WINCANTON Choral Society is set to say goodbye to its much-loved music director, Katrine Riemers.

Katrine has been with the choir for eight years, firstly as accompanist and latterly as music director, during which time she has challenged the choir in her choice of music and helped its members to become better singers.

Her professional background in choral music made her a sympathetic conductor, often making allowances for the inexperience and lack of technical skill inherent in an amateur choir, while remaining true to core musical values.

Members tried their best to make a good sound but must sometimes have made her more than a little frustrated.

Katrine’s time as musical director coincided with the Covid-19 pandemic, which could have meant a total break from singing. But Katrine kept the more technologically minded members in good voice with her online rehearsals and, as restrictions eased, they sang to the cows in an open-sided local barn. On that occasion, the choir even made the local television news.

Katrine is moving on to a prestigious appointment as music director of the Bath Choral Society. It will now get the benefit of her seemingly endless supply of innovative warm up exercises, as well as her boundless enthusiasm and good humour.

Wincanton Choral Society wishes her every success in her new venture and thanks her for all she has taught everyone. Her final concert with the Wincanton society is at the church of St Luke & St Teresa in Wincanton on Sunday, May 21, at 7.30pm.

The new music director is Neil Moore who will take up his appointment on June 1 ready for the autumn season.

Neil is an experienced and accomplished musician and music director, who already conducts five other choirs, based in and around Frome.

He sings professionally and with the Bath Cantata, among other choral groups.

Those who attended a recent rehearsal with him can attest that he has a fine counter-tenor voice and boundless energy.

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