The Cranmer Company of Singers, which rehearses in Whatton, is putting on a special concert with The Vanaja Chamber Choir from Finland. This exciting collaboration came about because while living locally and working as an au pair, Taru Perolta sang with the Cranmer Singers. Now Deborah Davies, their Musical Director, is welcoming Ismo Savimake and his choir all the way from Finland to the Vale of Belvoir.
The two choirs will be performing in a unique concert on Saturday 7 June 2014, starting at 7.30pm.
The beautiful parish church of Bottesford will be filled with delightful sounds – a varied programme, mixing sacred and secular, with organ and piano, and likely to include the combined choirs singing firm favourite Zadok the Priest (Handel), and a choral version of Finlandia. Ismo is planning to take the audience on a journey from Finland to Engand through Sweden, Norway and Estonia – rare treats, plus parts of the hauntingly lovely Stabat Mater by Karl Jenkins.
Ticket price: £8 adults, £5 children and those on income related benefits, to include a glass of wine/juice at the interval. It is wise to book in advance by phoning 01949 850364, though they may be available on the door.
This visit was arranged during the deep dark Finnish winter and so sunshine in June is hoped for! Both choirs have about 30 members and have been led by the same director since inception; this year is Vanaja Chamber Choir’s 20th Anniversary and Cranmer’s is coming up soon. While here the Finnish choir will also sing in Lincoln Cathedral and at Belvoir Castle.
Cranmer Company of Singers have engagements in Winchester, York and Spain this summer as well as being booked to sing at a few local weddings.