about sussex voiceworks
Sussex Voiceworks was founded over 30 years ago and by 1978 had grown to around 30 singers. Since the appointment of Director Peter Farrant twelve years ago the choir has continued to flourish and expand with creation of exciting new opportunities including Development Workshops, Festivals, Tours, Recordings, Education Initiatives and Partnerships. Professional soloists and instrumentalists are regularly engaged.
The choir, a Registered Charity and affiliate of both ‘Making Music’ and ‘Portslade Community College’, has performed extensively both in the United Kingdom and abroad, touring France, Holland, Malta and Belgium. Throughout the year choir members regularly present and participate in numerous concerts and functions in a variety of traditional and innovative venues, which have included the Royal Albert Hall and Brighton Centre. The 25th anniversary celebrations included appearances at Wells, Bristol & Clifton Cathedrals, as part of “BBC Music Live”. In 2002 the choir hosted a Gospel Workshop led by Karen Gibson and performed a special concert series in Norfolk, including both Norwich Cathedrals, as part of the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Celebrations. More recently, in addition to annual Christmas and Summer Concerts, Sussex Voiceworks has regularly appeared at Surrey Choral Festival and The Brighton Festival. The choir has toured Dorset and Hampshire with performances including Winchester Cathedral, as well as Worcestershire, with concerts at Great Malvern Priory and Worcester Cathedral. In 2008 the choir performed at Bath Abbey during the Bath Festival in addtion to St Gregory’s Cheltenham and Bristol Cathedral.
New members are always welcome. Previous experience is not essential. The choir does not audition new members though a willingness to learn and commitment to regular attendance are required.
Peter Farrant has been working professionally as a Music Director since 1993 promoting new and unusual works alongside mainstream repertoire to great acclaim both in the UK and overseas appearing at numerous Cathedrals (including Bristol; Norwich; Wells; Winchester; Coventry; Worcester; Salisbury; Lisieux; Madeleine (Paris); Brussels; Ghent; Brugge and Lille); Churches such as St John’s Smith Square and St James’ Piccadilly; and Concert Halls which have included The Royal Albert Hall and The Royal Festival Hall. His portfolio includes a number of successful associations with both amateur and professional promoters.