Pangbourne Choral Society held its first concert of its 50th Anniversary year on Saturday 25 November 2023. The Choral Society was the brainchild of former Director of Music of Pangbourne College, Ralph Allwood.

The concert included well-known works, such as, ‘Sir Christèmas’ by Mathias, ‘Jesus Child’ by Rutter, and Sir Ivor Atkins’s arrangement of ‘The Three Kings’ with soloist Headmaster of Pangbourne College, Thomas Garnier. Former Housemaster of Illawarra, Ian Busby was among the Bass singers and there were former parents also singing in the choir.

This concert was conducted by the Choral Society’s new Musical Director, Sara Benbow, and was in aid of four charities including, in particular, The League of Friends of the Royal Berkshire Hospitals. Among the readings was Gervais Phinn’s ‘The Nativity’ read by Colin Maclean OBE, Vice President, League of Friends of Berkshire Hospitals. A recording was made which will be played over the Christmas period there.

The Choral Society’s next concert will be on Saturday 9 March 2024 and will constitute a tribute to Charles Villiers Stanford. Next Summer, on Saturday 22 June 2024 the Society will stage its 50th Anniversary Gala Concert.