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GUILDFORD PHILHARMONIC
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GPC
CHOIR
President: Sir David Willcocks CBE, MC
From the Chairman
John Trigg
13 Vicarage Gate
Onslow Village
Guildford
Surrey
Telephone: 01483 566341
GU2 7QJ
August 2002
Dear All,
I hope you are well, had a good summer and are looking forward to another exciting season
with the GPC. The date of our first rehearsal has been changed from that announced at the
AGM to Monday 9" September.
As you can see from the rehearsal schedule we are looking forward to a very exciting season.
We shall be visiting our friends in the Freiburg Bachchor in Germany to perform the Dvorak
Requiem after we have performed it in Guildford in October. If you heard the electrifying
performance of the Mahler 8 at this years Proms you will realise what a treat is in store for
Guildford next May!
In our first concert, not only are we performing the Dvorak Requiem with the Brandenburg
Sinfonia and excellent, well-known soloists, but Chloe Hanslip will be also playing the Bruch
Violin Concerto. Chloe is a local girl and only 14, but is rapidly rising to stardom. She will be
releasing her latest CD at the time of our concert. Given Chloe’s popularity, we thought that
this would help to sell the concert.
Without wishing to repeat everything that I said at the AGM, one very important point must
be reiterated. For the past two years, in spite of first class performances, our audiences are
decreasing in number, and what is of more concern, there is a downward trend. The
consequence of this is on the one hand we perform to a half full cathedral, which is not
satisfactory considering the quality of our concerts and the artists and orchestras that we
employ; and on the other hand, it does not increase the reserves that we have in the bank.
Whilst our reserves are quite healthy, it must be remembered that when we were separated
from the Borough organisation 5 years ago, we had nothing. The membership worked
extremely hard to take every opportunity to advertise and promote the Choir so that we could
quickly achieve a financial reserve that would allow us put on concerts as good as, if not
better and definitely more adventurous, than those that we had participated in previously.
It is therefore beholden on every member to actively work towards doing their bit in ensuring
that all concerts are a sell out. This can be done by advertising in your locality and at work,
posting leaflets to friends, acquaintances or to anyone who you think might possibly be
interested; also by persuading as many people as possible that they will have a great night
out at our concerts. No excuses please, we are all busy with demanding jobs, the choir is not
there for your relaxation alone, and it does require commitment from everyone.
I look forward to seeing you at our first rehearsal, remember, Monday 9" September not
2" September as announced previously.
With best wishes
Yohee