Rutland Voices choir to sing Christmas concert in Uppingham School Chapel

A new choir full of experienced voices is preparing to spread some joy this Christmas.

The Rutland Voices choir will perform carols and Christmas favourites in the candlelit and acoustically enchanting setting of Uppingham School Chapel.

Many of the members were previously in Rutland Ladies’ Choir, which performed a festive concert at the school for the past few years.

But when its musical director stepped down, the role was taken up in the summer by Peter Davies, who had been director of music at Oakham School for 19 years.

Peter said: “We rehearse every Thursday in Uppingham Town Hall and we’re well into our stride, singing carols and Michael Bublé classics that will give the concert a nice mix of modernity, especially in the second half.

“Then, once we have performed this Christmas, in January we will open up again for new members to join.”

Rutland Voices currently comprises 70 women aged in their 20s through to their 80s and includes members who don’t read music, but who are able to learn their parts under Peter’s guidance.

Soprano Jenny Blazey, a music teacher by trade, said: “I was looking for a choir which was inclusive and fun, but also that provided enough musical interest and stimulation for me,” she said. “I have not been disappointed.”

“The repertoire is really exciting. The arrangements that Peter has selected, of even the most well-known carols, are such fun to sing, and I hope, to listen to.

“It is true to say that we leave every rehearsal smiling and laughing.”

Fellow soprano Gillian Henry chairs the choir’s committee. She said: “Our primary objective is to maintain a happy ship in which everyone feels comfortable and has a lot of fun.

“Every one of us gets on well and benefits from the supportive and inclusive atmosphere that we prioritise.”

She added that Peter puts huge amounts of energy into rehearsals and ensures the overall quality of the choir’s sound is ‘seriously high’.

“The upcoming Christmas concert will be an exciting chance for us to share that, and to show off the carefully selected repertoire of Christmas classics,” added Gillian.

“We think the music will appeal to everyone, and we look forward to sharing the results of our hard work with people from Rutland and beyond.”

Tickets to Rutland Voices’ Christmas concert, Joy to the World, cost £12.50 for adults and £7.50 for children, which includes an interval drink, and are available from https://wegottickets.com/event/633040

The concert is in Uppingham School Chapel on Saturday, December 14, at 7.30pm