The Bournemouth Sinfonietta Choir was originally formed in 1972 for Kenneth Montgomery, who was then the musical director of the Bournemouth Sinfonietta. The first concert took place in Christchurch Priory and, until November 1978, the Choir worked as the choral adjunct to the Bournemouth Sinfonietta, which sadly ceased to exist in Autumn 2000. Since the late seventies, the Choir has been financially independent and self-governing.
During its thirty five year history, the Choir has performed with several distinguished conductors, including Volker Wangenheim, Rudolph Schwarz and Simon Rattle. David Gostick became Musical Director in 2003 and follows in the footsteps of previous conductors Howard Ionascu, Rupert Jeffcote, Nigel Carver and Barry Ferguson, who was the Choir's very first Chorusmaster. |
The Choir relies heavily on the commitment, as well as the talents, of its members, who come from a wide area, travelling from Hampshire and Wiltshire as well as Dorset to rehearse each week in Blandford.
Musical Director, David Gostick, is organist at Wimborne Minster, Dorset. He works with several adult and youth choirs, including the Portsmouth Choral Union and the Bromley Boy Singers, who regularly appear with English National Opera and the Royal Opera. He is also in demand as a conductor and accompanist with many amateur and professional soloists and ensembles. During his early career, David Gostick won an organ scholarship to Southwell Minster and became Assistant Organist at St Mary’s Nottingham. He went on to Pembroke College, Oxford, graduating with first class honours in 2001. |
The Choir has performed in the Italian cities of Vicenza, Padua and Venice and more recently travelled to Austria and Hungary to sing in the beautiful cathedrals of Vienna and Esterhazy.
November 2006 saw the culmination of one of BSC's most exciting recent projects. With generous support from Respect Organics, Arts & Business New Partners and the Soil Association we commissioned a piece for choir and chamber ensemble inspired by the organic movement. The first performance of Five Seasons, composed by Cecilia McDowall with poetry by Christie Dickason was given to great acclaim in Sherborne Abbey.
The choir and the Five Seasons were featured on Radio3's 'The Choir' and 'Farming Today' on Radio4. |