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'Stanmore Choral Society www.stanmore-choral.org.uk is a friendly group from a variety of backgrounds. Some with musical knowledge and some comparative beginners. What we have in common is our enjoyment of making music under the friendly guidance of our musical director Nick Austin.

The choir is about 60 members strong, and is expanding. Our membership is drawn from Stanmore, Harrow, Edgware, Brent, Barnet, Bushey and Pinner – new Members are very welcome. You will be supported by other singers, learning week by week. Free practice CDs are available to anyone wanting extra help. By the end of term you will be ready to enjoy performing with a professional orchestra and soloists.

History
Stanmore Choral Society (SCS) was formed in 1946 to provide an opportunity for singers in and around Stanmore to perform good music of all kinds. The first concert was a performance of Elgar's "The Music Makers".

Since then the choir has expanded in numbers and extended the repertoire. to include works dating from 16th century to modern times. Recent performances include Haydn's "Creation", Rossini's "Petite Messe Solennelle", Benjamin Britten and Karl Jenkins "The Armed Armed".

About Us
WHAT DO WE SING? We sing in harmony, usually in four parts following a score. it helps if you read music but is is not essential.

Three times year we hold a concert for friends and family at local venues.The Autumn and Spring concerts feature major choral works and the Summer concert is usually more light hearted, the choir's repertoire ranging from baroque to jazz, Gabrieli to Gershwin, Handel to Horovitz, Vivaldi to Vaughan Williams.

HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED? Make a start by coming along to a rehearsal. We meet 7.45pm to 9.45pm on Mondays in term time at '''St Lawrence Church Hall, Whitchurch Lane, Stanmore, Middlesex, HA8 7QQ. www.little-stanmore.org ''' Nearest Underground Station: Canons Park.

Music is a great way to meet new friends. As well as enjoying our rehearsal and a chat during the tea break, we have regular social events. One of our favourites is a weekend away with our guests in a country hotel, for music making, walking and relaxing.

=== Contact 020 8909 1838 '''email: enquiries@stanmore-choral.org.uk www.stanmore-choral.org.uk "===

The Stanmore Choral Society is affiliated to Making Music www.makingmusic.org.uk

Stanmore Choral Society is a registered Charity, No 276371

Musical Director
Nick Austin is a graduate of the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, where he studied under Carola Grindea and Harold Dexter

Nick joined Stanmore Choral Society as Musical Director in September 2006. Performances since then have included Brahms’ german Requiem, Handel’s Messiah, Haydn’s Creation, Schubert’s Mass in G, Mozart’s Requiem, Faure’s Requiem, Vivaldi’s Gloria, Handel’s Dixit Dominus, Rossini’s Petite Messe Solennelle and Britten’s St Nicolas.

A recent highlight, in 2009, was conducting Stanmore Choral Society, Harrow Choral Society, Harrow Philharmonic Choir & the Trinity Orchestra at St Alban’s Cathedral in a performance of Elgar’s The Music Makers and Karl Jenkins The Armed Man – A Mass for Peace.

An avid showtune lover, Nick has been Musical Director for the Crowthorne Musical Players since 1988. Recent productions have included Guys & Dolls, Carousel, Pirates of Penzance (Broadway Version), Oklahoma, Singin’ in the Rain, Annie Get Your Gun, South Pacific and The Boyfriend. Rehearsals are currently underway for Hello, Dolly! which will take place at the Wilde Theatre, Bracknell in May.

Nick has been rehearsal pianist for the Bracknell Choral Society since 1981 and conducted a complete Messiah for the society in November 2005. He regularly accompanies and plays continuo in their concerts.

Nick orchestrates, arranges and composes for various musical and dance groups. Much of his output is tailor made music for dance schools and amateur choral groups. His recent composition, “A Bunch of Flowers” was commissioned by Bracknell Choral Society to celebrate their 50th anniversary and was performed at their Summer Concert 2011.