Reviews and News
ABBA Singing Day: A Fun and Fabulous Success!
On Saturday, October 4th, 2025, the Croydon Bach Choir embarked on a new with our first ever non classical music Singing Day. This event brought a fresh and energetic vibe to our community, proving that the love for music and camaraderie transcends genres. The day was made even more special by the dynamic duo of Tom Chapman and Duncan White, our guest Musical Director and Accompanist. Their talent, enthusiasm, and boundless energy were contagious, inspiring participants to give their all and create beautiful music together. Tom and Duncan's expertise shone through as they guided us through ABBA's iconic hits with finesse and flair. The joy and excitement were palpable as our choir members fully embraced the ABBA spirit, with some even donning dazzling costumes reminiscent of the iconic Swedish group. The room was filled with laughter, singing, and the undeniable sense that this was a day to remember. Participants left the event with beaming smiles and a renewed appreciation for the power of music to bring people together. The overwhelming positive feedback we received is a testament to the success of this inaugural event, and we couldn't be more grateful to everyone who made it possible. Our heartfelt thanks go out to Tom and Duncan for sharing their talent and passion with us, and to our wonderful choir members for their dedication and willingness to try something new.
Summer 2025 Concert Review
Croydon Bach Choir delivered a captivating performance at St. Matthew's Church, showcasing their impressive range and skill through a diverse repertoire, despite the sweltering heat, with temperatures having soared to 33 degrees that day in Croydon. The first half of the concert featured Elgar's choral gem, The Music Makers, with soloist Belinda Evans' stunning vocals adding depth and emotion to the piece. The choir's passion and dedication shone through as they returned for the second half of the concert. The audience was treated to Chilcott's vibrant Little Jazz Mass and the enchanting "Songs and Cries of London Town." The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly Julian Empett's soul-stirring rendition of the solo part in Vaughan Williams' Five Mystical Songs. The Croydon Bach Choir's commitment to their craft was evident throughout the concert, and the appreciative audience was a testament to their talent and hard work. In summary, it was a memorable evening of music and camaraderie, a true celebration of the human spirit's ability to transcend even the most challenging of circumstances.
Spring 2025 Concert Review
On the evening of 22 March 2025, St Matthew's Church was filled to the brim for Croydon Bach Choir's performance of Edward Elgar's The Dream of Gerontius, a concert which proved to be an unforgettable experience. Under the skilful direction of conductor Tim Horton, the Croydon Bach Choir, accompanied by the wonderful Lambeth Orchestra, delivered a powerful rendition of Elgar's masterpiece. The choir showcased impressive range and depth, tackling the challenging score with ease, while the orchestra provided a rich, nuanced backdrop that brought the music to life. Ronan Busfield shone as Gerontius, effortlessly conveying the character's emotional journey with his expressive voice and impressive range. Rebekah Niesser-Jones brought grace and warmth to the role of the Angel, while Julian Empett showcased his versatility and prowess in the dual roles of the Priest and the Angel of the Agony. The venue itself, St Matthew's Church, provided the perfect setting for the performance. The church's acoustics beautifully enhanced the music, allowing the audience to fully appreciate the intricacies of Elgar's composition. Overall, the Croydon Bach Choir's performance of The Dream of Gerontius was a resounding success. The talented ensemble, under the direction of Tim Horton, paid homage to Elgar's work with passion and precision, resulting in a truly memorable concert experience.
London Mozart Players' 2024 Christmas Concert
The London Mozart Players' Christmas concert held Saturday, 14th December 2024 at St John’s in Upper Norwood was, once again, a wonderful and well-attended event and the Croydon Bach Choir were thrilled and honoured to be invited to participate again for yet another year. The London Mozart Players’ brass players were absolutely outstanding, as always. A special mention must be made of Father John from St John's, whose welcoming remarks, humorous introductions and jokes added an extra layer of warmth and charm to the proceedings. The overall atmosphere was one of joy, camaraderie, and celebration.
Christmas 2024 Concert Review
Croydon Bach Choir's Christmas concert on Saturday, 7th December 2024 at St Matthew's Church was a festive treat for the ears, featuring a delightful mix of classic and contemporary choral works. Under the expert direction of Tim Horton, the choir, as always, gave a polished and engaging performance. The first half of the programme comprised the beautiful Messe de Minuit pour Noel by Charpentier, as well as the haunting In Terra Pax by Finzi. In the second half the choir performed Britten's A Ceremony of Carols and Vaughan Williams' Fantasia on Christmas Carols. The two professional soloists, Belinda Evans (soprano) and Julian Empett (baritone) both achieved standout performances. Despite the inclement weather, the church was packed with enthusiastic audience members, who were treated to complimentary festive refreshments during the interval. The choir's attention to detail and professional organisation made for a seamless and enjoyable experience from start to finish. Overall, the concert was a resounding success, and a testament to the power of choral music to bring people together in celebration.
St Matthew's Church Defibrillator
On 16th June 2024, the Croydon Bach Choir's generosity and commitment to community wellbeing were celebrated when the Archdeacon of Croydon, Greg Prior, blessed the newly installed defibrillator at a special service St Matthew's Church, our regular rehearsal and concert venue.
The purchase of this life-saving device, made possible by the financial contribution of the Croydon Bach Choir, along with other hirers of the church, will benefit church visitors and the general public alike.
The Croydon Bach Choir is proud to have contributed to the safety and health of our local community and hope this defibrillator serves as a symbol of our heartfelt dedication.
