SPC Fundraising Success!

The Sheffield Philharmonic Chorus presented a programme of Russian music including songs and the Rachmaninov All Night Vigil to a packed St Mark’s Church, Broomhill, Sheffield on Saturday 11 March 2022. The concert was well received and proved to be very moving, with numerous ecstatic compliments from members of the audience. It was dedicated to the memory of a past member, soprano Margaret Staniforth, who sadly died in 2019 and is much missed. However, as conductor and Music Director Darius Battiwalla explained at the start of the concert, the Chorus also wanted to offer the concert as a symbol of solidarity and friendship with the Ukrainian people. Darius shared happy memories of the Chorus visit to Donetsk some years ago, and emphasised that none of the terrible events in Ukraine is the fault of the Russian people, artists or composers. A retiring collection for the Red Cross Ukraine Appeal raised nearly £2,000 – a fantastic total and a testimony to the generosity of both audience and performers.

Special thanks are due to the wonderful mezzo-soprano soloist, Charlotte Badham, who gave a stunning recital of songs by Rachmaninov and Tchaikovsky in the first half, beautifully accompanied by the Chorus accompanist Rachel Fright. In the second half Charlotte and tenor Stewart Campbell sang the solo parts of the All Night Vigil. The Chorus would like to thank both of them for their excellent performances, and Darius for, as ever, excellent direction.