St Mary’s church was packed on Saturday (May 19) for a special concert to celebrate Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee. Marlborough Choral Society sang a selection of appropriate songs – and the flag waving audience joined in some of the choruses.
The church had been decorated for the event and extra chairs had to be found. The choir was conducted by Gill Mortimer who has been with the choir for ten years, and accompanied by Marlborough College organist Ian Crabbe.
The concert included two of Handel’s anthems composed for the coronation of George II – Zadok the Priest (which was a central feature of Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953) and The King shall Rejoice. Vaughan Williams’ Oh Taste and See. The Old Hundreth (the hymn “All people that on earth do dwell”.) The Sprig of Thyme – a selection of English folk songs arranged by John Rutter. Songs from Merrie England by Edward German – including The Yeoman of England, O Peaceful England and The English Rose.
And the audience joined in enthusiastically with Thomas Arne’s Rule Britannia and Elgar’s Land of Hope and Glory, and Parry’s Jersualem.
It’s estimated that at least 200 people crammed into the church for this concert – including Mayor Edwina Fogg and Councillor Nick Fogg.
[Photographs kindly provided by Rob Harris – a member of the Marlborogh Choral Society.]