The Guildford Philharmonic Choir was founded in 1947 by the Borough of
Guildford to perform important works from the choral repertoire with the Guildford
Philharmonic Orchestra. Since then, the Choir has grown in stature and reputation and
can now justifiably claim a place as one of the foremost Choruses in the country.
Although the Choir is now independent of Guildford Borough Council, it regularly
joins forces with Guildford Philharmonic Orchestra to perform a major choral work.
Tonight's concert is one such occasion. The Choir also promotes at least two other
major concerts of its own each season, and regularly performs by invitation for other
promoters, orchestras and venues.
The Choir grew to prominence under the batons of such eminent musicians as Sir
Charles Groves and Vernon Handley, and of Sir David Willcocks, who is also the
Choir's current President.
The Choir's reputation has been enhanced recently by a series of outstanding and
successful concerts. Recent performances have included Mozart's "Great" C-minor
Mass, Walton's "Belshazzar's Feast", Bach's St Matthew Passion, Vaughan Williams'
"Dona nobis pacem", Haydn's "Creation, Mahler's "Resurrection" Symphony (No.2),
Orff's "Carmina Burana" and Elgar's "Dream of Gerontius". The Choir's March 1999
performance of the "Resurrection" Symphony (in a concert which included
Bruckner’s Mass in E Minor) earned a standing ovation — believed to be a first for a
Guildford Cathedral audience. The performance of Mozart’s "Great" Mass last
October was reported in the press as “Magnificent Mozart”.
Guildford is "twinned" with Freiburg-im-Breisgau, "capital" of the Black Forest
region in Germany, and for the last ten years, the Guildford Philharmonic Choir has
collaborated with the Freiburger Bachchor to present some outstanding joint
performances. Last March's moving rendition of Bach’s St Matthew Passion in the
Cathedral was the most recent visit by the Bachchor to Guildford. Plans for this year
include a return visit in November by Guildford Philharmonic Choir to sing
Bruckner's D-minor Mass with the Bachchor in Freiburg's magnificent new
Konzerthaus.
Guildford Philharmonic Choir’s concert programme for the rest of this season
includes a performance of Ralph Vaughan Williams’ "A Sea Symphony" on May in
in a concert which includes the rare treat of hearing Jeremy Filsell perform
Rachmaninov's Second Piano Concerto. Next season starts with Handel’s Messiah on
November 3" in the Cathedral.
The Choir is always searching for new members to maintain its high standard, and
auditions are held throughout the year. Prospective members are always welcome to
attend rehearsals, which are held on Monday evenings in central Guildford. Please
telephone the Membership Secretary, Noreen Ayton, on 01932 221918 for more
information.
The Choir also enjoys the support of a group of Friends and if you are interested in
becoming a Friend (or Patron) of the Choir please contact Marion Arbuckle on 01483
572621.
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