After their summer break, Ryesingers are now looking ahead to their annual carol concert at Playden church on December 15, and preparing for a gloria concert in the spring.
The carol service always includes an interesting selection of music from early Christmas songs to modern composers and familiar favourites, as well as lessons and readings. The choir for many years took part in the service at East Guldeford church, but have found that Playden allows easier car parking and walking to the church for the many who come to hear them.
The choir is also preparing for their spring concert which will include the Messa di Gloria by Puccini and pieces by Karl Jenkins, Vivaldi, Benjamin Britten and John Rutter, and some ‘fun’ songs, all touching on the gloria theme.
The Ryesingers practices are held, as they have been for over 50 years, at 7:30 on Wednesday evenings, now at the Rye Sea Cadets headquarters at Rock Channel, Rye. The choir’s founder and musical director Lesley Brownbill stresses that anyone – soprano, alto, tenor or bass – can join, all are welcome and there is no audition. She can be contacted on 07711 460549.
Image Credits: Paul Whiteman .