More wonderful memories for Ipswich Choral Society’s 200th anniversary year, with the “Celebrating Wolsey” event last Saturday, sadly the last performance with Robin Walker conducting as ICS Music Director.
Celebrating the anniversaries marking 550 years since the birth of Cardinal Thomas Wolsey and 200 years since Ipswich Choral Society was formed, the “Celebrating Wolsey” community event was held in Christchurch Park on 29th June. Ipswich Choral Society was delighted to receive a community grant from the Thomas Wolsey 550 project and commissioned three new choral works by Elizabeth Alexander, Mark Blatchly and Stephen Rumsey, all premiered at the event.
The rehearsal before the concert was an emotional one, as the choir presented Robin with gifts and cards, plus an amazing choral cake from local supplier Simply T’s! Preparing for concerts is hard work, however Robin ensured that rehearsals were as enjoyable as the final performances.
From Robin’s debut “Glorious First” concert back in November 2015, he directed Ipswich Choral Society for fantastic concerts at Snape, the amazing “Ipswich Remembers” performances in Ipswich Corn Exchange, travelled to Halifax and further afield to Belgium and Italy, conducted the choir’s debut performances in Ely Cathedral and Blythburgh as well as numerous concerts around Ipswich, before rounding it all off with the outdoor performance in Christchurch Park.
Everyone at Ipswich Choral Society will miss Robin and we wish him all the best for his future plans.
“Conducting the choir has given me opportunities I’d never have had, and for that I’m so very grateful. I never thought I’d get the chance to work with dancers, choreographers, film makers, a world-class professional orchestra, poets, photographers, be interviewed on the radio, and to get to know you all. It’s been great experience – I’ve learnt so much about myself, about music, and about what it means to be a choir and sing together. Thank you.” Robin Walker
