January 2020 - New Musical Director Appointed - Stephen Mitchell

We are delighted to announce that Stephen Mitchell has been appointed as our new Musical Director, with immediate effect.

Stephen began music and voice training under Alan Taylor MBE before moving to Jesus College Cambridge. He has many years’ experience of conducting, notably in London as Director of Choral Music for St George the Martyr Church, Bloomsbury, and most recently in Harrogate as Music Director of the Harrogate Polyphonic Choir, an SATB Chamber Choir formed within the prestigious Harrogate Choral Society of which he was a member for many years. A capable soloist, Stephen is also a composer, with particular interest in choral music. 

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.