History
The story of the Chorus starts about 1970. At that time Lord Willams's Grammar School catered only for boys, and its choir and orchestra were conducted by the school's Director of Music William Gilbert.
In due course an annual Festival of Christmas Music was started, being a combined schools concert in Thame Sports and Arts Centre (now named Thame Leisure Centre). Initially it was conducted by Chris Hood (then a GP in Princes Risborough), and teachers of primary schools.
At the same time, this event was supplemented by an Easter performance by Lord Williams's School Combined Choirs, which combined pupils, staff and many parents.
From 1973 to 1983, the school's Director of Music was Robin Nelson. The Combined Choirs blossomed and grew, singing in Thame and New College, Oxford. Works included the Berlioz Te Deum, Verdi Requiem, Poulenc Gloria, and Duruflé Requiem.
From 1983 to 1985, David Murphy was Director of Music, followed by Jane Smale, Tina Guthrie and Elizabeth Hammond. During this stage, David Murphy started a second choir, about 20 hand picked members who could read at sight, The Bells Singers. It went to sing at Jane Smale's wedding in Bristol.
Around 1990, Robert Hammersley took over, changing its name to Festival Chorus, and taking it with the school orchestra (including harp) to perform in Paris. The programme at this point included Christmas and Easter concerts, together with taking part in the schools' Festival of Christmas Music.
When he left, there was a change in the school's policy so that the Director of Music was no longer expected to run the large choir and orchestra, the school's focus shifting to results and league tables at this time.
The choir now became independent of the school, and since it had no Director of Music, a member of staff, Peter Parshall stepped into the breach.
About 1997, a new Music Director, Robert Webb was appointed.
He was followed 2001/2002 by Judy Martin, then by Peter Parshall, who once more stepped in to fill the gap.
2003 saw Chris Hood take over the role – the same Chris Hood who conducted the first Festival of Christmas Music by the combined schools choir (see above).
In 2004 John Gibbons became Director of Music
The loss of Peter Cole, our treasurer, in March 2006, after a long illness, was a great sadness to many in the choir.
Due mainly to his hard work, and the support of our former Chairman, Catharine Meek, the Choir was pleased to receive registered charitable status in February 2006, which enables us to maintain competitive subscription levels, as we are now able to reclaim gift aid.
Under John Gibbons' musical direction, ably accompanied by Rowena on the piano, and with the leadership of our new Chairman, Claire Humphries, the choir has gone from strength to strength.
2007 was our most successful year yet, with sell-out performances of Verdi’s Requiem and Karl Jenkins’ The Armed Man.
We have been greatly encouraged by the support from Ealing Symphony Orchestra, who perform with us at our two main concerts, and we hope to continue working with ESO in the future. http://www.ealingso.org.uk/
We hope that you will come and join LWFC for a rehearsal or concert soon. See other pages on this site for more details.