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Stirling City Choir’s Spring Concert in the Church of the Holy Rude on Sunday 13 April provided a varied programme which demonstrated the vocal talents of this local, well respected choir.  As ever, the Church of the Holy Rude proved worthy surroundings for the music within.

The choir opened with the 16th century composer Robert Carver’s ‘O Bone Jesu’, a fitting tribute to the recent Stirling 900 celebrations.  Robert Carver composed and performed many works within the Chapel Royal at Stirling Castle and it is thought likely that the Holy Rude would have been a setting for such performances too.  Much of the music of the time was lost during the Reformation but it is believed that Carver’s choir book survived as it was hidden within the Church of the Holy Rude!

This was followed by Gabriel Fauré’s Requiem, a much-loved classical piece, and the choir thoroughly enjoyed performing it to the receptive audience.

The second half of the concert was devoted to Sir John Rutter’s work, ranging from several short pieces, including his setting of a Gaelic Blessing, to his ‘Gloria’ - a piece that gave the church organ a thorough workout along with the voices of the choir!

The choir performed under the direction of their enthusiastic Director, Michael Segaud, and were accompanied on this occasion by guest musician Matthew Beetschen, Director of Music at Dunfermline Abbey.  Ian Boulter, the choir’s regular accompanist made a welcome appearance in the choir stalls.

After a well earned rest, the choir will resume regular practice sessions at Park Church on Tuesday evenings at 7.30pm on 2nd September and look forward to entertaining audiences as they prepare to celebrate their 75th anniversary season, which will include a performance of Handel’s Messiah. New members always welcome (no audition required). Further information on their website stirlingcitychoir.org.uk.

The Stirling City Choir’s Spring concert took place on the evening of 23rd April in the Church of the Holy Rude.  The large audience was treated to the magnificent music of Mendelssohn’s Elijah.  The choir were accompanied by an orchestra of professional musicians and featured invited soloists Michelle Sheridan, Marion Ramsay, Seumas Begg and Peter Grant.

The Church of the Holy Rude, with its wonderful acoustics, provided an appropriate setting for the oratorio. The work, which premiered in Birmingham in 1846, has long been considered a classic of the genre.  Where Mendelssohn conducted the premiere himself, we were under the expert guidance of our Musical Director, Michael Segaud.  Our Assistant Musical Director, Ian Boulter, performed with the orchestra during the performance on the bass trombone - a change from his weekly role supporting us on the keyboard.

The choir would like to thank all those who have helped throughout the year and especially at the concert.  A big thanks, also, to the appreciative audience.

The choir is on a summer break now and resumes rehearsals in September (on Tuesday evenings at Park Church) as they prepare for an exciting Christmas concert and next year’s Spring concert which will be a performance of Verdi’s Requiem.  New members always welcome (no audition requirements).