The DMU Chamber Choir has given its first public performance since forming at the beginning of this term, by singing at the annual De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) Christmas Carol Service.
DMU Chamber Choir about to start its debut performance with musical director John Gull
The singers, made up of DMU students and staff, performed their own arrangement of Coventry Carol in the grand surroundings of Leicester Cathedral.
Their debut piece was met with a round of applause from the congregation of more than 250.
Natalia Wisniewska, a first year Media Production student, was proud to have taken part in the performance.
She said: "I love singing and going to rehearsals and performing is a great way of filling any spare time I have at university. I heard about the auditions in October and I was accepted. This is perfect for me."
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Roxanne Summerfield, who works at DMU as the vocal coach for the choir, said: "We are proud of this new initiative to expand music at the university. It is inspiring to know that DMU has reached out to us and wants to make music a priority.
Torch-bearers outside the cathedral
"At the moment, across education, there are not a lot of initiatives of this kind happening so it is brilliant that DMU is leading the way.
"We have a really good group and we are looking to expand the membership so students and staff should look out for details of auditions in February."
Musical Director John Gull, who conducted the choir, added: "I thought the performance was great. I really enjoyed it. If the choir feels good together then they perform well together too."
The DMU Student Choir performs
The DMU Gospel Choir and DMU Student Choir also performed at the carol concert. The carols were interspersed with readings from the Gospels by students and Vice-Chancellor Professor Dominic Shellard. The congregation started the annual event with a torch-lit procession from the campus to Leicester Cathedral.
The ambitious choral ensemble project was launched by DMU Music in October.
Exploring repertoire from the past 500 years of classical choral tradition, as well as contemporary music, the DMU Chamber Choir is open to all students and staff with a real passion for singing.
The torch-lit procession starts at DMU - pics by www.bethwalsh.co.uk
The DMU Chamber Choir members receive comprehensive training in choral singing and performance practice through a programme of fast-paced, lively, weekly rehearsals directed by John Gull.
Posted on Thursday 15 December 2016