University of Essex Choir perform at the Ivor Crewe Lecture Hall

More than 500 people enjoyed an incredible performance of Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana by the University of Essex Choir at the Ivor Crewe Lecture Hall as part of our 50th anniversary celebrations.

The Choir includes staff, students, alumni and members of the local community. Although they rehearse at the Colchester Campus each week this is the first time they have been able to perform there for many years.

The audience was full of praise for the performance. Lucy Robinson said: “A really spirited and engaging performance. It was a pleasure to be in the audience.”

Moira Collett said: “What a great concert! Only being familiar with ‘Oh fortuna’ I wasn’t sure if I would enjoy the full work, but it was really wonderful. And having the Rachmaninov in the middle was the perfect breathing space. If it was as enjoyable for the brilliant choir as it seemed to be (it certainly was for the audience) then it was really a great success.”

The Choir is led by renowned Musical Director Richard Cooke, who also works with the Royal Choral Society and Canterbury Choral Society.

Since being established in 1977 the Choir has developed a reputation for high quality and inspirational performances and is widely recognised as one of the foremost large ensembles in the East of England. The Choir has performed on numerous occasions at the world-famous Snape Maltings Concert Hall, near Aldeburgh, with other venues including St Edmundsbury Cathedral in Bury St Edmunds, Norwich Cathedral, Chelmsford Cathedral and Charter Hall in Colchester.

To find out more about the Choir and how to join go to: www.universityofessexchoir.org/