In June 2004 Mary Priddle, an experienced chorister, discussed with friends the potential for a mixed-voice choir in the Torrevieja area. Mary had been a regular patron of concerts by the male voice Torrevieja Barbershop Harmonisers, and had noted their improved performance under the directorship of the newly-appointed Chas Smith. Contact was made with Chas, who responded very favourably towards the prospect of taking on the role of Musical Director for the choir.
Further discussion led to a concensus that the new choir, although 'serious' about the quality of its performance, should be a 'fun' choir with a wide and international repertoire embracing all types of quality vocal music.
Since the outset several rehearsal venues have been used, but today the regular venue is the Oasis Bar, Torretta III. Our brilliant piano accompanist Sue Trick, an accomplished musician recently retired from her role as Director of a British School of Music, is also teaching music at a local school.
Next Mary and friends brain-stormed for a name for the choir and the name "Crescendo" was the runaway favourite! It then fell to Chas to design our dramatic logo depicting a treble clef with a rainbow of notes bursting 'a crescendo' from it. Later this theme was expanded into a rainbow of different coloured scarves worn by the ladies with black dresses, rainbow-hued bow ties worn by the men with white shirts and black trousers, and a concert music-stand banner bearing the logo, made by Emma Allamand a Choir Alto.
The final essential was achieved with the attendance of no fewer than thirty-four potential choristers of both genders at the inaugural meeting. A committee was formed under the chairmanship of Mary Priddle, and the Crescendo International Choir - sub-titled, Coral Internacional Crescendo, - was born! Since then the Choir, under the Directorship of Chas Smith, has continued to grow in numbers, prestige and ability, and looks forward to a future bright with promise.
As we progress we have seen the choir grow to over 60 members in 2009, and the committee are discussing the necessity of limiting new membership, allowing new members only to maintain balance within the choir.
March 2009 saw the launch of our new costumes thanks to the generous sponsorship of the Medsea group. Our ladies look absolutely wonderful in their shimmering red jackets, and the men compliment this with their black shirts and red bow ties.
Crescendo meet for musical fellowship each Wednesday from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm at the Oasis Bar, Torretta III, Torrevieja
(map HERE). Choristers of experience (or those with none!) are invited to come along, chat and sing, or just listen. Further details can be obtained from Membership Secretary Phyl Webb, Tel: 966 785 332.
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