Stunning Summer 2026 Concert
The Echoes of Tradition concert in the beautiful Old Shire Hall in Warwick on Sunday 5 July was another popular and successful concert for Warwickshire Singers. Taking inspiration from music from around the world the programme included British folk song arranged by Gustav Holst, Sing, my Child by Canadian composer Sarah Quartel, Amazing Grace, arranged by Sir John Rutter, the fiendishly difficult Visayan folksong Rosas Pandan as well as Lili Boulanger’s Soir sur la Plaine.
The concert included some special contributions from soprano Evelyn Byford, tenor Gianpiero Greatorex and James Jackson on djembe who all brought fabulous energy and poise to the music.
The choir’s semichorus performed Frank Ticheli’s Earth Song, a cry for peace in a world torn by war and Norwegian Kim Andre Amesen’s poignant Even When He is Silent, text by a WW2 Jewish prisoner, with great emotion and accuracy.
The concert also included audience participation – My Guardian Angel by Judith Weir - skillfully prepared by MD, Jim Bate, a piece learned by rote which he, the choir and the audience accomplished effortlessly.
The final two pieces, Wana Baraka, a joyful setting of a Kenyan folk hymn and Baba Yetu, Baba Yetu", the hit theme to Civilization IV - composed by Christopher Tin, were performed whilst circling the audience. This was a special moment enjoyed by audience and choir alike.
Warwickshire Singers now attracts audiences and singers because of the varied repertoire they perform and the joy with which they perform the music, something they are very proud of.
Jan Ford, Chair, Warwickshire Singers.
