As the nights draw in and the lights of Advent begin to glow, we’re looking forward to gathering once again to share an evening of beautiful music and festive spirit. This year’s concert, Advent, takes us on a journey from quiet reflection to joyful celebration — the perfect way to begin the Christmas season together.
In the first half, we’ll enjoy moments of calm and wonder with music by Lauridsen, Tavener, and Mozart, before the energy lifts with Rutter’s lively Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day.
After the interval, the mood turns festive with Vaughan Williams’ Fantasia on Christmas Carols, Rutter’s Nativity Carol, and of course Handel’s rousing Hallelujah Chorus.
And, as is tradition, we’ll end the evening by inviting everyone to join in for Hark! The Herald Angels Sing. It’s a chance to raise our voices, share some Christmas cheer, and celebrate the joy of community through song.
The choir rehearses on Tuesday evenings from 7:30pm to 9:30pm during term time at Forest Row Primary School. We welcome anyone who wishes to sing with us. There are no auditions but basic ability to read music is required. Our terms broadly align with Forest Row Primary School’s term dates.
Forest Row Choral Society is a friendly, non-audition choir of around 55 members that rehearses on Tuesday evenings, 7:30pm – 9:30pm, at Forest Row Primary School and holds most of its concerts at Holy Trinity Church in Lewes Road.
The Autumn Term begins at 7.30pm on Tuesday 16th September
Rodney Earl Clarke is our musical director with Anthony Zerpa-Falcon as our piano accompanist.
The choir was founded in 1962 as the Michael Hall School Choral Society under its first director Cecil Cope. In 1988 Tom Scratchley took over and, with Sylvia Trench, moved the choir into the centre of the village. Under their direction and guidance FRCS developed into a true community choir open to all ages.
Our two main concerts, normally held in April and November, feature either major choral works or a selection of items linked by theme or composer. Professional soloists and musicians work with us ensuring a high standard of concert performance.
The choir holds a traditional Carol Concert in December and in the summer term we like to try something a little different.
We are delighted that top British tenor Mark Padmore – who lives locally – is our president and has performed various key roles in FRCS concerts since 2013.
We welcome new members, whether from Forest Row or the surrounding areas, so if you would like to join us come to one of our Tuesday rehearsals and give it a try. For more information click here
You will receive regular notifications about rehearsals, concerts and events