THE SEVENTY CHAMBER CHOIR OF THANET
(70 Choir or 70 Chamber Choir)
The choir is based in the Isle of Thanet in East Kent, and rehearses on Mondays (8-10pm) during academic term time, at the United Reform Church , the Vale, Broadstairs.
One of the most frequently asked questions about the Choir is "why is it named The Seventy Choir?" The origin goes back to 1944 when a choir was formed within a youth club founded by St Paul's Church, Cliftonville. The 'Seventy' refers to the seventy disciples sent out by Jesus, as described in St. Luke, chapter ten.
Although the youth club disbanded in 1948, the Choir formed a separate existence and continued under The Seventy Choir name. In the early days, the Choir took part in Thanet Music Festivals and sang carols at Christmas. Then, in the early 1950s the Choir began to give concerts and gradually progressed to giving three or more major concerts each year in addition to a carol concert at Christmas.
The Choir has a reputation for a high standard of performance and now has a varied repertoire of works dating from the Renaissance period (Tallis Byrd, Victoria and Palestrina) through the Baroque and Romantic periods to living composers such as Chilcott, Laurisden, Pärt and Whiteacre.
Additionally the Choir now undertakes bookings for Weddings and other special events; we can provide a Soloist, (click here for link to our resident Soprano soloist), a Quartet, Octet, or even the whole choir, and can accommodate almost any request.
Membership is drawn from a wide musical ability ranging from those who do not read music fluently to members of the Orlando Chamber Choir and the Academy of St Martin-in-the-fields. The prime requirements are an enthusiasm for music, and a desire to learn about different styles, language and of course the technique of singing. Committing to our schedule of rehearsals is very much part of being in the group.
The choir's present Musical Director, Clifford Lister, has a busy schedule as a soloist, member of numerous choirs and consorts, and as a well known teacher and coach of voices of all ages and types. He is also Director of the Thanet Festival Choir.
We are fortunate in having very supportive Friends or Patrons. If you would be interested in supporting us, finding out more about the Choir, or joining us as a new member, please contact us by clicking here.
