Friday 5th October, 2007

After an early tea, 35 members of the Chapel Choir boarded a coach and departed from Abberley to go to Worcester Cathedral. Since the beginning of term we had been learning the musical ‘Romany Wood’, which is a 40-minute classical work for children's voices, narrator and orchestra with text by David Carr and music by David Gaukroger. The piece is designed to appeal to children aged 7-13 and has been performed to great acclaim in concert halls, cathedrals and schools around the UK.

When we arrived at the Cathedral we noticed that the seating in the building had been changed around and that there was raised seating below the west end window. We were to find out that this is where we were going to sing and members of the English Symphony Orchestra would be on the floor below us.

Our conductor, Dr Donald Hunt OBE, had been Director of Music at the Cathedral for 20 years and since retiring from that post in 1996 is known for his work as a conductor, lecturer, composer and teacher.

Approximately 200 children from 6 schools in and around Worcester had a short rehearsal with the orchestra where the choir got used to singing in the magnificent coustic and surroundings of Worcester Cathedral accompanied by the orchestra.

After a little break, it was time for the performance and a large and appreciative audience had made the effort to come and hear us. We all rose to the occasion and had a jolly good sing.

It was a wonderful performing opportunity, a valuable opportunity to raise funds and we had fun too.