In 1992 Alan Johnston, then the newly appointed Head of Hanley Castle High School and himself an excellent musician, added ‘Hanley Singers’ to the school’s growing musical tradition. Supported by Head of Music, Dominic Hawley, Alan established a Community choir and orchestra of parents, students, staff and friends. Since then the choir, soon re-christened ‘Hanley Voices’, has gone from strength to strength thanks to strong performances and a succession of notable Musical Directors from Dominic to current conductor, Lee Wiltamuth.
Over the period countless singers have taken part, indeed some who were there at the outset are still going strong.
The choir’s 25th Anniversary Year in 2017 invited friends and former singers to contact Hanley Voices and share their memories and memorabilia. Many responded.
In celebration Hanley Voices presented a 25th Anniversary Concert in Upton Church in April, 2017 featuring Will Todd’s jazz setting of ‘Mass in Blue’. Special guests - soloist Joanna Forbes L’Estrange and Alexander L’Estrange’s ‘Call Me Al’ Trio - provided top class contributions, helping to fill the church to overflowing.
The Anniversary Dinner that followed in May brought together 120 current and former Hanley Voices and former Musical Directors in an emotional show of longevity.
Hanley Voices are enjoying a golden age at present. Recent performances have ranged from 'Zimbe’ and ‘Ahoy’ to the Fauré and Chilcott Requiems. In 2018 and 2019 the choir and children from local Primary Schools presented Alexander L’Estrange’s ‘Wassail’ during Advent.
Ben Sawyer summed up what is best about the choir: ‘As Director of Hanley Voices, I am constantly delighted by the way in which the choir continually steps up to the choral challenges I put before them’. This reached a new height in May 2016 when the choir won the second Upton Choir Festival.
Alan Johnston’s widow, Daphne, herself an active member of the choir, echoed everyone’s sentiments: ‘We are very excited about the choir’s performance and its celebration of important landmarks and always delighted to see families, friends and former Hanley voices at our concerts and Summer Soirées!
Over the period countless singers have taken part, indeed some who were there at the outset are still going strong.
The choir’s 25th Anniversary Year in 2017 invited friends and former singers to contact Hanley Voices and share their memories and memorabilia. Many responded.
In celebration Hanley Voices presented a 25th Anniversary Concert in Upton Church in April, 2017 featuring Will Todd’s jazz setting of ‘Mass in Blue’. Special guests - soloist Joanna Forbes L’Estrange and Alexander L’Estrange’s ‘Call Me Al’ Trio - provided top class contributions, helping to fill the church to overflowing.
The Anniversary Dinner that followed in May brought together 120 current and former Hanley Voices and former Musical Directors in an emotional show of longevity.
Hanley Voices are enjoying a golden age at present. Recent performances have ranged from 'Zimbe’ and ‘Ahoy’ to the Fauré and Chilcott Requiems. In 2018 and 2019 the choir and children from local Primary Schools presented Alexander L’Estrange’s ‘Wassail’ during Advent.
Ben Sawyer summed up what is best about the choir: ‘As Director of Hanley Voices, I am constantly delighted by the way in which the choir continually steps up to the choral challenges I put before them’. This reached a new height in May 2016 when the choir won the second Upton Choir Festival.
Alan Johnston’s widow, Daphne, herself an active member of the choir, echoed everyone’s sentiments: ‘We are very excited about the choir’s performance and its celebration of important landmarks and always delighted to see families, friends and former Hanley voices at our concerts and Summer Soirées!
