Join Ipswich Choral Society for a double anniversary celebration marking 550 years since the birth of Cardinal Thomas Wolsey and 200 years since Ipswich Choral Society was formed. To mark the occasion, Ipswich Choral Society is hosting a free community event in Christchurch Park on 29th June.
Ipswich Choral Society was delighted to receive a community grant from the Thomas Wolsey 550 project, launched in March 2023 to celebrate the 550th anniversary of the birth of Cardinal Thomas Wolsey. Thomas Wolsey rose from humble beginnings in Ipswich to become the most powerful statesman in England, alongside King Henry VIII. With the community grant, Ipswich Choral Society has commissioned three new choral works which will all be premiered at the event.
Two of the newly commissioned pieces use text from Shakespeare’s play ‘Henry VIII’. ‘Farewell to His Greatness’ by Liz Alexander, former ICS member, features the monologue by Cardinal Wolsey which addresses his sudden downfall as adviser to the King. Mark Blatchly, ICS accompanist, has written ‘This Cardinal’ which features a description of Wolsey made after hearing news of his death.
The third commission is written by former ICS Music Director Stephen Rumsey for ICS and their 200th anniversary. ‘Dreamers’ celebrates the tradition of Choral Societies with the skills, hard work and commitment balanced against the wonderful pay-offs of friendship and achievement.
Ipswich Choral Society with Music Director Robin Walker will be performing near to the War Memorial and Cenotaph in Christchurch Park. Come along from midday and bring a picnic to enjoy! The concert will start at 12.30pm on Saturday 29 June. In case of bad weather, the concert will be in St. Margaret’s Church instead.
This very special event, which is made possible by Thomas Wolsey 550 and the Heritage Fund, with the generous support of ‘Premières in the Park’ sponsors Ashtons Legal and McCarthy Stone.
Celebrating Wolsey
Ipswich Choral Society Community Event
Part of the Thomas Wolsey 550 project
Saturday 29 June 2024, 12.30pm
War Memorial and Cenotaph, Christchurch Park, Ipswich IP4 2BE*
Arrive from 12pm and bring a picnic!
*In case of bad weather, the concert will be held in St. Margaret ’s Church, Ipswich IP4 2BE.