West London Chorus perform Bach and Vivaldi
On Saturday 2nd December, the West London Chorus gathered in St Michael and All Angels Church in Chiswick to perform Bach’s Magnificat and Vivaldi Gloria. The performance was a huge success with a packed audience and beautiful music.
Among the almost 90 singers from across London were talented soloists and musicians such as an orchestra and organist. There was a joyful, warm environment as passionate musicians gathered to enjoy the performance.
The director, Hilary Campbell is a talented and experienced musician. She has won many prizes and undertaken many prestigious roles. A member of the choir told me “Hilary is incredibly knowledgeable about music, she is very supportive and really brings the choir together”
West London choir offer amateur singers the opportunity to improve their choral singing and be a part of a musical community. If you would be interested in joining, the fee is an afforadable £210 per year with rehearsals on Tuesday evenings. The only requirement is an audition and they welcome all.
Sadly, choir singing seems to be declining in today’s world but the West London Chorus hope to inspire the young generation to keep this tradition alive. They offer scholarships to talented 18-30 year olds which give some financial aid to those wishing to pursue singing.
There is evidence behind the benefits of choral singing. Not only can it improve happiness and release stress but also improve breathing and posture. There is also the positive social element of practicing with a group and making friends.
Learning songs and reading music is good exercise for the brain which can help fight memory loss and dementia. Research shows that singing songs out loud release more dopamine and serotonin than passively listening to them.
If you’d like to hear the talented choir for yourself, head to the Christmas By Candlelight performance on Monday 11th December at 7pm, St Nicholas Church, Chiswick. Book tickets fast as they sell quickly.
