Achi news desk-
This is also the first time in its history that the highly respected amateur choir, whose members range from 18 to 80 years of age and over, has a female chairperson at the helm.
Sarah Strachan, who took up the post last year, explains: “I am very honored to be the first woman to chair the choir.
“I joined when I moved to Scotland 20 years ago, really as a way to meet people, and I love it. We have come so far, especially in terms of the quality of the singing, which has improved constantly, especially over the last five years. Moving our center to the west end of Glasgow has also made a huge difference, and it’s great to have the support of Rathbones.”
Adam Drummond, regional director of Rathbones, says the investment and wealth management firm is excited to support the concert. “Rathbones is very proud to sponsor this fantastic event, and to support Bearsden Choir, which is such a positive part of the concert. the community of Bearsden and the local area,” he adds.
To close the 55th season, on May 19, Bearsden Choir will perform Estonian composer Arvo Pärt’s Salve Regina and Puccini’s Messa Di Gloria, alongside Love Lives Beyond the Tomb, a new piece by a former member of the George Swann choir.
“We performed George’s piece for the first time last year, and the choir were delighted to support him again to develop an orchestral accompaniment for this special concert, which is very exciting,” said Sarah.
“The Salve Regina is one that may be unfamiliar to many people, but it’s really beautiful and ethereal, with lovely long lines. Then, we move to Milan and the 19th century Puccini, which is full of hope and excitement.”
Sarah adds: “I think it’s a program that shows the versatility of the choir, and our own hope and excitement for the future, as we look forward to the next 55 years and beyond.”
Bearsden Choir, under the musical direction of conductor Andrew Nunn, has approximately 150 members. The soprano Janis Lynch is one of the new members, having joined the choir in September 2022.
A former member of Glasgow City Chorus, she was always keen to return to singing once “work and family commitments allowed,” she explains.
“Singing has always been my passion, ever since school,” explains Janis, who studied medicine in Edinburgh and now works as a GP on the south side of Glasgow. “I love being part of Bearsden Choir. Rehearsals are very enjoyable and relaxing, which is great for me because I have a demanding and busy ‘day job’.”
Janis adds: “Andrew is an inspiration. He works us hard, so it’s challenging, but you really feel like you’ve achieved something when you hear the choir produce such an impressive sound.”
Janis heard about the choir through her daughter, Hannah Burnett-Godfree, who was studying with Andrew at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. Hannah, a second year law student at Glasgow University, has also joined the choir.
“It’s really nice to be able to do something like this together,” said Janis. “The May concert program is fantastic, it has been very interesting to work on the Puccini and the Salve Regina.”
Tickets are available now from www.glasgowconcerthalls.com or www.glasgowlife.org.uk/event/3/bearsden-choir
Bearsden Choir is proudly sponsored by Rathbones
