Choir is to pay tribute to one of its founders (From Malvern Gazette)

Choir is to pay tribute to one of its founders

2:50pm Wednesday 6th March 2013 in News

A FUND-raising concert held in memory of a popular singer, musician and teacher is “a very great honour” for her family.

Friends and colleagues packed out Worcester Cathedral to say farewell to Barbara Williams, who played flute for Malvern’s Chandos Orchestra, after her death last October following a long illness.

Now the cathedral is set to be full again on Saturday, March 2, for Jubilate, which is being performed in her memory by the choir she helped to found more than 30 years ago – Worcester’s Elgar Chorale.

The stalwart member is remembered by fellow singers for her happy, smiling personality and willingness to pitch in and help.

She was also, at one time, secretary of Worcester Cathedral Choir Association, the beneficiary of proceeds from the concert.

She was also a popular teacher at several of the county’s schools, lastly working at Winterfold House School in Chaddesley Corbett, even while receiving chemotherapy.

Her husband Kit, a former cathedral lay clerk for 30 years, said: “We’re so glad this is happening.

“I and our children, Abigail, Jemima and Sam, are surprised and delighted at the public support this event has received.

“Barbara would have loved to have been at the concert herself and, no doubt, would have been putting out programmes beforehand, too.

“I’m amazed everyone wants to do so much for her, it’s lovely.”

The concert, which begins at 7.30pm, features Duruflé’s Requiem and Benjamin Britten’s Hymn to St Cecilia, along with music by Elgar and Walton.

The conductor is Donald Hunt and the director of music at Great Malvern Priory, Piers Maxim, is the evening’s organist.

Tickets cost £10 and £8 for restricted view, with under- 16s free if accompanied by an adult.

They can be bought on the door or can be booked by calling 01905 620995 or visiting elgarchorale.com.