The Choral
Group was started in the early 1990s by June Reed.
It is now a choir of 45 - 50 voices. A wide range
of well-known choral works has been
performed,including those by C. P. E. Bach, J. S.
Bach, Benjamin Britten, Gounod ,Handel, Haydn,
Puccini, Rossini,John Rutter and
Schubert.
The Choir performs with an
orchestra and well-known soloists. Other events
include Social Evenings with performances of
lighter works such as Trial by Jury and Merrie
England, and an annual Dinner.
The
proceeds from Concerts, after expenses have been
met, are donated to charity. Thanks to the
generosity of the devoted audiences who support the
St Mary's Singers substantial sums have been
distributed.
Among the charities
to benefit are:-
St Mary's Church Ponteland, venue of
main concerts - Contributions to roof repairs and
towards the Fund for the new peal of bells,
dedicated last year.
St Oswald's Hospice
Macmillan Nurses
Multiple Sclerosis Research
Motor Neurone Disease
Breast Cancer Research
Children's Leukaemia Research
School for the Deaf
Diabetes Research
Alzheimer Research
Red Cross
Coping with
Cancer
Tynedale Community Hospice, serving
Ponteland and the surrounding
area.
Jigsaw Appeal and the Yellow
Brick Road Appeal ~ St Oswald's Hospice