Classical concert in aid of YMCA Norfolk appeal

 

Under the patronage of YMCA Norfolk president, General Lord Richard Dannatt, the internationally-known choir from London will perform with their founder and conductor Philip Simms, soprano soloist Lynda Russell, counter tenor Stefan Roberts and the Alexandra Players.

 

The choir regularly visits Norfolk and has given a series of highly successful annual concerts in both Norwich Cathedral and Wymondham Abbey over the last ten years, most recently for Help for Heroes in 2010.

 

The June 4 programme includes works by Bach and Handel, including Handel’s recently discovered Gloria and the virtuosic Dixit Dominus.

 

The Tallis Chamber Choir was founded in 1982 by Philip Simms and quickly established itself both in the UK and Europe as an excellent and versatile group of singers. Philip himself has conducted in all London’s concert halls and throughout the UK with orchestras such as the English Chamber Orchestra, LSO and the Orchestra of the Millennium.

 

Lynda Russell's operatic prowess is ever in demand, with leading roles in the major opera houses of the world - Barcelona, Madrid, Venice, Rome and Strasbourg as well as the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden.

 

The Wymondham concert is to raise funds for the £1m appeal by YMCA Norfolk for the development of 40 new move-on accommodation units at its site in Bethel Street, immediately behind the current St Giles' Street accommodation. 

 

Organiser, and YMCA board member, Chris Lawrence, said: “The concert aims to both raise funds for and awareness of this vital development in the provision of support and care for disadvantaged young people in our county.”

 

Demolition of the old accommodation wing and sports hall at the Bethel Street site have already taken place, the archaeological dig has been completed and contractors Lovell are at work on construction. Completion and opening are planned for 2012.

 

General Lord Dannatt is hosting a sponsors' reception before the concert at nearby Cavick House, a Grade 1 Queen Anne house that has close historic links with Wymondham Abbey. There has already been strong support for the concert from the major sponsors: Ward Gethin, Lovewell Blake, Jarrolds, the Lovell Partnership and Archant.  

 

The concert takes place at Wymondham Abbey on Saturday June 4 at 7.30pm. Tickets, priced £20, £15, £5 (under 18), are on sale in Norwich at Prelude Records in St Giles Street (01603 628319) and in Wymondham at The Book Fountain, Wharton's Court (01953 603663).