The choir where members do ‘gorgeous things for one another’
Kindness between choir members is the first thing that comes to mind for Shrewsbury conductor Lorna Parkhouse.
Professional musician Lorna has led Shrewsbury’s branch of The People’s Show Choir(TPSC) for over three years and is animated as she describes how overwhelmed she is by members’ ‘generosity’.
Not just a generosity of spirit, but also how generous they are with their time, thoughtfulness and presents they give each other.
“They are a very high energy, positive group and hugely lift my spirits,” chuckled Lorna, aged 51, from Telford.
“I love how the choir members are so lovely to each other. They are really thoughtful. Like if someone is struggling with something, they’ll check their ok.
“People have found notes in their bag afterwards and some come with gifts for each other, given things like baby clothes.
“There’s a generosity within the group. They just do gorgeous things for one another There’s a real community spirit and it is genuinely a very special choir.”
The choir meets every Tuesday night during term time at the Church of the Holy Spirit in Shrewsbury and aims to be fun and sociable. During Lorna’s time in charge, its popularity has soared with choir numbers doubling to now reach over 80 members.
The choir has attracted all ages too, from a 10-year-old, who comes with her mother, to pensioners in their 80s.
“There’s also some in their late teens, 20s and beyond,” explained Lorna. “It’s a real mix.
“I love leading Shrewsbury because our rehearsals are always such fun; we are super productive and yet the evening never passes without roaring laughter at some point.”
Lorna trained as a classical concert pianist from the age of 18, when she lived in London and performed at the capital’s Guild Hall. She went on to become Professor of Music at Blackheath Conservatoire of Music and world-renowned RADA in London.
She’s lived in Shropshire for a while, moving from London in 1999, but her talent as a musician means that she is often seen playing the piano at The People’s Orchestra and TPSC mass concerts.
With a career that includes teaching, senior leadership and arranging apprenticeships in adult education, Lorna is busy with several jobs and running three choirs, including TPSC for Wolverhampton.
“The choir members have a Whatsapp group called ‘Lorna’s Lifesavers’ as they know I have several jobs,” laughed Lorna.
When the Shrewsbury choir had the chance to host a mass People’s Show Choir event last year, members rallied together and surprised even Lorna.
“I asked the members to bring cakes along and you’ve never seen so much food,” added Lorna. “They also planned a meal for the singers who travelled down from Scotland.
“Hosting the event was really special. Many from the Shrewsbury Choir went on the TPSC tour up to Scotland this year so they got the chance to have someone host them this time.”
If you are interested in joining The People’s Show Choir, you can find your nearest one here. The People’s Show Choir in Shrewsbury meets at Church of the Holy Spirit, in Meadow Farm Drive, Shrewsbury, SY1 4NG, every Tuesday night in term time from 7.15pm to 8.45pm. Get in touch through TPSC website to sign up for a taster session.
