Article by Dee Hipwell

Kingston Choral Society Looks to Make Friends This week saw a reprieve for the BBC Singers, after musicians and music-lovers across the country protested in unison about the loss both amateur and professional musical worlds would suffer by their abolition. The inter-relatedness of the classical music ecosystem has a local resonance here in Kingston.

On Saturday 25 March, All Saints Church was packed by an enthusiastic audience for Kingston Choral Society's (KCS) Spring Concert.

That evening, 85 KCS singers performed alongside 36 professional musicians. The programme featured Mozart's Mass in C Minor, one of the jewels in the Classical crown. The other works were Insanae et vanae curae by Haydn, and a little-known delight – the first UK performance of an adaptation of Haydn's Creation by his Italian contemporary, Luigi Gatti.

The Thames Sinfonia orchestra accompanied the choir, conducted by Andrew Griffiths. They were joined by soloists Ffion Edwards (soprano), Gillian Ramm (alto), Phillip Costovski (tenor) and Jack Holton (bass). As a local charity, KCS volunteers work hard to attract, and to pay for such nationally renowned musicians to entertain audiences in the borough.

The Royal Mayor of Kingston upon Thames and KCS Patron, Cllr Yogan Yoganathan, was among those in attendance (Credit: Cllr Yogan Yoganathan)

Addressing the audience before the concert, the KCS Patron and Mayor of Kingston upon Thames, Councillor Yogan Yoganathan launched the Friends of Kingston Choral Society, designed to boost the choir's efforts to raise the funds needed to stage such high-calibre music in Kingston's local venues.

He said: "If, like me, you value local culture, and the skill and passion these volunteer singers bring to our community, please consider becoming a Friend."

The Friends of Kingston Choral Society scheme is designed to help ensure that the choir can continue to serve the Kingston community for years to come. Chair Debbie, added: "KCS is immensely grateful for the ongoing support of our loyal concert audiences and former members. Becoming a Friend is a new way they can help, and stay in touch with us."

For as little as £25 per year, those signing up as Friends will have the satisfaction of knowing they are contributing to community culture, and feeling a sense of belonging to the KCS family. Friends will also receive a range of rewards and recognition. For more information, email [email protected]