Weymouth Choral Society Summer Serenade June 2026
A wonderfully entertaining afternoon of music was provided by Weymouth Choral Society at their annual Summer Serenade, billed as ‘Our Famous Tea and Cakes Concert!’ A programme of great variety, featuring songs from stage and screen, passed through various subjects and moods. The capacity audience was treated to a medley of Rodgers & Hammerstein songs and a selection from Les Miserables, with a gamut of other songs of musical theatre and film, from the 1930s to the 21st century. Audience participation was encouraged in several numbers.
Louise Dukes accompanied at the piano with her usual skill and confidence and the numerous soloists from the choir are to be congratulated on fine performances. Particularly delightful was the contribution of the Choral Society’s first Choral Scholar, soprano Chloe Tripp. Impressing with her warm-hearted and musical interpretations of songs such as ‘The Deadwood Stage’, ‘The Sound of Music’ and ‘Close Every Door to Me’, Chloe is a young singer to watch out for!
The concert was well-held by musical director Helen Brind, who put together the interesting and eclectic programme. Last but not least, the refreshments were again a great hit!
Weymouth Choral Society Spring Concert March 2026
The audience at St John’s Church, in Greenhill, Weymouth on the evening of Saturday 14th March were treated to an enterprising and enjoyable programme of exquisite classical music followed by the choral work Mozart’s Requiem. The acoustics were the perfect setting for music composed by Crusell, C.P.E. Bach, Tchaikovsky and Mozart. The soloists were Verity Joy (Soprano), Miriam Betz (Alto), William Gadd (Tenor), Joe Lyndley (Baritone/Bassoon), Jeff Thomas (Trombone), Simon Earl (Organ) and Louise Dukes (Piano).
The well-balanced choir under the commanding leadership of Helen Brind started the evening with Non Nobis, Domine (Not to us, Lord) by Roger Quilter from a Latin hymn. This intensely emotional piece set the tone for the following piece of bassoon music, Lensky’s Aria by Tchaikovsky beautifully performed by Joe Lyndley (bassoon) and Louise Dukes on piano. They followed this with the Bach Concerto in A Minor 1st Movement which had some lively moments as well as the more thoughtful sections.
Next the choir and soloists sang Franck’s Panis Angelicus, a setting of a 13th century hymn by Thomas Aquinas which was well received by the audience. The singing on this hymn was well controlled and continued the thoughtful tone set by the bassoonist. Mozart’s Laudate Dominum gave the chance for some impressive soloist singing and gentle choral affirmation. The first half was rounded off with Crusell’s Concertino for Bassoon which sounded beautiful with the music flowing through the church.
The audience returned refreshed for the second half which was a performance of Mozart’s Requiem. This needed little introduction as it is so well known. The choir were impressive, all parts were well sung with some beautiful harmonies being heard throughout. All the works this evening were tackled with great dedication by the singers, musicians and leader.
Another very successful concert with no spare seats to be had in the church!
