About Us |
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Kings Lynn Festival Chorus is a dynamic and friendly choir based in King’s Lynn that draws members from Norfolk and adjoining counties. Rehearsals are weekly and there are 3 or 4 concerts a year, both locally and further afield.
As well as being resident choir for the annual King’s Lynn Festival, the Chorus performs several concerts throughout the year, working with well-known professional soloists and orchestras such as Dame Emma Kirkby, Elizabeth Watts, Peter Daveron, the English Chamber Orchestra, the European Union Chamber Orchestra and VOCES8. It has performed many of the great choral works such as Mozart Requiem, Monteverdi Vespers of 1610, Haydn The Creation, Vivaldi Gloria, Bach St. John Passion, Handel Messiah, Carl Orf Carmina Burana, Rachmaninoff Vespers, Rossini Petite Messe Solennelle and the 40 part Tallis Spem in Alium. Many concerts have featured Broadway classics, American spirituals and arrangements of pop music.
The Chorus has recorded two CDs, the latest of which being the Christmas compilation 'Hark!' where we were joined by brass ensemble Mardi Brass. Members of the Chorus have sung on two occasions with Blake during their national tours; at the inauguration of the Bishop of Rochester and at weddings and other events in the area. The first CD 'Slava' was recorded under the direction of Michael Kibblewhite. Local concerts are often given in St Nicholas Chapel, whose size (the largest 'chapel of ease' in England) and outstanding acoustics lend themselves to large-scale performances. The Chorus is a very sociable group and has undertaken a number of tours in Europe. These have helped develop community spirit and given the opportunity to perform in some magnificent venues. The tours included Spain, Italy, Belgium, France and Ireland and concerts have been given in St. Marks, Venice; the Mezquita in Cordoba; the Basilica of St Francis in Assisi, Rouen Cathedral and both of Dublin's Cathedrals. |
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HISTORY
Under Michael Kibblewhite’s guidance, the Chorus grew in strength and reputation. Pianist and composer John Byron was Accompanist and Assistant Music Director from 2006 to 2016
The Coronavirus pandemic interrupted all in-person rehearsals from March 2020 until mid 2021. The Music Director and Assistant Music Director looked to other avenues of work as gifted freelance artists. Ben Horden was able to return to KLFC activites in the Autumn of 2020 to provide online Zoom rehearsals. These sessions proved to be very popular with the members who were able (and wanted) to access the technology. In April 2021, Ben Horden was appointed as Music Director. We are very fortunate that Ben, with his dual skills of musical leadership and accomplished keyboardist will be able to manage rehearsals online or in person as conditions allow. Ben is also a talented organist and has recently recorded his debut solo album. benhorden.com After 10 years of successful and inspirational directorship, we say goodbye to Tom Appleton and wish him every success in his future career. Tom always provided the humour, enthusiasm and energy needed to ensure King's Lynn Festival Chorus reached and maintained the standing it deserves. We thank Tom for his commitment and friendship. Perhaps paths will cross one day with him and his remarkable Come and Sing Company
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Gallery |
Music We Have Performed |
CDs |
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Live PerformancesVideo |
Audio If ye love me - Bruges 2011 see our audio gallery |
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The Chorus performs a range of music from the great choral masterpieces of the last 400 years to jazz and pop classics. Anyone who can sing (nearly everyone can), has a willingness to learn and who can commit to weekly rehearsals is welcome to audition for the Chorus.
The Chorus was originally formed in 1977 for a concert conducted by Christopher Hogwood as part of the King’s Lynn Festival. For a period it continued as an occasional choir singing only at the Festival but over time it became independent and for a number of years was known simply as King’s Lynn Chorus. In 2001, following the appointment of Michael Kibblewhite as Music Director, festival links were rekindled and the name reverted to King’s Lynn Festival Chorus.
Christmas 2009 saw the choir perform their last concert with Michael at the helm and in January 2010 Tom Appleton took over as Music Director. In 2016, Tom was joined by Chris Brown who took over from John as Accompanist. He left in 2017 for pastures new and from September 2017 the choir has a new Accompanist, Ben Horden.
