Wareham Choral Society are pleased to announce their new patron: The RT Hon David Mellor KC
Wareham Choral Society has been Wareham’s choir since 1947. They are an aspirational friendly choir directed by an enthusiastic professional musician, Hazel Ricketts. They rehearse every Monday evening in Lady St Mary’s Church in Wareham where they conduct most of their performances.
Like many musical groups across the country, they saw a drop in membership numbers after the Covid pandemic. A recent recruitment campaign has encouraged several new singers to join and enjoy the fun and friendship that singing with a choir can bring. However, the choir would love to welcome even more new members, of all voice parts. There are no auditions but enthusiasm and commitment are essential.
The new Chairman, Teresa Rekowska, approached David Mellor in the summer to become their Patron particularly for his experience and knowledge as former Secretary of State for Culture and Media and for his love of music. David has a weekly programme on Classic FM Radio and is the Opera critic for The Mail on Sunday.
David has a home in Corfe with his partner Penelope Viscountess Cobham. The choir and David are looking forward to working together and are passionate about bringing a high standard of music to their local community.
David Mellor
David Mellor is a British broadcaster, barrister, after dinner speaker, former Member of Parliament for Putney and a Government Minister for 11 years. Born in Wareham, Dorset, David was educated at Swanage Grammar School, and Christ’s College, Cambridge.
Teresa says ‘I am delighted that David Mellor has agreed to become the Patron of Wareham Choral Society. He has a deep understanding of the joy that music can bring into our lives. The choir and I are excited to celebrate our 75th anniversary by beginning this new partnership and look forward to collaborating in the future’.
This Autumn the choir has provided a free Taster workshop and on 5 November arranged a very well attended and successful ‘Come & Sing’ day of Karl Jenkins’ ‘The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace’. There was a free performance in the afternoon which David and Penelope attended alongside others from the local community.
Wareham Choral Society have some exciting plans for the future including a magnificent ‘Magnificat’ Christmas concert on 10 December in Lady St Mary Church 7pm featuring the lovely soprano Lucy Braga. Of course the audience also have an opportunity to sing many of their favourite Carols. Find out more about the Wareham Choral Society concert and where to purchase tickets at the Visit Wareham ‘What’s On’ pages.
The choir will also be singing Christmas Carols on 19 December at the Wareham Day Centre for the elderly with dementia.
Wareham Choral Society are looking forward to an exhilarating programme in 2023 performing Mozart’s Coronation Mass on 22nd April in preparation for King Charles’ Coronation in May and then performing a remembrance concert 4th November; the beautiful Faure’s ‘Requiem’ and ‘The Armed Man; A Mass for Peace’ by Karl Jenkins.
The choir have recently gained sponsorship from The Kings Arms Stoborough and would welcome further sponsors from local businesses.
Read more about Wareham Choral Society on the Wareham Tower Chimes Community Pages.