Join us for our first rehearsal with our newly appointed Music Director Howard Ionascu as we start work on Handel’s Messiah for our concert on 21st December. This is an ideal opportunity for anyone interested in joining to come and meet the choir, take part in some vocal exercises, sing some of the choruses and see if you like us!
Twickenham Choral is an auditioned choir and prospective new members are welcome to come and sing with us at this open rehearsal. Vocal assessments for new members will take place in October.
Music: Handel’s Messiah. We are using the New Novello version edited by Watkins Shaw but the older version should be fine for this event. Other versions may differ.
We have a limited number of copies available for non-members. Please reserve a copy when you book.
Tea and coffee will be provided by participants should bring their own lunch. There are numerous cafes within a few minutes walk for lunch etc.
Participants are advised to travel by public transport if possible as parking is limited – and subject to high tides!
Howard Ionascu - Conductor
Howard Ionascu is a professional conductor, specialising in choral music.
After a degree in music at Manchester University, Howard’s diverse career began as a professional singer in Wells Cathedral Choir, performing on many recordings, broadcasts and international tours.
Choral conducting began in 1997 when he founded The Laudate Choir. Howard is also Musical Director of the Exeter Philharmonic Choir.
Past conducting roles have included Bournemouth Sinfonietta Choir, Finchley Children’s Music Group Trebles Choir and The Esterhazy Singers of London. Howard is also in regular demand as a guest rehearsal conductor, and in recent years has worked with Choir of the Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich, Orlando Chamber Choir, City of London Choir, Rodolfus Choir, Guildford Choral Society, Winchester Philharmonic Choir and on Eton Choral Courses.
Howard has conducted a number of the leading UK orchestras and ensembles, including Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, London Mozart Players, English Chamber Orchestra, City of London Sinfonia, New London Orchestra and Onyx Brass.
Howard has a long association with music education, having led departments at some of the UK’s finest educational establishments and directed the choirs at Winchester College, King’s Canterbury and Junior Royal Academy of Music.
