Start Singing with Philomusica

It’s easy to get fed up when there’s often so much bad news in the media. And the disappointing summer weather hasn’t helped much. If you’re in need of cheering up, the members of local choir Philomusica would love to hear from you.

Philomusica’s conductor, Linda Parsons, is a firm believer in the positive benefits of singing. Linda says: “Raising your voice in song with a friendly group of singers is a sure-fire way of getting the feel-good factor. It’s huge fun!” Linda adds that singing can help you keep in trim too. “Medical research has shown that singing helps you tone up your muscles and also releases endorphins which create the body’s “feel good” factor. So rehearsing and performing can even beat going to the gym!”

The choir, which draws its membership from all over the county, is keen to attract new singers as they begin rehearsals for their autumn series of concerts. “ We don’t audition people before they join” said Linda. “ We would rather people came along and gave us a try. Our autumn programme offers what should be a fascinating contrast. We’re going to sing Mozart’s Requiem, one of the greatest pieces in the choral repertoire and we’re going to couple it with performances of a brand new work by Howard Goodall. His Eternal Light. A Requiem was only composed in 2008 but it’s already a big hit and it includes some lovely, accessible music. New members can expect a warm welcome and some great music to sing.”

If you want to hear Philomusica in action before joining you can hear them perform Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana and Feel the Spirit, a suite of Spirituals in arrangements by John Rutter. That concert is in Pershore Abbey on Saturday 26 September 2009 at 7.30pm.

Philomusica has a rehearsal group which meets at 7.30pm each Friday at The Milestone School, Longford Lane, Gloucester and interested singers are welcome to come along to a rehearsal or to visit the choir’s website at www.philomusica.org.uk. Further information is also available from Linda Parsons on 01452 700847; John Quinn on 01452 506417; or Gaye Boggon on 01452 308674.