by pcu-lois | Jul 6, 2026 | Uncategorised
The rousing sound of two natural trumpets was heard in ‘Awake the Trumpet’s Lofty Sound’, the opening chorus of Handel’s ‘Samson’, performed by Portsmouth Choral Union and The Consort of Twelve, as part of The Festival of Chichester. The part of blind Samson was sung...
by pcu-lois | May 11, 2026 | Uncategorised
Thank you to all the choirs who took part – PCU, Portsmouth Portsmouth Baroque Choir, Fareham Philharmonic Choir, Portsmouth Cathedral Choir and Portsmouth Grammar School Chamber Choir, Solent Symphony Orchestra, and the HM Royal Marines Band all united on one...
by pcu-lois | Mar 9, 2026 | Uncategorised
It seemed that Portsmouth Choral Union was playing at home when they included two Portsmouth – related pieces in their Easter Time Concert at St. Mary’s, Portsea. The works were also connected to St. Mary, being Cecilia McDowall’s “Ave Maris Stella” and Ian...
by pcu-lois | Feb 19, 2026 | Uncategorised
Portsmouth Choral Union has a long tradition of programming Handel’s Oratorios, with their first performance of Messiah in 1896 and have subsequently presented it over 80 times. They have though frequently ventured from the well-known to such works as the less often...
by pcu-lois | Jan 16, 2026 | Uncategorised
In recent years Portsmouth Choral Union has gained a reputation for introducing audiences to approachable contemporary works, and their forthcoming Easter concert is no exception. Alongside Mozart’s rarely heard Regina Coeli will be Cecilia McDowell’s Ave Maris Stella...
by pcu-lois | Dec 16, 2025 | Uncategorised
A bit controversial, this one. I am the founder, and sole member of the Society for the Restoration of the Reputation of John Stainer. What? Has he gone mad? What is he on about? John Stainer was an outstanding educator, choir trainer and organist – but he is...
