21st Birthday Concert

SCC 21st Birthday Concert in Salisbury Cathedral in 2013. This was the premiere of the new work commissioned by the SCC by Will Todd called “The City Garden” and also Benjamin Britten’s “Saint Nicholas.” This concert also involved a large local children’s choir, orchestra and soloists and was the result of months of planning and fundraising by SCC. The choir performed to a packed cathedral to great acclaim.

This is an extract from the report on the concert by SCC’s Musical Director Jeremy Backhouse

“Everything was in place and it just needed everyone to deliver … and my goodness, deliver you most certainly did! From start to finish your singing exceeded my expectations and you sang way above your potential! There was choral discipline and there was enthusiasm, commitment and passion! So many people have said just how amazed they were at the quality of the singing. Will Todd was absolutely thrilled with our premiere of The City Garden. And wasn’t the children’s choir just brilliant?! The Britten was equally fantastic – real drama and I hope you enjoyed hearing the whole work. The girls up in the gallery were terrific and the trebles also played a really important part in the drama of the performance. I can’t tell you just how proud I was of what we achieved on Saturday night – a great celebration of 21 years of singing together and a wonderful, joyous community occasion, in the most magnificent of buildings.”

Will Todd the composer commented after the event

“It really was a most exhilarating concert and I was absolutely thrilled with the way the choir responded. I could literally feel you all straining at the sinews to give it everything and you really delivered. Ben and I were delighted and I’m still on a high. I thought the work came across brilliantly -a great occasion, well done.”

Here is a selection of other reactions received

From Christine Shakespeare SAYM Children’s Choir

“It really was a wonderful evening for all of us and the children were really buzzing from the experience. It was hard work in such a short space of time but really worthwhile. We feel very privileged to have been asked to join you, thank you. SCC did a wonderful job performing two very challenging pieces, what a night to remember!”

From John Powell & Cathedral stewards

“A great concert and a hugely successful evening, in my opinion thanks largely to the impeccable organisation and Jeremy’s great musicianship. It was a joy for me and my team to play a small part in the whole event. Here’s to the next SCC anniversary concert!!”

From Celia Scott Salisbury Hospice

“At the first count the concert raised just over £2,500.00 which is tremendous. We all had a wonderful evening and really enjoyed the concert. I’m sure you must be delighted with how it went. John or I would very much like to come along to one of your Thursday evening rehearsals to say a big thank you to all the choir.”

From Libby Poppleton South Wilts Grammar School

“What a wonderful concert you all gave on Saturday night – absolutely glorious – and a marvellous achievement. It was a great privilege for the girls to have taken part in the Will Todd premiere. They hugely enjoyed the Britten and found being in the Cathedral window very exciting! Your encouragement and enthusiasm were infectious so that everyone performed so well and had a thoroughly enjoyable time. Please do pass on many congratulations from the girls and me to your choir. Many thanks for the superb opportunity.”

From James Garrow Vivace Chorus

“Congratulations on a terrific concert on Saturday. It was marvellous and the choir impressive. I wish we could command such audiences!”