Author Archives: Rob H

Note: Edited from article featured in Express & Star newspaper.

Choir is singing with the times

The Queen and St. George gave male songsters in Wolverhampton something to sing about. The (Wolverhampton) Orpheus Male Voice Choir were performing their first concert under their new name in a double celebration marking the Queen’s 90th birthday and St. George’s Day.
It is the first name change for the singers, who will be called “The City of Wolverhampton Male Voice Choir“, since the group was launched in 1943 to keep up morale during the Second World War.

Copyright EXPRESS & STAR JAMIE RICKETTS 23/04/2016

The concert, held at St. John’s in the Square Church on (St. George’s Day) also featured the Black Country Brass Band.
The choir celebrated a milestone anniversary of its own in 2013 that marked its 70th year. Over the decades they have toured both at home and abroad, and supported a string of charities including The Royal British Legion and the Midland Air Ambulance.
The name change goes hand in hand with a switch in style and presentation as the choir look to move with the times. Choir vice-chairman Steve Winfield said, “Over the last few decades male voice choirs have become aware of changes taking place both in the style of music sung and the way it is performed. This is why our choir is changing to new pieces that are more familiar to younger audiences and adopting a new concept of performance.” He said members were delighted to be part of the official City of Wolverhampton brand after being granted permission to incorporate the title in January.
Report by Marion Brennan

Copyright EXPRESS & STAR JAMIE RICKETTS 23/04/2016
In Picture: Ted Bagley (Chairman of Choir), Malcolm Gwinnett (Ex Mayor and President of Choir) and Steve Winfield (Vice Chairman of Choir)