Local choir is back in business

In January, chairman Davy Brown, one of the founder members and the driving force behind the choir, underwent the first of a series of operations followed by a long period of recuperation.

Then, in May, Carl Wiltse, who together with Davy and Christina Montgomery had helped to establish the choir and who had nurtured it for seven years, retired after conducting the last in a line of very successful summer concerts.

Fortunately, this autumn a rejuvenated Davy returned, the Newton Stewart Singers reconvened and the baton was taken up by Michael Appleford, conductor of the Kirkcudbright Choral Society. Michael has introduced a wide variety of new music by composers including Poulenc, Bob Chilcott, Palestrina and Charles Ives, which the Singers have enjoyed working on.

Thanks to the arrival of several new members at present the choir has no need for new faces; each section is well filled and the overall balance pleasing. However, to hear for yourself, go along to one of the group’s carol concerts. Details are available on posters and from choir members.

You can also come across the choir elsewhere in Newton Stewart as they will be out carol singing. All donations received will be split between the churches at Glasserton and Our Lady and St Ninian’s, Newton Stewart, and the Vascular Research Unit of Dumfries and Galloway Hospital.