Rt Hon Gisela Stuart announces choir Presidency.
Birmingham Bach Choir are pleased to welcome the Right Honourable Gisela Stuart MP as their new, sixth, President.
The Member of Parliament for Birmingham, Edgbaston, since 1997, in a distinguished political career, Gisela served as Health Minister in the Blair government. In 2015 she was made a Privy Councillor and serves on the Committee, appointed by the Prime Minister, to oversee the Intelligence and Security Services. She also serves on the Speaker’s Advisory Committee on Works of Art.
Gisela said: “Politicians are often reluctant to admit that they enjoy music and singing. I’m looking forward to working with Birmingham Bach Choir, because music is important to our wellbeing and Birmingham has so much more to offer than those living here realise. This Choir has contributed to the region’s rich cultural tapestry for nearly a hundred years.”
Gisela replaces retiring President Pauline Round, who steps down after five years in the role. Pauline’s Presidency marks a highly successful period for the choir which has included a German tour, acclaimed concerts at The Lichfield Festival and Tewkesbury Abbey, and the world premier of Paul Spicer’s choral symphony Unfinished Remembering. Performed at Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Unfinished Remembering was one of the highlights of 2014’s UK-wide First World War Centenary programme.
In recognition of her support, and her continued involvement, Pauline has been made a Life Member of the choir.
Discussing her successor, Pauline added: “I’ve very much enjoyed my tenure and I wish Gisela all the best in her role. She joins at an exciting time, as the choir’s reputation continues to grow and various new projects and initiatives are developed.”
The Choir’s 2015-2016 season includes a performance of JS Bach’s St John Passion at Great Malvern Priory, Malvern, Worcestershire, on 5 March 2016, and two very special Shakespearean Concerts as part of the international celebrations marking the 400th anniversary of the playwright’s birth (18 June 2016, CBSO Centre, Birmingham; 2 July 2016, Stratford Arts House, Stratford-upon-Avon).
For more information on Birmingham Bach Choir, including all forthcoming concerts, see: www.birmingham.bachchoir.com
NOTES FOR EDITORS:
ABOUT RT HON GISLEA STUART MP
For more information on Rt Hon Gisela Stuart MP, see:
- www.giselastuartmp.co.uk
- twitter.com/GiselaStuart
- www.facebook.com/gisela.stuart.9
- www.parliament.uk/biographies/commons/ms-gisela-stuart/296
ABOUT BIRMINGHAM BACH CHOIR
As one of the UK’s leading large chamber choirs Birmingham Bach Choir has been contributing to the musical life of the West Midlands since 1919, making it one of the longest established musical groups in the area. Although the main focus is the Baroque period (especially JS Bach), the choir performs music spanning over 300 years including 20th and 21st century works.
“A huge degree of dynamic subtlety… exhilarating… a wonderful evening.” 5-stars – Birmingham Post (reviewing Magnificat at Birmingham Cathedral, March 2015).
The choir’s 2015-2016 season includes Bach’s St John Passion (5 March 2016, Great Malvern Priory, Worcestershire), and A Shakespearean Concert (18 June 2016, CBSO Centre, Birmingham; 2 July 2016, Stratford Arts House, Stratford-upon-Avon) as part of the UK-wide commemoration marking 400 years since the playwright’s death.
Alongside these concerts, the choir will also be presenting their hugely popular annual Come And Sing! (6 February 2016, Selly Oak Methodist Church, Birmingham).
For more information see: www.birmingham.bachchoir.com
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