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The Society has been contributing to the artistic life of the town
for over 25 years. Throughout that time it has provided an annual
programme of highly varied choral music in three concerts.
A Christmas concert is performed in December. This is often a seasonal
piece for the Society alone, together with traditional carols, some
with audience participation. In recent years visiting musicians
have added to the enjoyment. The TGS Motet Choir (BBC School Choir
of the Year Runners Up in 2007), the TGS Swing Band, individual
instrumental and vocal soloists have all contributed to the fun.
The Kent Police Band have also contributed in recent years.
The Spring concert, usually around Easter, presents a clearly classical
programme. Past events have included performances of Handel’s
‘Nelson Mass’ and ‘Messiah’, Mozart’s
‘Requiem’ and Brahms ‘German Mass’. Modern
composers have also featured and in a recent concert Ralph Vaughan-Williams
was paired with Mozart.
Come the summer and the Choral Society reveals a lighter side. Folk
songs, songs from Broadway musicals or excerpts from Gilbert and
Sullivan, sometimes with guest groups or soloists, provide a bright
and breezy end to the choir’s year.
The Society’s current Music Director and Conductor is Adrian
Pitts who has had extensive experience working with both adult and
school choirs. The accompanist is Paul Jeffrey  who,
amongst many other musical activities, has been organist at the
Church of King Charles the Martyr, Tunbridge Wells and is currently
organist at St. Luke’s Church, Sevenoaks.
In recent years the choir has grown as a direct result of a concentrated
recruiting campaign. One element of this has been the introduction
of Open Rehearsals. A regular Tuesday evening rehearsal is given
over to one specific piece which is learned completely during the
session. All are welcome to come and join. No auditions are held.
We rehearse every Tuesday evening during the school year from 7.45
p.m. until 9.30 p.m. in the Wallis Room at St Andrew’s Church.
For more details you can contact the Secretary on 01892 834814 or
go to our website www.paddockwood-choral.org.uk.
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