WFCS raises the roof at Proms Spectaculars!

Following an invitation earlier this year from outdoor events organisers BelEvents, a chorus of 30 singers from Worcester Festival Choral Society raised the roof at two, impressive, Diamond Jubilee-themed Proms Spectacular outdoor picnic concerts in August, providing a refreshingly different singing opportunity and some excellent local PR.

The concerts took place at Stansted Park stately home in Hampshire on 20 August, and Malvern Three Counties Showground on 27 August.

Each event attracted an audience of more than 2,000 concert-goers, who were treated to a full evening of entertainment including an Army parachute display, Spitfire acrobatics, a swing band, and of course an exciting, Proms-style orchestral and choral concert – complete with impressive, synchronised fireworks display. 

The WFCS ‘Proms Chorus’, which pre-rehearsed with Worcester Cathedral's Deputy Director of Music Nicholas Freestone, and teacher and organist Christopher Allsop, as well as the concert conductor Ben Ruffer, performed rousing classics including Zadok the Priest, O fortuna, Land of Hope and Glory, Jerusalem and ‘Anthem’ from Chess, as well as Nessun Dorma alongside renowned tenor Oliver Johnston. The London Orion Orchestra also performed. 

Concert conductor and Captain in the Royal Corps of Music, Ben Ruffer, said: "The Worcester Festival Choral Society 'Proms Chorus' really did bring the show to another level and what I just compliment you all on is your work ethic. I’ve worked with many choirs and it’s rare to find one that is well rehearsed and flexible, thank you!"

Our thanks to all WFCS singers who took part in these two, extremely memorable occasions!

Photo: Michael Whitefoot