MANY singers in the Richmond area and beyond have been waiting with interest to find out what Richmondshire Choral Society will be singing this autumn.

Normally the choir has its programmes planned at least one or two years in advance and members spend the summer knowing what is in store when rehearsals begin in September.

This year the decision has been late because when their conductor said last year that he would not be renewing his contract after April’s concert, the committee felt it would be best to recruit his successor then consult about subsequent programmes rather than choose music possibly not to the new person’s taste.

The successful applicant for the post, Peter Stallworthy, was already a member of the choir as a singer having joined in November 2017 unaware then that the search for a new conductor was beginning.

He had come to RCS with an impressive background conducting choirs and orchestras in Lancashire but having moved to live in North Yorkshire was transferring his activities to ensembles within the county. Following his appointment the choir committee met with him recently to hear his suggested concert programmes for the next few years, and was impressed with his choices.

In December the choral society will sing two works by Vaughan Williams, Towards the Unknown Region and Dona nobis pacem, with Morton Lauridsen’s Lux aeterna completing the programme.

The date of the concert has been moved from its usual slot shortly before Christmas to Saturday, December 8, for a number of logistical reasons and both conductor and committee felt that it should not be predominantly a Christmas concert.

The choir previously sang Dona nobis pacem in April 2014 conducted by the late Peter Collis to commemorate 100 years since the start of the Great War in 1914. It was Mr Collis’ last concert with the choir before his death the following November.

This year’s performance will mark the centenary of the Armistice at the end of that war.

The choir starts its rehearsals for this concert on Monday, September 10, and will hold an open rehearsal day on Saturday, September 15, when anyone who wishes to try out the choir, the music or the new conductor can come along. New members will also be welcome to join at regular rehearsals.

Information from richchoral.org.uk or 01325 374112.