The Rock Festival Choir was formed to be part of the music festival in the village of Rock commemorating the renovation of the famous organ in the church in 2004. The name has confused people ever since - hence the subtitle, Alnwick’s Chamber Choir. Initially half the size of the twenty-four it is today, most of the original members are still performing. The choir has developed a pattern of annual Advent concerts in St. Paul’s, Candlemas Choral Evensongs in Longhoughton and Spring or early Summer concerts but it has also performed at weddings and in churches around the area, as well as at the Alnwick Playhouse, Brinkburn and Sage Gateshead.
 

We have been lucky enough to have the services of two talented organists in Peter Hignett and Alan Gidney. Recent highlights have included three visits (six concerts) to The Edinburgh Fringe and we return there again this year to sing a lunchtime concert at St. Mary’s Cathedral.
 

Margaret Watchorn, soprano and pianist, captures the feelings of the choir beautifully …
“How can it be 20 years since the first meeting of the RFC? I have vivid memories of the very first rehearsal (in what was then Rock Hall School) and the joy of being among people who, although unfamiliar to me, felt instantly like good friends. RFC brings me joy, challenge, excitement, friendship, a whole gamut of emotions and the privilege of belonging to a very special ‘musical family’. I love it, both as a singer (with my second soprano sisterhood!) and as a pianist. Accompanying the choir as part of our Edinburgh Fringe performances is something I’ll always treasure”.
2004 - 2024