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On Saturday evening the 15th July at St Paul’s Church, Friars St, Warwick, Village Voices presented Summer at St. Paul’s; a programme of varied choral music spanning the last 400 years and across the globe.
The choir was delighted to welcome Edward Button from the King’s Singers, who sang Eternal Source of Light Divine, accompanied by David Pugh on trumpet.
Other soloists included the very talented young flautist, Sophie Robertson, plus choir members Linda Hemming and Viv Hadley accompanied on piano by Julie Edwards. Also Julia Lea accompanying herself on guitar.
Very many thanks to Kieron Howe, the choir’s musical director, and pianist Helen Pugh, who accompanied the choir, for making the evening so joyful and successful.
Over £1,000 was raised for the choir’s chosen charity for 2023, Rufus’ Friends’ Fund.
Below is a selection of recordings from the concert:
Village Voices sing, with Sophie Roberts on flute, Early One Morning Traditional arr. Alexander L’Estrange
Village Voices sing Ave Verum Corpus from Gradualia by William Byrd
The choir sings Weeping by Dan Heymann arr. Alexander L’Estrange
Village Voices sing Wanting Memories by Ysaye M. Barnwell
Followed by Ah, Poor Bird and Rose, Rose Traditional
Ukrainian Prayer by John Rutter
Click to see Videos of Ukrainian Prayer, Harbour and Fields of Gold.
At King’s High School Hall, Warwick
Warwickshire Youth Choirs held their Summer Singing Celebration to round off a fantastic year of singing success!
They were joined by two local choirs: Village Voices and Two Castles Male Voice Choir, also the Cheshire Fire Choir (seen on Gareth Malone’s Sing While You Work) for a very enjoyable evening celebrating singing.
Thanks to all who took part in The Great Local Night Out. I think I can safely say that we all had a very enjoyable evening. Thanks, Kieron and Roger, for conducting and accompanying us.
Village Voices & Audience: Roll the Old Chariot Along
On Saturday 25th March Village Voices with North Leamington School Wind Band presented a concert of Music Stage and Screen at All Saints’ Church, Warwick.
The packed audience delighted in a fun-filled evening of music and entertainment with talented young soloists – Sophie Bull and Evie Howe. Plus the choir’s own Colin Sullivan accompanied by Peter Wimpenny on clarinet.
Kieron Howe, the musical director of both the band and the choir, and Roger Haygreen, the choir’s accompanist since 2010, together with Julie Edwards, did a wonderful job in making the concert such an enjoyable event.
From funds raised during the evening, Village Voices donated £1,500 to the local charity Rufus’ Friends’ Fund.
Below is a selection of audio recordings from the concert:
Village Voices sing Moon River by Johnny Mercer & Henry Mancini arr. K Bellman
North Leamington School Wind Band plays music from the Pirates of the Caribbean by Klaus Badelt arr. Michael Sweeney
Colin Sullivan sings If I Were a Rich Man from Fiddler on the Roof by Sheldon Harnick & Jerry Bock. Accompanied by Peter Wimpenny on clarinet and Roger Haygreen on piano
Village Voices, accompanied by North Leamington School Wind Band, sing Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves (from Nabucco) by Giuseppe Verdi
Sophie Bull sings Requiem from Dear Evan Hansen by Benj Pasek & Justin Paul
Sophie Bull, accompanied by North Leamington School Wind Band & Village Voices, sings You Will be Found by Benj Pasek & Justin Paul arr. Mac Huff
Village Voices sing Now is the Month of Maying by Thomas Morley
Followed by I Wan’na Be Like You from Walt Disney’s The Jungle Book arr. Mac Huff
Village Voices sing The Seal Lullaby. Rudyard Kipling’s words set to music by Eric Whitacre
And Love Changes Everything. Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, Lyrics by Don Black and Charles Hart arr. Ed Lojeski
Members of Village Voices joined a number of local choirs, including Two Castles Male Voice Choir, in taking part in a Singathon at King’s High School, Warwick in aid of the charity Kissing It Better. A very colourful Ben Hamilton joined the Choir for ‘Love Changes Everything’. The day was a great success with many thanks to Keiron, Julie and Ed Button. Also thanks to Roger Buckle for the photos.
At 6.30 pm on Saturday 17th December 2022 at Guy’s Cliffe Centre Village Voices sang Carols in the Courtyard. It was a cold evening, but thoroughly enjoyed by all present.
Village Voices & Cubbington Silver Band held a joyous Christmas Celebration Concert on Saturday evening 3rd December at St. Nicholas Church, Warwick in support of the British Heart Foundation, Diabetes UK and Myton Hospice.
The church was absolutely packed and the concert included ‘Walking in the Air’ – a trombone solo by Lilia Clifford and ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas’ – a clarinet solo by Peter Wimpenny. Plus, a number of readings by individual members of the choir.
During the evening the Cubbington Silver Band played the National Anthem of Ukraine, and the choir sang a traditional Ukrainian carol, Boh Predivcnyj Narodivsja, especially for our guests – a number of Ukrainian refugees living locally.
Kieron Howe, the musical director of both the band and the choir, and Roger Haygreen, the choir’s accompanist, did a wonderful job in making the evening such an enjoyable occasion.
From funds raised at the concert, Village Voices donated £500 to each of the charities it has been supporting in 2022: British Heart Foundation and Diabetes UK. The Cubbington Silver Band making its own donation to Myton Hospice.
Below are some audio recordings from the concert:
Village Voices singing Torches by John Joubert
Village Voices singing Angels’ Carol by John Rutter
Cubbington Silver Band playing Everlasting Light by Martin Cordner
Village Voices singing O Christmas Tree arranged by Alexander L’Estrange
Cubbington Silver Band playing Schneewaltzer by Thomas Koschat arranged by Goff Richards
Village Voices singing Gaudete! Traditional
CSB playing Stop the Cavalry by Jona Lewis arranged by Derek Broadbent and
Fairytale of New York by Jem Finer & Shae McGowan arranged by Jock McKenzie
Village Voices singing Boh Predivcnyj Narodivsja, a traditional Ukrainian carol
CSB playing the Ukrainian National Anthem by Mikhailo Verbytsky arranged by Kieron Howe
A Tribute Concert to Trevor Barr was held on 15th October 2022 at All Saints’ Emscote, Warwick. The Church was completely full and those present enjoyed the performances of a number of talented soloists and Village Voices Choir. All had benefitted from Trevor’s extraordinary ability to inspire and teach both individuals and singing groups. The occasion was a joyous celebration of Trevor’s life.
We are delighted to announce the appointment of Kieron as the Musical Director of Village Voices in September 2022. Please follow the link to find out more Musical Director Kieron Howe.
On Sunday afternoon 17th July 2022 the choir held a very enjoyable and varied concert at Northgate Methodist Church in Warwick, which raised £450 for Evelyn’s Gift.
The concert programme included:
| First Half | Second Half |
|---|---|
| Mingulay Boat Song | The Ash Grove |
| Shenandoah | Early One Morning |
| Skye Boat Song | A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square |
| Londonderry Air | The Long Day Closes |
| Grace | The Rhythm of Life |
| The Sloop John B | The Way You Look Tonight |
A number of choir members sang solos including Claire Darlington, Viv Hadley and Amanda Lewis. Trevor Barr and Kevin Sumner led the audience and choir in singing ‘The Lighthouse’ by Lin Marsh, and Trevor played an improvised piano piece. Peter Wimpenny played the clarinet as part of the choir’s rendition of ‘A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square’.
At the Leamington Literary Society AGM was a very successful event attended by a number of the choir.
On Sunday 5th December 2021 the choir held a very successful Christmas Concert for family and friends at Northgate Methodist Church in Warwick.
The total raised for Evelyn’s Gift was £731.50, including donations raised from the sale of items during the term, proceeds from ticket sales & raffle and retiring collection.
At our rehearsal on Thursday 25th November 2021, the Choir was treated to a masterclass in breathing, dipthongs, ‘eyes front’ and smiling whilst singing by our very own local member of the world-renowned King’s Singers – Ed Button. For the few that haven’t come across this group of young men, take a look at their website: The King’s Singers. Ed took us through a few of his ideas for an enhanced performance of Sans Day Carol, Nativity Carol and Mid-Winter. Thank you to Ed and to Trevor for asking him to come along.
Members of Village Voices Choir and other singers, organised, directed and accompanied by Trevor Barr, sang Christmas Carols to those attending Warwick’s community Christmas lunch held this year at Warwick School’s Warwick Hall.
For a third year, Terry Morris, a town and district councillor, and his wife Liz Jackson, along with a team of volunteers provided a three course meal for Warwick residents who would otherwise spend Christmas alone.
On Friday 20th December 7.00pm at Guys Cliffe House, Coventry Road, Warwick, Village Voices sang Carols in the Courtyard, followed by mulled wine and mince pies.
Singing at the Guild Chapel, Stratford-upon-Avon. Readings and Carols in support of Springfield Mind. Followed by refreshments in Stratford Town Hall.
Lunchtime carols at Whitnash Sports and Social Club, Heathcote Road, Whitnash, Leamington Spa.
On Saturday 7th December at 7.30pm Village Voices presented its Christmas Gloria Charity Concert at All Saints Church 29 Vicarage Field, Warwick CV34 5NJ in aid of The Friendship Project for Children.
Village Voices were joined by Soloists Belinda Morley, Olivia Griffiths and members of Leamington Sinfonia for a performance of Vivaldi’s Gloria, followed by traditional carols.
Musical Director Trevor Barr and accompanist Roger Haygreen.
The sell-out concert was the most ambitious and successful presented by the choir to date and raised £1,350 for The Friendship Project for Children.
On Saturday 5th October 7.00 pm at Warwick Hall, Warwick School, Village Voices Choir was invited by Divertimento to sing at the Festival of Voices 2019 Concert. Other choirs participating, in order of appearance, were the Vocal Generation, Two Castles Male Voice Choir, Harbury Folk Club Choir, Rock Choir, Warwickshire Children’s Chorus and Divertimento.
The Concert provided a brilliant evening of entertainment, showcasing amazing variety and local talent, young and old!
On Saturday 20th July 25 members of the choir sang at the community event held at the Holt Recreation Field on the Cubbington Road in Lillington.
Friday 12th to Monday 15th April a number of the choir visited Londonderry. During their stay they were joined by Thornhill Chamber Choir and Colmcille Ladies Choir in concert on Saturday 13th April at the First Derry Presbyterian Church where £820 was raised in aid of The Western Health and Social Care Trust.
The choir also attended and sang at the First Derry Presbyterian Church Service on Sunday 14th April officiated by the Reverend David Latimer the church minister.
We are so grateful that David McGuckin, the superb church organist, was able to accompany the choirs and congregation, on piano and organ, at both the concert and Sunday service.
The visit to Derry was masterminded by our musical director, Trevor Barr; and during our stay he introduced us the architecture, history and culture of his home city, as well as finding time to rehearse and conduct the choir. Our grateful thanks go to Trevor and all who helped to organise our very successful and enjoyable time in Northern Ireland.
More photos can be viewed on the members’ social events page
On Saturday 6th April Village Voices combined with the Coventry Male Voice Choir presented a concert at Dale Street Methodist Church, Leamington Spa which raised over £1,300 for the Royal National Lifeboat Association.
Village Voices directed by Trevor Barr with Roger Haygreen accompanist. We were delighted to be joined by two very special guests:
Ellie Aitchison – Violinist
Imogen Parsley – Soprano
Singing at the Guild Chapel, Stratford upon Avon. Readings and Carols in support of Springfield Mind. Followed by refreshments in Stratford Town Hall.
Our main Christmas Concert “Baubles and Bows” on Saturday 1st December 2018 at Warwick Methodist Church raised £1,300 for the Helping Hands Community Project. The concert was directed by Trevor Barr with Julie Edwards accompanist. The choir was delighted to be joined by some very special guests, accompanied on piano by Trevor Barr:
Belinda Morley – Mezzo Soprano
Terry Street – Alto Saxophone
Saturday 10th November 2018 at the Spa Centre, Leamington, Village Voices Choir sang at a concert and drum head service featuring:
- Royal Spa Brass
- Priory Youth Theatre
- Susan Meteyard
- Leamington & Warwick Sea Cadet Band
Village Voices took part in this exciting community event in Whitnash on Saturday 30th June 2018
In March 2018 Village Voices staged their Spring Variety Concert at the Warwick Methodist Church (Northgate). This was the first concert with Trevor Barr our new Musical Director. The concert also featured pupils from Perrott Hill School, Somerset and was in support of the Helping Hands Community Project.
2nd Warwick Sea Scouts was one of two charities supported by Village Voices in 2017. It has 160 members who come from Warwick, Leamington and the surrounding area. The Group is committed to providing equal opportunities in scouting for girls, who make up 50% of their number, consisting of Beavers (6 – 8 years), Cubs (8 – 10), Scouts (10 – 14) and Explorers (14 – 18 years).
They are recognised by the Admiralty for their proficiency in water based skills, leadership, training and provision of a full range of scouting activities plus sailing, canoeing, rowing etc. They also carry out community service and support local charities.
Demand to join is high, they have over 100 on their waiting list. They want to train new leaders and provide extra training for existing leaders so they can open another Beaver section and Cubs section and enlarge their Scout and Explorer sections.
On 8th February 2018, cheques for £1,250 were presented to Nick George for the Sea Scouts – the sum raised at our Christmas concert.
For more about 2nd Warwick Sea Scouts see their website, on Facebook or Twitter.
Our main Christmas Carol Concert at Chandos Street Baptist Church, Leamington Spa. With Stagecoach Christmas Choir and in Support of 2nd Warwick Sea Scout Group.
Sandra Hayward (Soprano) proposed the Heart of England Branch of Bloodwise, which is a charity dedicated to fighting all forms of blood cancer, as a charity supported by Village Voices in 2017. Her good friend, Anne Oliver, is the chair of the Heart of England Branch of Bloodwise. Anne and her husband, Jack, lost their younger daughter, Sophie, to Leukaemia about 20 years ago when Sophie was just 7 years old. Since then, Anne has worked tirelessly to support the Leukaemia Research Fund which later became known as Bloodwise, they are a small group of local voluntary supporters whose lives have been touched by blood cancer. They operate mainly in Leamington, Kenilworth, Warwick and Stratford-upon-Avon, holding street collections and fund raising events.
See more about Bloodwise on their website.
Singing at Guild Chapel, Stratford upon Avon. Readings and Carols in support of Springfield Mind This was following by refreshments in Stratford Town Hall.
Singing for the switching on of Christmas Lights at Volvo Trucks along with HQ staff.
Another successful engagement singing at the wedding of Isobel & Iain at St Gregory’s Church, Tredington.
On Saturday 28th October 2017 we joined Royal Spa Brass, Sodapops and numerous other organisations at the Spa Centre for a concert and drum head service. See more details at Warwick District Remembers Passchendaele 100, Falklands 35.
Festival of Voices III
Village Voices performed in Festival of Voices III held in Warwick Hall at Warwick School. We were one of 7 choirs to perform their own programme followed by a combine choirs performance of the Rhythm of Life. More can be seen at Festival of Voices 2017
On 6th October 2017 Village Voice Choir sang at a wedding at Saint Peters & Pauls Church, Butlers Marston.
From Madrigals to Modern our Summer concert 2017 was held in the Northgate Methodist Church, Warwick. Please see the Summer Concert page for more details.
Upton Choir Festival
The choir entered the Choir Festival at Upton upon Severn in May 2017. This was a friendly competition between 6 community choirs. You can see more information and a few photos.
Deck the Halls, Village Voices Christmas Charity Concert, took place at The Dale Street Methodist Church, Leamington Spa on Saturday 17th December 2016. It was in support of the Salvation Army Way Ahead Project.
Guild Chapel in Stratford for the Springfield Mind charity. This was for a small group of singers from the choir to sing Christmas Carols with readings from supporters of the charity.
Members of the choir performed for the residents of Chandos Court, Leamington Spa.
Musicals & More. The choir performed a concert to a packed house at St Nicholas Church, Warwick, in aid of the Salvation Army ‘Way Ahead’ project.
An Open Evening attracted a lot of interest and some new singers.
Some representatives of the choir sang at Homewood Residential home in Leamington Spa and entertained residents with a selection of music ranging from traditional folk songs, through James Bond movie songs to nostalgic numbers from the Second World War.
Village Voices were invited by Springfield Mind to sing at The Guild Chapel on the corner of Chapel Lane and Church Street, Stratford upon Avon.
A sell-out Christmas Cracker Concert at St Nicholas Church in aid of Springfield Mind. Village Voices Choir members were joined by Omnium Gatherum, who have sung at a number of concerts locally. Like Village Voices their aim is to enjoy the music first and to share the efforts of their practice from time to time with an audience.
Village Voices sang at a Christmas Fayre at The Unicorn pub, Chase Meadow in Warwick.
A Festival of Voices at All Saints Church, Leamington. The choir was joined by other local groups, each giving a taste of their style and repertoire.
Songs for a Summer Evening in aid of Springfield Mind in Stratford on Avon.
St George’s Day celebration, Coventry.
The choir performed a concert ‘Spring into Song’ at St Nicholas Church, Warwick in aid of Springfield Mind.
Private Wedding
Carol singing at Chase Meadow Christmas fair.
‘Stuff the Turkey’, a Christmas Concert at St Nicolas Church, Warwick in aid of South Warwickshire Heart failure, Education and cardiac Rehabilitation Trust (SW HEART). Village Voices were joined by the Coventry Male Voice Choir.
A concert at St Margaret’s Church Whitnash in aid of the Whitnash Charitable Trust.
Open evening at Chase Meadow Community Centre. 19 potential new members joined the choir for a short ‘taster’ concert to introduce the choir to the Chase Meadow community.
Razzle Dazzle, our first public concert with our new Musical Director at St Nicholas Church, Warwick raised £1,150 for SW-Heart.
The choir sang for the friends of the Helen Ley Care Centre.
The choir sang at a private St Georges Day concert in Coventry.
Members of the choir sang at a New Year party at Saltisford Church, Warwick.
Members of the choir sang at the funeral of the choir’s former President, David Evans held at St Nicholas’s Church, Radford Semele.
Members of the choir sang for the residents of Homewood.
Members of the choir sang Christmas songs and carols at Baddesley Clinton.
Members of the choir sang at a private Christmas carol service at Castle Froma.
The choir joined other local music groups at Warwick DC Chairman, Richard Davies, Christmas concert at Leamington Town Hall in aid of Dogs for the Disabled, the Heart of England Community Foundation and the Royal Regiment Of Fusiliers Aid Society.
The choir took part in a ‘Festival of Voices’ with six other local choirs at All Saints Church, Leamington.
A joint concert at Stowe Minster, near Lincoln.
Members of the choir sang at a private wedding.
A concert Songs for a Summer Evening at St Nicholas, Warwick in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society. Village Voices presented a new repertoire and many old favourites.
A celebration concert at Napton Church.
The Choir performed at a St George’s Day celebration at West Orchard URC in Earlesdon, Coventry.
‘Baubles & Berries’. A Seasonal Concert at St Nicholas Church, Warwick. We shared the event with The Spa Strummers ukulele band and supporting The Leamington Homeless Action Project.
Warwick District Council Chairman’s Christmas Charity Concert at Leamington Town Hall in aid of Castel Froma (incorporating the Helen Ley Care Centre) and Myton Hospice.
‘Across the Pond’ a concert of American songs was performed at St Nicholas Church, Warwick. £280 was collected for the Childhood Eye Cancer Trust and £285 for Myton Hospice in memory of former choir member Roger Duclaud-Williams.
A concert to raise fund towards St John the Baptist Church, Wappenbury.
‘Frolic’; a concert at Long Itchington Church helped to raise £400 towards church restoration.
A St George’s Day celebration at the United Reformed Church, Coventry (private event).
Songs and music with a ‘Watery’ theme were the basis of a concert in support of Water Aid at St Nicholas Church Warwick.
We sang at the New Year party organised for residents of the Homewood residential home in Warwick.
The choir sang Christmas songs and carols at The Cricketers, Archery Road, Warwick and raised £130 for charity.
Members sang Christmas songs for the residents and staff of Heathcote Rehabilitation Hostpital.
The choir took part in a Salvation Army Christmas Concert in Leamington Town Hall.
The choir entertained Christmas shoppers on the steps of Leamington Town Hall in support of the ‘Save the Children’ fund fund who organised a craft fair in the Town Hall. The event raised £5,000 for the charity.
Village Voices choir joined forces with the Fincham Chorus from Norfolk to present a concert at St Nicholas Church in Warwick. Russell McKie, the Director of Music of Fincham Chorus, was a former Musical Director of the Village Voices choir. A varied programme of traditional and modern songs provided a delightful evening’s entertainment.
On a pleasant summers day the Skellingthorpe Choir from Lincoln enjoyed a guided tour round Leamington. After a joint rehearsal and refreshments, the two choirs joined forces to entertain the audience in Weston-under-Wetherley Village Hall. Proceeds from the concert go to the Warwickshire Northamptonshire Air Amulance.
Our concert on 11 June at Galanos House, Southam, the Royal British Legion Poppy Home for ex-service people and their dependents, raised £570 towards the Galanos House Amenities Fund which enables residents to have trips out and short holidays.
The choir entertained the residents of the Warwick, MHA Methodist Home for the Aged at their New Year Party.
The choir helped liven the pre-Christmas spirit at the ‘Cricketers’ pub in Archery Road, Warwick and collected money for Myton Hospice and the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance.
A Christmas concert at Heathcote Rehabilitation Hospital.
The Choir performed Christmas music at the National Trust’s Upton House.
The Choirsang the National Anthem before Coventry Blaze Ice Hockey Club’s home match against Nottingham Panthers at the Skydome Arena, Coventry.
The Choir sang carols at Warwickshire Wildlife Trust, Brandon Marsh.
The Choir sang at Cubbington Village Hall and helped to raise £600 for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.
The Choir sang for residents of Castel Froma Specialist Care Centre, Lillington, Warwick.
The choir sang in two gardens during the Offchurch Open Gardens and Scarecrows event
A joint concert at St John Baptist Church, Wappenbury with the Royal Spa Brass Ensemble and a cello duo, Will Langstone and Ethan Gardner.
A concert at Radford Village Hall in aid of the St Nicholas Church Radford Restoration .
A joint concert with the Skellingthorpe Village Choir at Skellingthorpe, Lincoln .