Join Shropshire’s greatest ever choir
Singers from across Shropshire are invited to join the largest choir ever assembled in the county, to sing the Festival Anthem at the Closing Ceremony of the Shropshire Olympian Festival on Sunday 19 June 2011.
This is an opportunity to be a part of history – literally, as the event marks the celebration of 1864 Shropshire Olympian Festival. This evolved from the pioneering Olympian Games, started by William Penny Brookes in nearby Much Wenlock, and went on to inspire the Olympics we recognise today.
Shropshire Council wishes to hear from anyone who would like to become a part of this epic event, in particular choirs and choral groups, and ask that they register their interest by going to www.shropshire1864.org.uk
There will be an introductory evening for choir leaders and organisers at 7pm on 12 April 2011 at The Gateway, Shrewsbury, when a CD and a written guide for rehearsal of the Anthem will be provided. A full open rehearsal will take place for everyone at 2pm on 15 May 2011 at Shrewsbury High School, Town Walls.
Mary Keith, the Festival Music Director, said:
“Whatever your age or ability we would like to hear from you. You may be part of an existing choir or would like to join up with others just for this occasion. We are aiming for over 1000 voices to produce the climax of the last day of the Festival – Sunday 19 June – after the Great Victorian Picnic, a period regatta, equestrian events, entertainers, street theatre, a steam funfair and historic Games.”
Councillor Steve Charmley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for culture and leisure, said:
“We would welcome both the least experienced and most confident of singers to join together from all over the county to celebrate our rich cultural heritage and honour the achievements of everyone who’s participated in the Shropshire Olympian Festival during the previous three days.”
Helen Ball, Town Clerk for Shrewsbury Town Council, said:
“There are so many aspects of our fantastic county town to sing about so what better way to mark the closing ceremony of the Shropshire Olympian Festival than to fill the Quarry with the sound of hundreds of voices singing together as part of Shropshire’s biggest ever choir.”
The Shropshire Olympian Festival has won a government Inspire Mark in recognition of its significance to London 2012 and it is free to everyone through the generous support of the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Arts Council England. Shropshire Council is also working in partnership with Shrewsbury Town Council, Shrewsbury Carnival and BBC Radio Shropshire to deliver this historic event.
If you would like to take part as a volunteer, contribute to any of the activities, or learn more please look for details on our website. For a discussion about the Shropshire Olympian Festival, or to register your interest call 01743 252305.
For more information, contact Festival Music Director Mary Keith on 0787 5637786 or email maryskeith@aol.com.
