‘Come and sing Faure’ event open to all

School welcome for former pupils.

Solihull School’s Former Choristers’ Association is inviting local residents as well as past pupils to ‘come and sing Fauré’s Requiem’ in the company of Solihull School’s Chapel Choir.

The Chapel Choir, comprising more than 90 boys and girls aged seven to 18, will be joining over 70 parents, past pupils and friends who have so far signed up for the event on Sunday, November 24 that will climax in a concert in the School Chapel on the Warwick Road campus at 6.30pm.

The solo parts will be performed by three former pupils who are now semi-professional singers. Another former chorister, Jacqui Martens – now a violin scholar at the Royal College of Music, will be joining celebrated Hungarian harpist Rita Schindler in the accompanying chamber orchestra.

Choirmaster Oliver Walker will be conducting an early afternoon piano rehearsal followed by a full rehearsal for choir and orchestra in preparation for the concert, which will replace the regular Sunday evening service. A buffet lunch, tea and post-concert drinks will be served in the School Refectory.

The event is the second to be staged by the Former Choristers’ Association after an inaugural evensong last year that was rehearsed and conducted by CBSO Chorus Master Simon Halsey.

Oliver Walker said: “Gabriel Fauré’s Requiem is a sublimely beautiful piece with memorable tunes and diverse moods making it the obvious choice for a ‘come and sing’ event. The event is open not only to parents and past pupils but the entire local community and there are opportunities for all voice parts. Even those with minimal singing experience are welcome to join in.”

Those interested in taking part in the event should register their interest by emailing the Former Choristers’ Association at [email protected].

Rita Schindler will be returning to Solihull School Chapel for a performance of Benjamin Britten’s Ceremony of Carols with the School’s Chamber Choir on Sunday, December 1 at 6.30pm.

Oliver Walker will also be conducting a Solihull Sings! concert with pupils from St Alphege, Chapel Fields and Solihull Junior schools on December 5 from 9am to 12.50pm.