Following a challenging and successful concert of modern music in December in which we performed R Vaughan Williams: Three Shakespeare Songs and Mass in G minor and Frank Martin: Mass for Double Choir, we are now moving back to the 16th century. Again we are exploring the settings of the mass with William Byrd's versions in 3, 4 and 5 parts. The 3 part mass was originally set for alto, tenor and bass but we are using a version made available to us by Christopher Moore in which the tenor line has been set in the soprano range. In common with many choirs, tenor singers are in short supply and we treat them like gold dust - they will be joining the alto/bass parts as befits them in this rendition. Along with these masses we are performing The Lamentations of Jeremiah by Thomas Tallis, a beautiful yearning and heart-rending piece.

We have had two rehearsals and are already enjoying these works. This term has now become more poignant in our enjoyment of the interpretations of Tom Appleton, our Music Director as he has just been appointed to a new post which will see him conducting some key stage 2 children at the Royal Albert Hall in 2012, a career opportunity not to be missed! Tom continues to sing with the Monteverdi choir and takes some solo roles for them. The choir has really enjoyed the challenges set by him as our MD, and this term I'm sure will be no exception. Our next challenge will be that of appointing a new musical Director to commence from next September - watch this space.

As stated above, we continue to have vacancies for male voices and female tenors, and will also take on new apprentices: 2 tenors, 2 basses and 1 alto. There are no auditions for apprentices although we have a 15 minute audition with the Musical Director for others wishing to join the choir. The usual method of application is to contact us via email: info@ipswichchamberchoir.org.uk and you will be invited to attend 1-2 rehearsals prior to audition.

We wish all our sponsors, friends of the choir and audience members a prosperous and enjoyable 2010. If you have any special requests for works to be performed or ideas to further the future of the choir please contact us at the e-mail as above.

Olive Powell, Chairman