Abbey Consort creates a newsletter periodically to keep our friends, supporters and followers up-to-date with the activities and events of the Choir. It is delivered via our
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Below is a list of all past issues...
Fri, 18 Apr 2025
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Dear Friends, A huge thank you to those of you who attended the Viva Vivaldi concerts. The choir certainly enjoyed performing the music and the orchestra provided excellent support. There have been many compliamentary comments on both the performance and the reception.
The choir now moves on to rehearse for the next concert. This will be a programme of Mozart, Montiverdi and Mendelssohn. Dates and venues are on the events page.
There will be a performance of Handel's Messiah in February 2026. The Eildon Singers will join us for this charity performance in aid of the Doddie Weir Foundation.
More details in due course.
Fri, 4 Apr 2025
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Dear Friends, Final reminder for the VIVA VIVALDI concerts. Tomorrow- Melrose Parish Church, 1900 and Sunday- St Andrew's Episcopal Church, Kelso, 15.00.
The sparkling wine is on ice, the orchestra tuned up and the choir in excellent voice.
Make sure you don't miss this Unforgettable Experience!
We look forward to welcoming you to one of the concerts.
Thu, 20 Mar 2025
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VIVA VIVALDI
AN UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE!!!
Thu, 20 Mar 2025
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VIVA VIVALDI
AN UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE!!!
Are you ready to experience the magic of Vivaldi's best-known works? Join Abbey Consort and instrumental ensemble for the SCOTTISH PREMIERE of a vocal re-imagining of THE FOUR SEASONS - an event that promises to be nothing short of spectacular! A SEASON TO SING by Joanna Forbes L'Estrange ( international vocalist, composer, and choir director) is an intoxicating mix of beauty, excitement, and humour! Don't miss out on the concert of the year- including the joyous GLORIA, where every note resonates with energy and passion. Secure your tickets now and let the music transport you!
Saturday 5th April, 19.00, Melrose Parish Church and Sunday 6th April, 15.00 St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, Kelso. Tickets available online (abbeyconsort.org.uk), from choir members and at the door (Cash or card) -£15.00 including programme and refreshments.
Fri, 28 Feb 2025
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Dear Friends,
Rehearsals are now well underway for our next concerts, VIVA VIVALDI!
The concert starts with the perennial favourite "GLORIA" accompanied by an orchestra (leader Cath Cormie). The orchestra will then perform the spirited work "LA FOLIA" .
After the interval comes the Scottish Premiere of "A SEASON TO SING",a choral setting of Vivaldi's famous Four Seasons (which celebrates its 300th anniversary this year). Joanna Forbes L'Estrange has set verses from the bible and poetry to Vivaldi's music to make an exciting and dynamic work.
Not without its challenges, however, as the choir is tasked with imitating a summer downpour and thunderstorm and evoking the freezing temperatures of winter. A unique experience for both choir and audience!
As this is a Scottish Premiere the audience is invited to join with the choir and orchestra in a celebratory sparkling drink with nibbles after both performances.
We very much hope to see you at one of the concerts, or indeed both!
Melrose Parish Church Saturday 5th April 7pm.
Kelso St. Andrew's Epispocal Church Sunday 6th April 3pm.
Tickets are available online at Abbeyconsort.org.uk , from members or at the door (cash or card) Tickets are £15.00 including programme and refreshments.
Please take time to look at our new website.

Sun, 9 Feb 2025
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Dear Friends,
The choir is currently rehearsing for our next concert.
This will be an event not to be missed!
SCOTTISH PREMIER COMES TO MELROSE AND KELSO.
Abbey consort is delighted to have been invited to perform the Scottish Premier of "A Season to Sing". Using Vivaldi's much loved Four Seasons, Joanna Forbes L'Estrange has added words from poetry and the bible not to mention the choir performing sound effects of storms,rain and wind. All in all a unique and enjoyable evening. They will also perform Vivaldi's GLORIA to celebrate the composer's 300th anniversary.
Complementary drinks and nibbles after the performance.
Melrose Parish Church, Saturday 5th April 7pm
St Andrew's Episcopal Church Kelso, Sunday 6th April 3pm.
Tickets £15 including refreshments and programme.
Tickets will be available on our website (Abbey Consort .org.uk) , from members and at the door.
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