Nestled in the hills on the far western edge of the Diocese of Worcester, a new church choir is swelling the congregations, performing original specially composed anthems and joining up with choirs from around the area to perform at Worcester Cathedral.

The product of a summer’s brainstorm whilst sat on hay bales between Priest-in-Charge Rev Julia Curtis, and composer and music director Chloe May Evans, Teme Valley South Churches Choir (TVSCC) was established in 2023 with St Mary’s Stanford as their home church.  Covering repertoire from Tallis to the present day, they have also featured “Say not the struggle naught availeth” by Hilgrove Kenrick and “Da Pacem, Domine” composed by Chloe May Evans for a Muddy Boots community service, and subsequently performed in Worcester Cathedral with choirs from across the Diocese in a special ‘Celebration of Smaller Churches’.

Built upon the foundations of ‘Relishing Rural’ music, the TVSCC has benefitted from members from the age of 11 to 92 hailing from many of the different parishes in the benefice. Whilst their mainstay is a monthly Evensong which rotates between the various parish churches, they have also performed at several weddings, baptisms, Ascension and carol services.

Overall, the ethos is to further a sense of community in rural parishes through music, to be inclusive and accessible while aiming for a high standard of music.  TVSCC provides an opportunity to further educate, inspire and raise music standards in the area and believe those in rural parishes should be able to benefit from excellence in the arts too.

If you would like to get involved, or book the choir for an event

Events

Our next event is a fundraising afternoon of music ranging from Elgar to the Beatles. Click Here for more details.