The Athenaeum Singers in Warminster are greatly looking forward to returning to Tuesday evening rehearsals on September 7. Timothy Coleman, the singers' highly talented director of music, ably assisted by accompanist Dr Douglas Stevens will lead the singers in preparation for their concert on October 16.

Zoom provided a medium to continue singing during the lockdowns but when able to meet outside after Easter, all agreed that personal interaction makes all the difference.

The shared activity of singing and working together as a group, the challenge to produce something of quality, the support and interaction with like minded individuals and the opportunity for social contact were all missed during the time of isolation.

New singers would be most welcome to attend for the first three weeks of rehearsals without any commitment to join. There are no auditions and whilst the ability to read music and a good ear are great assets there are often online aids available which make it possible for anyone willing to do some preparation to enjoy the experience.

The concert on October 16 will have a new format with two performances, one at 4.30 and one at 7pm, to allow a well spaced audience. It is planned to last around an hour and a quarter, with no interval. It will feature the well loved Faure Requiem along with shorter pieces of European sacred music. Soprano and Bass soloists and a harpist are engaged and Simon Dinsdale will be making a welcome return to the organ consul.

Warminster will once again resound to the sound of live choral music and we look forward to the community’s involvement as either audience or performers.