At the Royston Choral Society’s concert at the end of June there were 68 choir members on stage in front of an audience of 169 – a wonderful gathering to enjoy fine music, made locally. While the singers were performing as a team on stage, the success that night was also very much down to the combined effort of a large number of people working behind the scenes.
The concert planning and preparation had, of course, started months earlier. The choir committee agrees the concert programme, developed by our Musical Director in consultation with choir members, up to a year ahead. Budgets and the availability of soloists, musicians, and venue are all considerations – needing research and booking. The planning process also includes fundraising, since ticket sales and member subs rarely cover all concert costs. Music for singers and musicians also needs to be hired, received and returned by our music librarian. The printed programme needs to be written, edited, designed and printed.
Then there are the weekly rehearsals, led by our Musical Director and accompanist, with half time refreshments provided by volunteers. Beyond the rehearsals, choir members play an active role - part reps are a two-way link between the committee and their fellow singers. Choir members and their family and friends support and encourage each other with lifts, messages, and help with publicity and ticket sales.
On the day and night of the concert, when not rehearsing and performing, volunteers help put up and take down staging, and look after soloists and musicians. Others are ‘front of house’, serving interval refreshments and clearing up afterwards.
At Royston Choral Society we’re busy rehearsing for our next performance – Faure’s wonderful Requiem and pieces by Benjamin Britten and Hubert Parry - on Saturday 16th November at St John’s Church Royston. It’s a good time to appreciate just how many unsung heroes (more than 60 for the summer concert) will be involved in making it another night to remember.
You can book tickets for the November concert online now at https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/royston-choral-society, by phoning 01920 822723, and – if available – on the door.