GREENOCK Philharmonic Choir’s new season got under way last month with a very successful ‘Come and Sing’ held in St John’s Episcopal Church.

Its highly topical theme was Coronation anthems old and new.

There were the mighty works of Handel and Parry in the shape of ‘Zadok the Priest’ and ‘I was Glad’ which are well known, but in contrast there were some others less familiar and one of the new ones performed at the Coronation in May - a piece called ‘Sanctus’ by Roxanna Panufnik.

In charge of the session was the choir’s new musical director, Nicholas Wilks, with the singers very ably supported by organist Chris Nickol, who provided interesting details about the development of Coronation music, and also demonstrated with solo items.

Nicholas, pictured, has just taken on the post of conductor, and comes with a formidable musical CV.

Having studied at the Royal Academy of Music, his experience is wide and varied and has included a range of musical directorships such as Hampshire County Youth Orchestra, the Channel Islands Youth Orchestra, Haringey Young Musicians, Winchester Symphony Orchestra, and Finchley Children’s Music Group, of which he remains a patron.

He has broadcast widely on BBC Radio 2, 3 and 4 and has enjoyed working with many distinguished musicians and performers including Dame Kiri TeKanawa and Bryn Terfel.

Nicholas is a passionate advocate for music education and works as a volunteer for the Big Noise (Sistema Scotland). He is a trustee for Buskaid, a string teaching project in Soweto, South Africa.

New members will be very welcome in all sections at any time during the first few weeks of the season.

Rehearsals will focus on music for the choir’s Christmas concert, which is always a lively and very social occasion. The music will, of course feature, the usual well-loved carols and other popular festive songs with the opportunity for the audience to join in.

More information about the choir is available on the website: https://www.greenockphilharmonic.co.uk, and on its Facebook page.

Contact can also be made through Calum on 07847 250529 or you can e-mail Lynne at info@greenockphilharmonic.co.uk