IN LATE 1992, Andrew Campling directed eight singers in the first rehearsal
of the then Docklands Singers at Christ Church on the Isle of Dogs. Due to
the ever-changing population of London's Docklands, only one original
founder remains, namely Andrew himself. The choir was founded with the aim
of providing classical music of a high artistic standard at affordable
prices. The support of the London Docklands Development Corporation in the
early years was invaluable, yet even after its demise and with the help of
current sponsors and supporters; tickets still rarely exceed £10.
The inclusive joining policy of the London Docklands Singers welcomes
experienced choristers and sight-singers as well as those with more limited
skills and experience. Nowadays, LDS have c.50 registered members aged
between 20 and 70, with as many established 'Eastenders' and Docklands
residents as singers from further afield. In addition, LDS can call on some
45 former members and singers from other choirs as associate singers where
needed. A high level of commitment, enthusiasm, mutual support and a
friendly atmosphere ensure that all singers attain the musical standard
required to perform in concert and produce the engaging performances for
which LDS have become known.
LDS give three to four concerts each year, accompanied by their orchestra,
the Marcel Sinfonia, mainly in Docklands. The choir predominantly performs
sacred classical music including such works as Handel's Messiah, Bach's
Passions and the Mass in B Minor, Mozart's Requiem and Dvorak's Te Deum but
concerts have also features folksong and music from opera and Broadway
musicals. LDS organise charity concerts when funds allow, regularly taking
part in the worldwide 'Voices for Hospices' concerts in aid of local
hospices and organising Christmas events in aid of the homeless charity
CRISIS every winter.
In 2005, the London Docklands Singers joined the London Chorus and the New
London Orchestra under conductor Ronald Corp for a performance of Elgar's
The Dream of Gerontius at St Paul's Cathedral. "I was greatly privileged to
celebrate my 80th birthday with a performance of Elgar's The Dream of
Gerontius at St Paul's Cathedral" remarked Canon Eric James, who had invited
LDS to join the performance after hearing their performance of Bach's Mass
in B Minor in 2004. The choir was especially delighted to have been invited
to perform at St Paul's as the former Musical Director to St Paul's, John
Scott (now at St Thomas's in New York) and the Bishop of London, the Rt Revd
Richard Chartres, are both LDS patrons.
For further information, please e-mail
lds.info@virgin.net