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Based in Fleet, Hampshire, this mixed-voice choir dates back to the early 1960's. In 1972 the choir split, part being re-named the Fleet Singers, but remaining under the original conductor. With the arrival of Hart District Council the choir was renamed the Hart Choral Society to encourage a wider membership. In an attempt to reflect the type of music the choir sings and the growing expertise of the choir, the name of the society was then changed to Hart Voices.
Hart Voices are a mixed voice choir and they achieve a high standard of singing from a non-auditioned choir. In normal times, they perform four concerts each year across three terms, running from September to July. Their programme varies from major choral works and oratorio, to chamber music programmes, lighter programmes of popular numbers and regular joint ventures with folk duo Ninebarrow.
Singers come from Fleet and the surrounding area, as well as many of the outlying towns including Guildford and Basingstoke. Choir membership is currently around 50 voices, many of whom have sung with the choir for several years. The combined experience and enthusiasm of our members enables them to explore new musical horizons - both in repertoire and venue.
Hart Voices have a committed and flexible membership base, which has adapted marvellously to the challenges Covid-19 threw at us in 2020 & 2021. Each week, they kept a strong contingent of singers occupied via Zoom, keeping their voices in shape and with the unique talents of their Musical Director, Roy Rashbrook, producing several outstanding videos of their music which can be found over on YouTube. They are to now back to weekly regular in-person rehearsals.
Hart Voices aim to broaden their experience, strive for quality and musicality in their performances and involve young singers wherever possible. Soloists are often drawn from the choir, and for more complex works we regularly invite professional musicians to perform with them.
Hart Voices's collective enthusiasm for music makes them a very sociable choir and they also make an effort to have regular trips away when travel is permitted of course. Previous trips have included Prague, Hungary, Lithuania, Belgium, Llangollen (Wales), Barnstaple, Glasgow and Ayrshire and we are looking to get back on the road in 2023. |
