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Farewell to Roger

July 18: The choir said farewell to music director Roger Pinsent at its summer concert on Saturday, July 16.  Roger received multiple prezzies, a speech of thanks from the choir chair, and resounding applause from the audience.

Roger about to receive his first prezzie from JWT and Kim

Chair Kim Ormond presented Roger with a glass trophy and thanked him for the difference he had made to the choir’s performances – a reference to the development of the choir’s technical abilities and musical ambitions that marked Roger’s four years as music director.

Roger was also awarded a pair of colourful flipflops to note his liking for conducting in bare feet.  Roger, who is moving away from Croydon, thanked the choir for both presents and said the four years had been “great fun”.

Kim with trophy, Roger with flip-flops (photo JWT)

The summer concert featured the Surrey Fringe Barbershop Chorus, which Roger also directed and conducted, and is now leaving.  Both choirs sang several sets from their current repertoires and ended with a joint performance of You'll Never Walk Alone.

The Surrey Fringe Barbershop Chorus (photo Leni Gillman)

The appreciative audience included many of the choir’s patrons, who contribute so valuably to the choir’s funds.  

The choir has now ended formal rehearsals for the summer.  Its après rehearsals will continue at Sandilands on Thursdays (8-9pm), as will its “beer n ditties” sessions on Fridays.

The choir will return to rehearsals in mid-September under its new music director, Matthew Quinn. The choir’s pianist David Terry has also retired and will be replaced by Sam Prouse, already familiar to choir members from playing at some rehearsals.