Young musicians join Southwell Choral Society for Summer Serenade at Southwell Minster
A choral society’s Summer Serenade is set to be a perfect opportunity to sit back and enjoy a wide range of musical talent at no cost.
A superb baritone singer will join a truly impressive electric guitarist and the Southwell Choral Society in a programme of musical gems, a mixture of old and new, classical, spiritual and folk song, on Saturday, June 22.
This year the society has awarded bursaries to two young musicians from the area.
The John and Peggy Oldham Award goes to Benjamin Watkins, aged 23. Ben was a student at Redhill Academy, a Choral Scholar at Magdalen College and graduated from Oxford University.
He sings regularly with choirs in London and is developing a solo career in oratorio and opera. He plans to apply to conservatoires to study for a Masters in Vocal Performance and is “delighted” to receive the award of £500 in support of his studies.
The David McIntosh Award goes to Sonny Hall, a 16-year-old student at Carlton-le-Willows Academy. Sonny pays the electric guitar, specialising in progressive and innovative techniques.
He has made a study of a wide range of unique styles and has made personal appearances at a number of venues in Nottingham and Mansfield. He hopes to attend the summer school at Leeds Conservatoire which will help his preparation for the qualifications he hopes to take as he goes into year 13.
It is his intention that the award of £500 will support the costs of this course.
Both winners will perform at the concert and receive their awards.
Marcus Farnsworth will direct the society in a selection of short choral pieces which will have something to appeal to all tastes.
The special concert will run from 2pm to 3pm, so is an ideal opportunity to also introduce the younger members of the family to the joys of live music. All tickets are free of charge.