We are an enthusiastic and committed choir of around 90 voices that has been proudly performing in the heart of Rugby since 1867. We are a friendly choir and welcome singers of all standards.
Rehearsals are on Tuesday evenings during term time at 7.30pm at the Temple Speech Room, Barby Road, Rugby.
Saturday 6th July 2024
‘We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of dreams.’
It was these words, written by Arthur O’Shaughnessy, that inspired Edward Elgar to write his Oratorio ‘The Music Makers’ -a fine, but little-known work first performed at the Birmingham Festival of 1912.
Such words would, I’m sure, have also been special to a friend of many of us here in Rugby – Dr. Rex Pogson. Rex sadly died in March this year following a serious road accident in December 2023. His passion for music and the arts was just one part of the rich legacy that he has left – not least to the members of the Rugby Philharmonic Choir, of which he was a loyal member for many years. His rich tenor voice was always a joy to listen to.
The concert that the Rugby Philharmonic Choir and Sinfonia performed in the Temple Speech Room on the 6th July was dedicated to Rex’s memory. A fine concise tribute to Rex’s life, written by his friend and fellow musician Rev Peter Privett, was printed in the programme. One phrase stood out to me: ‘Rex was an inspiration to many and always tried to see the best in others.’ Bless him.
The Rugby Philharmonic Choir ‘Goes to the Movies’ was the title of this concert. The choir and orchestra, under the gifted baton of its conductor Laurence Panter, offered ‘something for all tastes, united by consistent quality, skilful arrangement and great entertainment value.’ The programme ranged from evocative songs such as John Barry’s ‘Diamonds are Forever’ and the choral setting of Samuel Barber’s ‘Agnus Dei’ through to the Red Dwarf theme by Howard Goodall and ‘Always look on the bright side of life’ from The Life of Brian, with which the concert concluded.
This was certainly a move away from the more classical programme that the Rugby ‘Phil’ is renowned for, however it is to the credit of all those involved to have offered the audience a different, lighthearted colourful experience. It was particularly encouraging to notice that some of the younger members of the choir brought their children and other members of their families to listen!
In addition to the contribution of the choir itself the programme was much enhanced by the gifted playing of the Sinfonia, and by the songs sung by the guest soloist Mezzo Soprano Charly Brown. This young lady, a fourth-year student at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, has a quality and strength of voice that drew loud applause from the audience. What a stunning voice.
It was also a joy to hear throughout the concert the gifted playing (on both the piano and organ) of Dr Richard Dunster-Sigtermans, the previous conductor of the ‘Phil’. And indeed, the talent of our very own Laurence Panter, in his piano duet with Richard, and his solo performance on the ‘keys’ with the beautiful number by Joe Hisaishi – The Merry-Go-Round of life.
All present, will wish Richard and his wife well as they move shortly to their new home and life in Harrogate.
Following the summer recess the ‘Phil’ will be looking forward to preparing for their Christmas Concert in the Temple Speech Room on Sunday 8th December. This will feature traditional carols for both the choir and audience to enjoy – but also Bach’s beautiful ‘Christmas Oratorio’.
May the Rugby Philharmonic Choir and Sinfonia go from strength to strength – and may Laurence and the choir have the courage to explore and share with our community good music of different genres for many years to come. May they, and all of us, be the ‘music makers’ of the future – and be the dreamers of dreams.’ Our friend Rex Pogson would, I’m sure, be the first person to say ‘Amen’ to that!
Peter Beresford
