Meridian Children's Chorus returns from England

By By Penny Randall / staff writer
Aug. 28, 2002
Performing in front of 700 people is a nerve-racking experience, but the 18 members of the Meridian Children's Chorus said it was worth a few butterflies in their stomachs.
The choir recently returned from a week-long stay in England, where it and seven other choirs from across the world participated in the International Choral Festival of Canterbury and London.
Every two years, Hurley takes her group of second- through 12th-graders on a musical adventure. The tradition began in 1998 with a trip to Europe; in 2000, the group traveled to Toronto to perform with the Toronto Children's Chorus.
Hurley said she wants the children to learn about musical legends.
Most of the music that the choir performs is written for treble voices.
The children performed and worked with David Flood, choirmaster at Canterbury Cathedral and King's School. In London they performed in Westminster Hall accompanied by the London Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra.
The group did have a little time for fun and sight seeing.
They toured Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, the Thames River, the Tower of London, Big Ben, Parliament, Windsor Castle, Leeds Castle and Buckingham Palace.
Closer to home, the Children's Chorus is preparing for its annual Christmas concert, followed by a performance with the Meridian Symphony Orchestra and its annual Singing Valentines fund-raiser.
WANT TO SING?
The Meridian Children's Chorus is holding auditions for the 2002-2003 season. The chorus is open to students in grades two through 12. No prior experience is necessary. Audition appointments can be made by calling Vivian Hurley at 693-7910.