A musical reunion to champion the next generation

Posted 6 years ago

In June 1975, a group of Cambridge University students with a shared love of singing met for the first time to form a choir. They called themselves ‘The St. Michael’s Singers’ and sung together for four and half years. Later, when many of the members had graduated and moved to London, the friends regrouped as a new choir under the name ‘The Tudor Singers’. They performed regularly, released an LP and even sung on TV! Many lasting friendships were formed and more than one marriage can be traced back to the choirs.

The choir in 1982

Up to 40 members of the choirs have continued to meet periodically for social reunions and also to sing services in settings such as St Paul’s Cathedral and Southwell Minster.

This summer they met for a singing day in High Wycombe, putting themselves through their paces with Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms and having a bit of fun with Gilbert and Sullivan’s Trial By Jury. The day culminated in an informal performance to friends and family.

A collection was taken which raised over £350 for Young Sounds UK (formerly Awards for Young Musicians). £350 covers a whole term of 1:1 instrumental lessons for a young person on our Connect programme. With more than 100 new students joining the programme this autumn (in Hull, Manchester and Wiltshire), the funds will be put to immediate use.

2019 reunion, in aid of Young Sounds

Guy Turner, who founded the choirs all those years ago and who conducted the reunion day, said:

“I continue to admire the work of Young Sounds UK. We were all so glad to raise money to support the next generation of musicians, particularly those who have talent but not the funding directly available to them.

So many of this choir have musical children (and grandchildren!) who have benefitted from a rich musical education and this should be available to all.

It cost us nothing to do the collection and Young Sounds were very happy to provide us with literature and information to give to our audience. We would encourage other music groups to think about supporting Young Sounds in this way too!”

Feeling inspired?

Ensembles, music groups, clubs and schools interested in supporting Young Sounds should feel free to contact our Development Manager, Sanpreet Janjua:

Tel: 0300 302 3422, Email: Sanpreet.Janjua@youngsounds.org.uk

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