Queen thanks Clitheroe choir for Diamond Jubilee CD
Members of Clitheroe Pop Choir on the day they performed Jubilation to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee
A COMMUNITY pop choir has been thanked by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for recording a CD of original songs commemorating her diamond jubilee.
Clitheroe Pop Choir, launched in 2010 by Clitheroe singer and voice coach Susan Sykora, has just recorded its first CD featuring three songs commemorating the Queen’s diamond jubilee, the London 2012 Olympics and Christmas.
The songs were written and composed by Sue Sykora, with additional lyrics from local writer Theresa Robson. The CD was produced by Sue and featured vocals from Clitheroe Pop Choir.
Susan said: “One of the choir members, Sue Bordley, sent a copy of the CD to Her Majesty the Queen and has received a lovely letter back.
“Recording a CD was a real step-up, but the result is fantastic and we are delighted the Queen likes it.”
In her letter, the Queen’s lady-in-waiting, Susan Hussey, wrote: “The Queen wishes me to write and thank you for your card and the CD of music written in honour of Her Majesty’s diamond jubilee.
“Her Majesty sends her best wishes to everyone in the Clitheroe Pop Choir for a happy and peaceful year ahead, and I thank you once again for writing to the Queen in her diamond jubilee year.”
The Clitheroe Pop Choir has more than 60 members aged 16 to 70 and performs regularly in public, at charity functions, festivals and in theatres. Its success has been put down to Sue’s clever arrangements and the enduring enthusiasm of its members, plus the fact that – unlike many choirs it performs topical and original material, as well as pop, rock, gospel and Motown standards.
The choir performed “Jubilation” marking the Queen’s diamond jubilee live on BBC North West Tonight at Clitheroe Castle as Ribble Valley Mayor Ian Sayers lit the town’s official jubilee beacon.
Susan Sykora started singing professionally aged 14 and fronted the house band at the Ritz Hotel, Manchester, for many years. She is a prolific session singer responsible for numerous television and radio advertisements, and has performed in the well-known duo, Glory, with her husband, Duncan Sykora. She is also an award-winning songwriter and was selected by international songwriting magazine Songlink to receive songwriting coaching from Ray Davies, formerly of The Kinks.
Clitheroe Pop Choir meets on Thursdays from 8-30 to 10 p.m. at the Oasis Room in St James’s Street, Clitheroe, and details are available from Susan on 07561 531655.
As well as Jubilation, the choir’s debut CD, titled “Everybody Shine”, contains songs commemorating the London 2012 Olympics – “Victorious” – and a Christmas song – “The Best Time of the Year”. It is available priced £5 from Townsend Records in Moor Lane, Clitheroe.
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Weather for Clitheroe
Wednesday 22 May 2013
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