ABOUT US
Spelthorne Choral Society, based in Staines-upon-Thames, is the foremost choir in the borough of Spelthorne. Founded in 1920 and originally named Ashford Choral Society, they have welcomed members from Staines, Ashford, and the beyond for nearly a century. Currently formed of fifty singers, the choir performs four concerts per season during the period of September to early-July. The choir performs major choral works, as well as lesser-known works, to the highest standards, often alongside professional soloists with a variety of piano, organ, and orchestral accompaniment.
ABOUT US
Spelthorne Choral Society, based in Staines-upon-Thames, is the foremost choir in the borough of Spelthorne. Founded in 1920 and originally named Ashford Choral Society, they have welcomed members from Staines, Ashford, and the beyond for nearly a century. Currently formed of fifty singers, the choir performs four concerts per season during the period of September to early-July. The choir performs major choral works, as well as lesser-known works, to the highest standards, often alongside professional soloists with a variety of piano, organ, and orchestral accompaniment.
ABOUT US
Spelthorne Choral Society, based in Staines-upon-Thames, is the foremost choir in the borough of Spelthorne. Founded in 1920 and originally named Ashford Choral Society, they have welcomed members from Staines, Ashford, and the beyond for nearly a century. Currently formed of fifty singers, the choir performs four concerts per season during the period of September to early-July. The choir performs major choral works, as well as lesser-known works, to the highest standards, often alongside professional soloists with a variety of piano, organ, and orchestral accompaniment.
Spelthorne Choral Society, based in Staines-upon-Thames, is the foremost choir in the borough of Spelthorne. Founded in 1920 and originally named Ashford Choral Society, they have welcomed members from Staines, Ashford, and beyond for nearly a century. Currently formed of fifty singers, the choir performs four concerts per season during the period of September to early-July. The choir performs major choral works, as well as lesser-known works, to the highest standards, often alongside professional soloists with a variety of piano, organ, and orchestral accompaniment.
The choir is directed by Sean Bui and accompanied by Lindsay Bridgwater, both accomplished professional musicians. Our weekly rehearsals include basic vocal training and are both methodical and fun! If you have a passion for singing any type of music, why not come to a rehearsal and have a go? Rehearsals take place on Mondays during term-time from 7:30pm to 9:30pm at Our Lady of the Rosary School, Park Avenue, Staines, Middlesex, TW18 2EF and additionally on the Thursday prior to each concert. We currently have vacancies in all parts and there is no audition process. Please contact us for further details.
ABOUT US
Born and educated in the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, Sean read Music at Royal Holloway University of London, where he received both his undergraduate and Master’s degrees. He is an experienced conductor, composer, singer, and music editor, having previously worked for Oxford University Press.
As an accomplished conductor, Sean regularly directs Quire Voices, Spelthorne Choral Society, The Royal Harmonics, and The Knights of Harmony, amongst other choirs. Sean is also Assistant Director of Music at The Royal Chapel of All Saints, Windsor GreatPark.
Sean is a talented singer and most recently achieved first place with his quartet, First Edition, in the International Quartet category at the Irish Association of Barbershop Singers Convention in October. Sean has studied singing with many talented professionals, as well as participating in masterclasses with Janice Chapman and Ron Morris. His past classical solo performances include the Mozart Requiem and Great Mass in C minor, as well as a performance at The Royal Albert Hall.
For further information, please visit: www.seanbui.com
LINDSAY BRIDGWATER—ACCOMPANIST
Lindsay Bridgwater was born in Nottingham and studied Music at Cambridge University, acquiring a degree and various diplomas on the way. Whilst at Cambridge, he was Musical Director for the famous Footlights Revue.
He continues to perform in many diverse projects, and finds all genres both enriching and stimulating. He would tell us, however, that he is continuing his musical education at the 'School of Life' where he is constantly being stimulated by challenges from 'Rock to Baroque'.
He is well known as an organist and accompanist throughout London. He continues to travel widely and work regularly with the Philharmonia. He has completed another project with Pimlico Opera, in which he took part in a sequence of performances of ‘Les Miserables’ in Prison. This worthy project was attended by the Duchess of Cornwall, one of the sponsors, and involves professional musicians and actors working alongside inmates to stage performances.
Also Lindsay has given an Organ and Harpsichord recital in Suffolk, and continues to give two-piano recitals with fellow musician Leslie Pearson.
His past is littered with performing credits from Ozzy Osbourne to Buckingham Palace and The Vatican. The diversity of his musical interests is underlined by his having performed on BBC Radios 1, 2, 3, and 4!
JOIN US
If you have a passion for singing any type of music, why not come to a rehearsal and have a go? Rehearsals take place on Mondays during term-time from 7:30pm to 9:30pm at Our Lady of the Rosary School, Park Avenue, Staines, Middlesex, TW182EF and additionally on a Thursday prior to each concert. We currently have vacancies in all parts and there is no audition process. Please contact us for further details.
SUBSCRIPTION RATES
Waged
Annual rate: £300
Instalments:
£150 (Sept.) and £150 (Feb.)
Full Time Education
Free*
*subject to a £10 refundable security deposit for music
Unwaged
Annual rate: £270
Instalments:
£135 (Sept.) and £135 (Feb.)
Subscriptions are payable annually in September or as two instalments in September and February. You can talk to the treasurer about other options or if you join at other points in the season. Your subscription covers approximately 43 rehearsals and the 4 concerts per year including a members ticket per concert (See committee members for further details) —that works out at approximately £7.00 per rehearsal at the highest rate.
Please note that subscriptions for all categories now includes music hire and a prepaid ticket per member for each concert. This ticket can be sold on.
BURSARIES
Spelthorne Choral Society is delighted to offer full or partial bursaries to strong singers with the ability to sight read music to a high standard. Full bursaries are worth £300 per annum and there are currently opportunities in all voice parts. To apply, please contact us indicating which part you sing and giving brief details of your experience. You will be invited to spend an evening with us, at the end of which you will have a short audition with the Musical Director and the part representative.
Please note that those on a bursary scheme are asked to fund the cost of one ticket per concert. (See ask treasurer for details.)
INTRODUCTION SCHEME
In an effort to increase the society's membership, we are launching an introduction scheme to reward those who bring in new members. For every full member introduced (i.e. Unwaged or Waged) you will receive a cheque for £10. The following terms and conditions apply:
New Members:
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The new member must not have been a member of SCS in the previous three years.
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They must have paid their first term subscription (which has not subsequently been refunded).
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They must present a completed application form bearing the name of the introducer.
Introducer:
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The introducer must be a current member who is up-to-date with their subscriptions.
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There is no limit to the number of introduction fees that may be claimed.
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Reward cheques will be issued at the beginning of the following term.
GET IN TOUCH
We'd love to hear from you
ORGANISING A WEDDING, FUNERAL, OR EVENT
If you are organising an event, a wedding, or a funeral and you would like extra voices to swell the singing or perhaps to sing a short anthem, Spelthorne Choral Society can help. The society can also engage a first rate professional organist, if needed. The society is ever mindful that church choirs are in decline and so avoids accepting engagements where its attendance may offend resident musicians; however if you think that our choir could be of assistance to you please contact us.
BECOME A FRIEND
Join us as a Friend!
If you regularly support our concerts and would like to make a very real contribution but are unable to join us in singing, why not become a Friend? For an annual subscription (minimum £50) you will receive:
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Complimentary tickets
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Free programmes
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Acknowledgement in all our programmes
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An invitation to social and fundraising events.
BECOME A SPONSOR
Sponsor all or part of a concert and receive a variety of benefits and advertising. We have been fortunate in the past to receive sponsorship from:
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P J Scott and Sons of Sunbury
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ACS Computer Services of Feltham
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Waitrose plc.