CONCERT IN NORWICH ON SATURDAY 23RD MARCH 2024

The fine city of Norwich is a first for a Witchert Chorale performance. On March 23rd 2024, the choir travelled over to Christ Church, Eaton in Norwich to sing a ‘Passion Flowers’ programme of choral music. Founding choir member Alison Court and her husband Ed Cairns retired to Norwich in 2018 and it was her dearest wish that the Witchert Chorale would one day come over and sing there.

Amid a plethora of travel arrangements and the iffy weather, everyone made it over to Christ Church in time for the afternoon rehearsal. Splendid cakes and tea were offered to bolster flagging energy levels.

After retiring for a short break with the hosts, there was a earlier start than usual for the concert at 6:30pm. The choir were greeted with a full audience at the church, with much credit to Alison’s organising skills and energy.

The concert repertoire reflected themes of the Easter Passion and Spring flowers, with a secular first half followed by more ‘flowery’ choral arrangements in the second. As part of the programme, Ed Cairns also provided two readings of poetry.

The second half featured an array of flower-themed compositions including The Rose of Sharon, Daffodils, Evening Primrose, Green Broom and Country Gardens. The Benjamin Britten arrangements are a particular delight, with the Green Broom piece accelerating into a fast and lively conclusion.

Both audience and choir were surprised and delighted by a Tango dance routine performed by Benedikt and Claire-Lise Kessler, to the tune of Des de alma. The concert rounded off with renditions of Gershwins ‘Fascinating Rhythm’ and Percy Graingers ever popular ‘Country Gardens’.

After the concert, Alison and Ed generously held an open-house party, at their home with much delicious food and drink for socialising and celebrating the concert. Inevitably, as the night progressed, there was a migration over to the music room, where favourite choral pieces were sung with great gusto. Hopefully the neighbours were out.