Outstanding Three Choirs Concert in Reigate

The Choirs of Croydon Minster and Hampton Court Palace joined the Reigate Grammar School Godfrey Searle choristers on Saturday, 16 June for a stunning evening of choral music at the beautiful St Mary’s church in Reigate.

The ‘Three Choirs Concert’ was the second collaboration between these historic choirs and it was a pleasure for the audience to experience such a high quality of cathedral style choral singing outside London.

The choirs performed a programme of varied pieces from Gibbons to Philip Moore, as well as large scale pieces with a particular emphasis on the works of Hubert Parry in this centenary year of his death.

The concept of a ‘Three Choirs Concert’ originated two years ago and has now become an established event which is set to expand further as the audience clearly enjoyed what they heard. It is rare for so many male voices to come together, and the RGS Godfrey Searle choristers were delighted to host the evening.

Funds raised will go towards the organ fund at St Mary’s Church where the instrument has recently been extensively restored by Nicholson’s and is now sounding wonderful.

Head of Choral Music, Tali Glynne-Jones said ‘Saturday’s concert was a testament to the value of Choir Schools and their work. The choristers displayed a high level of musicianship and performed with a passion and skill that was a privilege to witness. My thanks go to the other dedicated musical directors, Ronny Krippner, Carl Jackson and Rufus Frowde (deputy conductor and organist of Hampton Court Palace Choir) who helped make this special evening possible.’

Roisin Gibbs, parent of an RGS Godfrey Searle chorister, enjoyed the evening immensely. ‘We were ‘blown away’ by the incredible singing and majestic sound that filled the church. It was a super event and the culmination of many weeks of practice for the boys.’

Reigate St Mary’s Headmaster, Marcus Culverwell said ‘This concert was, in part, celebrating 100 Years of the Choir School Association, an association established at the end of WW1.  We are proud custodians of a wonderful heritage, and these 50 of the 1200 choristers in choirs belonging to CSA, all working together under one roof, singing in absolute harmony and to such a terrifically high standard, was quite a sight and sound to behold.’