Hello everyone

Now that the dust has settled after our Christmas concert, it’s a good time to pause and reflect on the year just passed.

It was a busy year, and I feel that we should all be proud of what we achieved. As well as the usual three concerts, we did the Spanish programme at the Conservatorium in March, and the joint programme with the Odawara Doctors’ Choir in September. We celebrated our 40th Anniversary in style with a dinner in May and the wonderful concert in August.

All of these events went smoothly and were sell-out successes. More importantly, we all derived huge pleasure from taking part in them.

As with any well run organisation, the smooth operation on the surface hides the tremendous effort put in by the committee and the many helpers behind the scenes. And above all, the continuing inspiration of our beloved director Carlos, always supported with skill and humour by Angela. Our thanks go to all of them.

I am excited by the programme for this coming year. The St John Passion in May will be a challenge. It’s a huge work and new to the choir. In August, by popular request, we have the Opera Choruses, which many in the audience have also said they look forward to. And finally a new Karl Jenkins work, Stella Natalis, in December. A lot to learn, but as we grow in confidence and professionalism, we shall take them in our stride and produce wonderful music.

So it just remains for me to wish every one of you all the best for Christmas and the New Year. Enjoy the break, and come back refreshed and eager when we start up again on 21 January.

Happy Christmas

Roger