New work features in Christmas concert supporting Suffolk charity

Suffolk ladies’ choir The Aquarius Singers will perform a choral work specially arranged for them at their annual Christmas concert in support of Bury St Edmunds Womens’ Aid, on Sunday, December 16, at 7pm, at All Saints Church.

“Alleluia! A New Work is Come on Hand” is the setting of a medieval text by composer  and teacher Nick Hopton, now at Bedford School, but who formerly taught at Culford School. The work was originally written for mixed voices, but Aquarius director Gill Garside approached Nick Hopton  and asked him to arrange it for upper voices.

The resulting piece will be premiered at the concert, alongside favourite traditional carols and works by contemporary British composers John Rutter, Philip Stopford and Will Todd.

There will be opportunities for the audience to join in, and in the interval enjoy mulled wine and substantial refreshments provided by members of the choir.

Proceeds from the concert will go to Bury St Edmunds Women’s Aid. The charity was founded in 1974 and provides safety and support for women and children experiencing domestic abuse. The Christmas concerts in aid of the charity are now a regular feature in the choir’s calendar, and to date have raised more than £10,000.

The Aquarius Singers, founded in 1999 by Gill Garside, celebrate their 20th anniversary next year, which will also see Gill’s retirement from the choir.

The 60-strong group rehearses weekly and performs about six times a year, supporting a wide range of charities, both local and national. Their Remembrance Concert, held at All Saints on November 11, raised £900 for SSAFA and the church lighting appeal.

Gill said, “This is my last Christmas concert directing the choir which has been a huge part of my life for the past 20 years. It is always a highlight of our calendar, especially as we are raising funds to support a cause so close to our hearts.”  The choir is accompanied by Polly Anderson.

Tickets are £9 (children free) and include a glass of mulled wine and a finger buffet; there is also a raffle with donated prizes available in advance from Balaam’s Music, in Risbygate Street, tel 01284 766933, and on the door.