This year we bid a fond farewell to two of our altos, Ann Looker and Barbara Roberts after many years of devoted service to the Choir.
Ann Looker first sang with the Philharmonic in the early sixties when she was a student at the university. When she returned to Swansea in 1981 she rejoined and has been with the Choir ever since. Ann has made a much valued contribution to the choir in relation to her time spent looking after publicity in years gone by as well as being the Choir’s archivist for a significant period. Ann had this to say about her time with the Choir:
“I feel the time has now come to retire but I will be keeping up my connection with the Choir as a ‘Friend’ and as a member of the audience. During my years with the Choir I’ve made many good friends and had many memorable experiences. If I had to single out one particular memory it would be singing the War Requiem in Germany in 1995 on the 50th anniversary of VE day. We joined with the Mannheim Bach Choir for the performance. It was wonderful to experience this spirit of reconciliation and to realise the power that music has to bring people together. It’s now up to the younger generation to carry the Choir forward – I think we are as strong now as we’ve ever been. I’ll still be there cheering you on from the sidelines.”
Babs Roberts has been a member of the Swansea Philharmonic Choir for over 40 years. During this time she has been a committee member as Alto representative. Babs has done a fantastic job of raising hundreds of pounds, through organising the raffle sales, over the years. After her swansong at the Christmas Concert she sent the following message to the choir:
‘Being a member of the Choir has been for me a delight and a joy. With each conductor – Haydn, Clive and Jonathan, I have learned so much about the art of singing! I have discovered composers and works which I would probably never have known had I not been in the Choir. When I became a widow, the Choir became a lifeline for me. I received help and support from so many friends. I shall continue my connection with the Choir by remaining a ‘faithful friend’. My grateful thanks to you all for so many years of singing and friendship. I know that the Choir, Jonathan and Susan will keep bringing beautiful music and happiness to their audiences. Good luck to you all for the future.
Hazel Phillips our Choir Chair said:
“Both Ann and Babs have been much valued members of Swansea Philharmonic Choir for many years and both have made a huge contribution to the life of the Choir. It is so pleasing to know that their association with the Choir will continue as Friends. We wish them both a fond farewell.”