New concert for Ripon musical group still regarded as 'one of Yorkshire's finest choral societies'
A formidable Ripon community choir which performs four concerts each year in the magnificent setting of Ripon Cathedral is preparing for its Spring Concert.
The highly-rated – and large – Ripon Choral Society celebrated its 70th anniversary last year with memorable performances including a 70th-anniversary concert of Handel’s Messiah.
After being founded in 1954 at the height of the post-war era, Ripon Choral Society remains one of Yorkshire's finest choral societies, specialising in large-scale classical works.
Its accomplished musical director John Dunford celebrated his 100th concert with the choir in 2024.
The Spring Concert will take place on Saturday, March 28 with John Dunford conducting the Orchestra D’Amici and Samantha Hay, soprano and Sam Furness, tenor, as the soloists and Tim Harper the organ soloist.
The first half will consist of two of Francis Poulenc's most celebrated pieces: his Gloria, composed in 1960 was first performed in Boston USA in 1961; The Organ Concerto in G minor was first performed in Paris in 1939 and had its UK premiere in 1943 at Chichester Cathedral.
After the interval, Gerald Finzi's work is a setting of Wordsworth’s Ode Intimations of Immortality in one continuous movement.
The mood will change from pastoral lyricism through intimate reflection to an extrovert depiction of birdsong and the joy of flowers in spring.
The society is a registered charity and functions as a community choir open to singers from the wider area.
Online ticket bookings: riponchoralsociety.org.uk.
Tickets are also available by email from [email protected] and on the door.