A MALE voice choir in Alcester is celebrating a half century milestone.
Alcester Male Voice Choir has entered its 50th year and will mark its anniversary with two concerts at Ragley Hall.
The choir was founded by Judith Land in 1974, almost by accident.
Judith, then head of music at Alcester Grammar School, was having trouble persuading male students to join her mixed choir for a one off concert and so turned to male colleagues and parents for help. She rapidly achieved the numbers required to create a successful well balanced mixed choir.
After the concert the new male members asked Judith if they could continue and with the addition of a few more members from the wider community the Alcester Male Voice Choir was born.
When Judith started the choir all those years ago, little did she think that she would still be running the choir in 50 years time and starting on a journey that would be life changing. For Judith this is an incredible achievement, and represents a lifetime dedication and commitment and from those humble beginnings, Judith has become one of the most respected and well known leaders in the male voice choir movement.
Judith was awarded the British Empire Medal back in 2014 for services to music and the community, and has now had time to reflect on 50 years of song, and some of her achievements.
She said: “I feel immensely privileged to have been in charge for so long. Many choirs have endured frequent changes of leaders over their history. The Alcester Male Voice Choir is my life. I have had some wonderful experiences, met some incredible people but I couldn’t have done it without the support of my family, friends and above all members of the choir past and present.”
The choir will be marking its special year with a service of thanksgiving in January, a special anniversary dinner in February and two concerts at Ragley Hall over the weekend of April 20 and April 21 2024.
