jersey festival choir

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Leader :

Elizabeth Farnon

Choir Secretary :

R.H. Barnsley

The choir was founded by John Lobb in 1955 and has for over 40 years provided the possibility for local singers to come together to perform major choral works. On his death in 1980 the baton was taken up by his sister Amy, also later to be awarded the MBE.  The family connection continued in 1996 when Sue de Gruchy succeeded Amy, her mother’s cousin, as Choir Master.  In 2008 Elizabeth Farnon, also cousin to John, Arthur and Amy on her mother’s side, took over following her recent retirement from the Music Department at Beaulieu Convent School.  Under her direction, the School choirs achieved considerable success both locally and nationally.

In providing the possibility for local singers to come together, the choir has given opportunity for Jersey audiences to enjoy live performances of choral music.  These performances, joined on occasions by well known soloists and talented young musicians from centres of excellence all over Britain, are valuable contributions to Jersey's musical life.  Additionally, a carol service is held every year from which the collection is donated to a different charity.  Over the years the choir has raised funds for Channel Island Air Search, The Shelter Trust and Jersey Hospice.

    In recent years, David Lawrence, an internationally renowned choral conductor, has been invited to lead choir weekends (open to non-members) during which young and old, novice and experienced singers have explored together new works both classical and contemporary.

    As well as performing it's own concerts, the choir enjoys participating at other events in the Jersey arts calendar- including the Liberation Day Celebration community singing, Jersey Instrumental Service Summer concerts, the Eisteddfod and have broadcast with the BBC.

Festival Choir website :- www.jerseyfestivalchoir.org.uk