Choralia Choir set to perform at All Saints Church, Milford, in aid of Oxfam
MILFORD-based chamber choir Choralia are hoping to provide an antidote to the winter blues with a new year concert in support of Oxfam.
The 40-strong group, formed in 2021, continue to increase their repertoire and extend their programme of events to New Forest towns and villages.
Entitled ‘I’ve Got Rhythm’, the concert will take place on Saturday 1st February at 2.30pm in All Saints Church, Milford. The event is billed as a heartwarming programme of love-themed songs to chase away the winter blues.
Led by musical director Phil Daish-Handy, accompanied by Leigh Jerwood, and Nova Foresta Classical Players, the choir will present familiar music such as I Got Rhythm by George Gershwin, Let’s Do It by Cole Porter, Blue Moon by Richard Rodgers, and much more. There will also be some surprises as the choir brings a new repertoire of beautiful modern classical songs.
Choralia was formed by members of a previous local singing group which collapsed because of the covid pandemic.
A choir spokesperson said: “The choir has grown in strength musically and in number, every concert eliciting enquiries about joining the choir.
“Choralia Milford is building its reputation by bringing a more unusual and lesser-known repertoire of new and old, secular and sacred music to concert audiences, many sung acappella, in addition to more familiar music.
“Erring toward the more classical, but with some surprising arrangements adding an element of surprise to performances. The choir members have a wide range of musical experience – some members have sung from childhood and can sight read; some latecomers to singing have no formal music skills.”
The concert will support Oxfam, whose volunteers will be serving interval refreshments.
Tickets are £15 (free for children) and are on sale at the Bridge box office in Milford, the Oxfam Shop in New Milton or via choraliamilford.org.uk. Some tickets will also be available on the door.