SARAH Kings’ role in a forthcoming city concert will not only be a celebration of the patron saint of music – it’ll be a family affair.
The soprano will join her fellow Worcester Cathedral Chamber Choir singers to perform music for St Cecilia’s Day by composers from across the centuries – including her own brother.
She’ll be taking the solo role for the piece Meditations, by sibling Steven, as well as some other pieces on the programme on Saturday (November 23).
It’s not the first time Sarah, from Lower Wick, has performed her brother’s music but she always finds every opportunity a proud moment, even if it does bring an additional pressure to those that come with being one of the choir’s regular soloists.
“I want to give my best,” she said. “But I’m also aware the audience won’t necessarily know the piece, which can take the pressure off a bit!”
Steven and Sarah are Worcester born and bred. He attended Kings School and, now living in Bristol, his roles include accompanist and assistant chorus master to the Bristol Choral Society and the BBC National Chorus of Wales. He also conducts several choirs and is a seasoned pianist, soloist and chamber musician.
He has earned several awards and nominations for composing and his works have been performed at Worcester’s Three Choirs festival, around Bristol and beyond.
Sarah went to the girls’ grammar school before gaining a music degree and pursuing careers in stockbroking and IT.
She is currently a carer for her father.
A conducting engagement means Steven can’t attend Worcester Cathedral Chamber Choir’s O Sing Aloud! concert in St Martin’s Church on London Road on Saturday, but Sarah knows he’ll be there in spirit.
“He does do the proud brother bit,” she said. “The sibling pride is usually mutual!”
O Sing Aloud! also includes works by fellow Worcester composer Ian Venables and an arrangement of American classics by former Worcester Cathedral director of music, Dr Donald Hunt.
Performing Vaughan Williams’s The Lark Ascending is violinist Shula Oliver and readings will be delivered by Gabrielle Bullock.
Christopher Allsop, King’s School’s assistant director of music, will provides the organ and piano accompaniment for the evening under the baton of Stephen Shellard which also includes Fauré, Mozart and Parry.
Visit www.worcestercathedralchamberchoir.co.uk for more information.
