A visit to Hannover 2001

3 concerts in Hannover

On 12th October 2001, a large group of members from Westbury Singers left Heathrow bound for Bristol's twin city in Germany, Hannover. A five day concert tour had been planned during which time three concerts were to be performed.

The first concert was given at Herrenhauser Kirche and consisted of more sacred pieces from our repertoire by John Rutter with some traditional English songs by Elgar and Stanford. Our conductor Paul Seath, sang two Schubert songs in German.
Less than twentyfour hours lkater, the choir were in the Auferthungskirche church to sing a variation of pop songs and songs from the shows. At this point, a Hannover Choir Canta Nova joined us singing three pieces of their own. The final number was a joint effort singing together, Bohemian Rhapsody.
The last concert was performed at a Hannover school Goetheschuleon Schule, which co-incidentally has its own twinning with Cotham School in Bristol. A packed school joined in with the choir in singing and listening whilst arm waving, an emotional version of Hey Jude.

Much could be said about Hannover, the traffic is controlled with a tram system to be envied by any Bristolian. It is a shopper's paradise and eveywhere we went, people were warm and friendly.

On the Saturday morning, the choir was formally received by the Mayor's representative at the Rathus.

The Hannover Exchange Committee had organised our venues brilliantly and combined with Canta Nova to give a reception after our Sunday evening concert. Two choirs together, a little food and a little wine, well inevitably everyone started singing.