The choir in the TV detective drama Midsomer Murders – Wallingford Parish Church Choir has been announced as Britain’s Favourite Parish Choir, following a nationwide search.
Decca Records will now release their album The Hymns Album, a collection of popular hymns, on 18 April. It includes favourites like Cwm Rhondda: Guide Me O Thou Great Redeemer, How Great Thou Art, Jerusalem and Love Divine All Loves Excelling.
Wallingford Choir made their debut at the Royal Albert Hall on March 16, performing at Classic FM Live alongside Crouch End Festival Chorus. They may also be familiar to you as the choir in the TV detective drama Midsomer Murders.
Wallingford’s Director of Music Sue Ledger commented on the news: “I got the call from Oliver Harrop at Decca Records to say we had won the competition while on the riverbank on a boating holiday. Neighbouring crafts heard the ecstatic shrieks as I told my fellow singers on the boat the news! We really couldn’t believe it.
“One of the best days ever was telling the full choir at the next choir practice. They were all overwhelmed. Young and old choristers felt a real sense of affirmation for our singing within the church.”
The Hymns Album will be released on Decca Records on 18 April. You can pre-order your copy now from Amazon .
Wallingford Parish Church Choir is a thriving choir, directed by Sue Ledger. There are over 50 members, including 19 juniors. They rehearse once a week on Friday evenings, and sing weekly services at St Mary’s and St Leonard’s Churches as well as at weddings, civic services, etc. Wallingford is one of a limited number of parishes that still maintain a tradition of sung weekly Evensong services. These services are normally held at 6.30pm on Sunday at St Leonard’s church, and feature sung responses, canticles, an anthem, and hymns from Ancient and Modern, Revised. At a monthly choral evensong they also sing the canticles to a special setting
http://www.wallingfordchoirs.org.uk/wallingford-church-choir