Mary's last concert as Musical Director, June 2010
CONCERT A RESOUNDING SUCCESS
A packed house enjoyed Mary Rice’s final concert as conductor of Towcester Choral Society in the Town Hall on Saturday 12th June. Ex-members travelled from around the country to join the choir in a programme of music as varied as In the mood and Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus.
Mary Rice has served with distinction as Musical Director for 23 years, joining in 1987, initially for one season. Although apprehensive, Mary soon discovered that she had found her niche and she was persuaded to stay. Under her direction, the choir has grown from 30 members to 55 and has established a reputation as one of the county’s leading community choirs, presenting a varied programme of classical and light music.
Mary Rice said ‘My 23 years with Towcester Choral Society have brought great happiness and fulfilment. I am grateful for the support and friendship I have found with the choir and look forward to watching it go from strength to strength under its new conductor.’
Mary was presented with a number of gifts to mark her retirement, including a quilt signed by the members and made by soprano Petra Giffen and alto Gill Reeman. Chairman Margaret Hawkins said ‘It has been a privilege to sing with Mary. Her dedication and conscientiousness are second to none and the quality and passion for which we are renowned are entirely due to her. Although we are looking forward to working with our new Musical Director, we shall remember Mary’s reign with great affection. We look forward to seeing her in the audience at our concerts and are sure that she will continue to support us in any way she can.’
Towcester Choral Society’s new Musical Director will be former BBC Choirgirl of the Year runner-up, Helen Swift.
A packed house enjoyed Mary Rice’s final concert as conductor of Towcester Choral Society in the Town Hall on Saturday 12th June. Ex-members travelled from around the country to join the choir in a programme of music as varied as In the mood and Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus.
Mary Rice has served with distinction as Musical Director for 23 years, joining in 1987, initially for one season. Although apprehensive, Mary soon discovered that she had found her niche and she was persuaded to stay. Under her direction, the choir has grown from 30 members to 55 and has established a reputation as one of the county’s leading community choirs, presenting a varied programme of classical and light music.
Mary Rice said ‘My 23 years with Towcester Choral Society have brought great happiness and fulfilment. I am grateful for the support and friendship I have found with the choir and look forward to watching it go from strength to strength under its new conductor.’
Mary was presented with a number of gifts to mark her retirement, including a quilt signed by the members and made by soprano Petra Giffen and alto Gill Reeman. Chairman Margaret Hawkins said ‘It has been a privilege to sing with Mary. Her dedication and conscientiousness are second to none and the quality and passion for which we are renowned are entirely due to her. Although we are looking forward to working with our new Musical Director, we shall remember Mary’s reign with great affection. We look forward to seeing her in the audience at our concerts and are sure that she will continue to support us in any way she can.’
Towcester Choral Society’s new Musical Director will be former BBC Choirgirl of the Year runner-up, Helen Swift.
