Following a well-earned summer break after their exuberant Coronation Celebration concert at Walcot Hall in early June, members of The Marches Choir are looking forward to recommencing rehearsals on Monday, September 4.

This term the choir, under their conductor Alistair Auld, will be rehearsing for their upcoming concert to be held at St John’s Church, Bishop's Castle on November 25.

The choir will be performing Bach’s Christmas Oratorio, a six-part classical masterpiece. Each part is a cantata, originally written for one of six feast days within the 12 days of the Christmas season: the story begins with the birth of Jesus (for Christmas Day), with the second and third parts featuring the shepherds (for December 26 and 27).

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The fourth part describes the naming of Jesus (for New Year’s Day), and the fifth and sixth parts describe the Magi (for the first Sunday after New Year and Epiphany).

Despite being written in six parts, Bach clearly envisaged the work to be heard as one united whole, its unity being apparent within the music itself, through his use of key signatures, with each section combining choruses, chorales, recitatives and arias.

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The Marches Choir are very much looking forward to mastering this challenging work over the coming months.

The choir are always very pleased to welcome new members, male, female, and of any age.  Rehearsals are held on Monday evenings from 7.30pm to 9.30 pm, at Lydham Village Hall. 

Anyone interested in singing with the choir should contact Philippa Whitaker by giving her a ring on 01588 680312 or send an email to phwhitaker@fastmail.co.uk.