Thelma and Louise Charity Concert 12th October 2019

On Saturday 12 October, 300 people packed Wycombe Town Hall to pay tribute to former Wycombe Orpheus Male Voice Choir accompanist, Thelma King who sadly passed away in 2018.

The Orpheus choir were joined by the ladies of the Heath Singers from nearby Flackwell Heath and guest young musicians, 10-year-old violinist Anna Whibley and the Borlase Barbershop singers.

Louise Langley, recently retired from the Orpheus, returned to lead the Choir in a concert entitled Thelma & Louise, Thank You for The Music! The Heath Singers were led by Jan Churchouse with husband Paul accompanying in the first half and then swapping roles in the second as Paul skilfully led the Choir for the first time. The Heath Singers treated us to the fast-paced Rhythm of Life, reflective Seal Lullaby and quirky Alice.

The Orpheus offered their usual entertaining mix of music from the haunting Danny Boy, frivolous Java Jive, through to One Moment in Time and Bohemian Rhapsody where accompanist Becky Holt produced an electrifying performance in the piano solo sections.

The Borlase Barbershop Boys excelled, offering us such classics as Crazy Little Thing Called Love, Blue Velvet and the Billy Joel classic, The Longest Time. Anna Whibley's playing of the violin (purchased with assistance from the Orpheus Bursary fund) and then recorder received sustained and warm applause from a very appreciative audience.

The evening was a roaring success, enjoyed by all present and over £2000 was raised to help fund the Orpheus Young Musicians Festival and to provide a Bursary Award in Thelma King's name.

Annual Concert May 18th 2019

Report courtesy of Bucks Free Press:

Orpheus sing their hearts out at their 96th anniversary
By Sandra Carter

The annual concert of Wycombe Orpheus Male Voice Choir on Saturday was far more than a showcase for our local singers of a certain age.

The choir, now in its 96th year, has long had a passion to support young musicians. And this year’s programme at The Swan had three youthful treats in store for an enthusiastic audience.

And there was more: on the stage were not only the 40-strong Wycombe choir.

They had invited the Brecon Male Voice Choir to join them, making an ensemble of 70 voices. Now that’s powerful stuff. When they joined together in their opening Anthem from Chess, we knew we were in for an amazing evening of soaring music.