Click on photos to enlarge
Roger had been playing the piano since he was aged 6, and the organ since he was 12. He gained his diploma in organ playing at the London College of Music while still in his teens. He was a member of the music team at Saltisford Church, Warwick, and had been actively playing, singing, and conducting in the local amateur music world for many years.
In the past, he has worked with Spa Opera,
and had frequently been asked to accompany soloists (vocal and instrumental) in activities such as exams, recitals, shows, workshops and the Leamington Competitive Music Festival.
The choir were very sad to learn that Roger passed away peacefully on Sunday 17th May 2026, at the Heathcote Rehabilitation Hospital, Whitnash.
VV members will remember Roger with great affection having been our accompanist from 2010 to spring 2025, when ill health forced him to stop playing.
As well as being a wonderful pianist, organist and tenor, Roger was a genuinely lovely man. He was well known on the local music scene and will be greatly missed by so many. We offer our sincere condolences to his sister, Marion and his wider family.
Rest in Peace, Roger, and thank you for your service to Village Voices.
Below are some recordings of Roger accompanying the choir in 2023 and 2024:
Wind Beneath My Wings by Harry Henley & Jeff Soilbar Arr. Roger Emerson
Roses of Pickardy lyrics by Fred E. Weatherley music Haydn Wood arr. Peter Irvine
Can You Feel The Love Tonight Music Elton John, Lyrics Tim Rice Arr. Keith Christopher
When I’m 64 by John Lennon & Paul McCartney
Love Changes Everything Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, Lyrics by Don Black and Charles Hart arr. Ed Lojeski
Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen Arr. Roger Emerson
The Concert will be held at 7.30pm on Saturday 11th July at Holy Trinity Church, Beauchamp Avenue, Leamington Spa, CV32 5RG
With guest soloist Sophie Robertson.
The concert, organised by Village Voices, is in aid of the local charity Women Stepping Out.
Tickets are £15.00 (under 18s free) and will be available from members of the choir, on the door and from Eventbrite.
Saturday 12th December at St Nicholas Church, St Nicholas Church Street, Warwick CV34 4JD. Village Voices Christmas Concert.
More details to follow.
In 2026 the choir is raising funds for the local charity Women Stepping Out.
In 2025 we raised funds for Warwickshire Vision and at our 19th July 2025 Concert we raised £2,500 for the charity. By far the largest sum of money we’ve ever raised from one concert, and over the year we raised a total of £6,000, the largest sum we’ve ever raised in a single year for one charity.
During 2024 the choir raised funds for the charity New Chapters.
In 2023 the choir raised funds for Rufus’ Friends’ Fund and on Thursday evening 16th May 2024 Irene, who had requested we support the local charity, presented a cheque for £4,325 on behalf of the choir to representatives of the charity.
______________________________
The concert was held at 7.30pm Saturday 28th March at Leamington Baptist Church, 13 Chandos Street, Leamington Spa CV32 4RN.
Songs from Stage and Screen with North Leamington Orchestra.
The choir raised £2,000 at the concert to support the local charity Women Stepping Out.
The event was a great success with a packed church and our musical director, Kieron Howe, did a brilliant job, as did Helen Pugh our accompanist, Joe Webb our percussionist & North Leamington Orchestra.
Some mobile phone recordings from the concert:
Can You Feel The Love Tonight – Elton John & Tim Rice arr. Keith Christopher
James Bond Theme – Monty Norman arr. Paul Honey
Rhythm of Life – Cy Coleman & Dorothy Fields arr. Richard Barns
Shenandoah – American Folk Song arr. Jay Althouse
Down to the River to Pray – Traditional Banjo: Peter Wimpenny Soloist: Merrady Wickes
Too Darn Hot – Cole Porter arr. Mark Hayes
This is Me – Benj Pasek & Justin Paul arr. Mac Huff Soloists: Hannah McCubbin & Lottie Stentoft
Many thanks go to all those behind the scenes who helped to organise and provide for the event – including Top Nosh, refreshment servers, our furniture movers and entrance ticket sellers.
Also to Leamington Baptist Church.
It was a brilliant evening of favourites from films, musicals, and more.
Harriet and Margaret from Women Stepping Out, the charity Village Voices is raising funds for in 2026, gave a short introduction about the charity to the choir on Thursday evening 5th March.
Thanks to Lottie, Village Voices choir member, for organising this.
Andrea organised a lovely lunch at The Racecourse, Stratford Road, Warwick on Friday 27th February.
19 attended and had a very enjoyable time.
Updates about the choir’s events will be displayed on this webpage, as they become available.