march provided added excitement.
So, there was some beautiful and exhilarating playing from the orchestra, some glorious singing from our
baritone soloist, and some brilliant singing from you, the chorus. This, for me, was the highlight of our year,
despite the wonderful Bach concert earlier in the year. Perhaps part of the reason was that | was that very
special moment when | was able to introduce George to you all during the rehearsal in the afternoon; I'm
not sure he's a great fan of Walton yet though!
And so to the future ... we have four concerts during next season, a less frantic and tight schedule, which
many may appreciate.
Saturday 28 October (Cathedral):
Sunday 17 December (Civic):
Haydn: Insanae et vanae curae
Mozart: Symphony No.40
Mozart: Mass in C minor (with Brandenburg Sinfonia)
Family Carol Concert
Saturday 10 March 2001 (Civic):
Brahms: A German Requiem (probably with David Hill conducting) GBC
Saturday 12 May (Cathedral):
Vaughan Williams: Sea Symphony + something (in discussion with FPO)
Confirmed dates further ahead include:
Saturday 3 November 2001 (Cathedral)
likely programme: The Messiah
Sunday 16 December 2001 (Civic) for Family Carol Concert
Saturday 6 April 2002 (Cathedral)
likely programme: Mahler Symphony No.8
Saturday 25 May 2002 (Cathedral)
something small & light
Saturday 26 October 2002 (Cathedral)
In addition to this we hope to have at least one date a year with the Borough and the GPO.
So you will see that the schedule for this season coming is varied and exciting. Also, it is nowhere near as
demanding as the last couple of years. For this reason amongst others, | would like to reiterate what | have
mentioned in the past about rehearsal attendance that at times drops off dramatically and worryingly. My
view of belonging to a choir is that, as a paid-up member, you participate fully in all rehearsals and all
concerts. This is what | expect. There should be no question of picking which concerts you want to sing or
not depending on the repertoire, nor of deciding how many rehearsals you feel it necessary for you
personally to learn any given work. | can only do my job properly if| have you all there all the time and it is
not fair on others who commit themselves totally to the choir. Of course, there will be occasions when
family, or work or other non-avoidable circumstances detain you, on which occasions | try to be
understanding — but please do not take advantage of my goodwill. | say again, | do expect all singers to be
at all rehearsals and sign up for all concerts. OK.
As in previous years, | would like to take this opportunity thank various people for their support over the last
year: Noreen and Pru who help out at all the auditions; Jeremy for his fabulous playing (including the warm-
ups!) and his commitment to the choir; and to all the committee for working so hard on my and your behalf.
It bears repetition saying that they do an enormous amount behind the scenes and as my appearances
have been few and far between at committee meetings, they do a marvellous job of reading my mind and
interpreting my wishes! | would like to thank especially John and Hilary for their personal and professional
support over the year. In John we have a first-rate chairman, someone who does not just chair meetings,
stand up in the rehearsal intervals and front public events; he works tirelessly for the choir out of hours,
networking in the Borough, using his influence and contacts in Guildford and far beyond, and fighting the
choir's cause vigorously when needed. He has been the guiding light to see us through to independence so
successfully. | have to say | think it would be a weaker choir the day John decides or has to step down,
especially if no natural successor exists. Such august institutions as the Bach Choir in London, the London
Symphony Chorus and other major choruses do not see the need to impose a term of office on the
chairmanship and my view is that we shouldn’t need to do so either. We always have the mechanism to
vote someone out if it is considered that change is necessary. If it ain’t broke, don't fix it!
Finally, I would like to thank all of you for your singing and working so hard over the last year. We have had
a lot of rehearsals and done a good deal in them, and the results have been very gratifying indeed.
| think the Guildford public is beginning to realise that, standing on our own two feet, we give real quality
performances — we give them musical art, not entertainment — and there have been some fabulous concerts
over the year. We should be very proud of our achievements as | am of you all as a choir.
Thank you very much.
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