As 2024 draws to a close, we’re filled with gratitude and pride for the incredible journey we’ve had this year. First, we’d like to extend a heartfelt welcome to all our new friends and followers who’ve joined us along the way. Your support has truly made this year extraordinary, and we’re so grateful to share our music with you.
This year began on a high note with a thrilling victory at the Newcastle under Lyme Festival for Music, Speech, and Drama in March. Both Chanteuse and our smaller ensemble, Chanteuse Enchantée, took to the stage in this prestigious local competition. The standard of performances was exceptionally high, and we were honoured that Chanteuse was awarded the trophy for the Best Adult Choir, while Enchantée took home the runner-up position in the smaller ensemble category. It was a proud moment that will be etched in our memories for years to come!
As the days grew warmer, our summer schedule blossomed with beautiful music. We were delighted to collaborate with the University Hospital Orchestra for A Spectacular Summer Concert, followed by our own enchanting event, Summer Harmonies. Both of those performances delighted the audiences and filled us with joy. The summer season crescendo'ed with the exhilarating experience of competing in the Midlands Choir of the Year. Singing in the stunning Lichfield Cathedral for the final on 7th July was an unforgettable moment for us all.
After a short summer break to rest and recharge, we returned refreshed and ready to delight audiences. Our autumn began with a warm and welcoming Coffee Concert at Aston St. Saviour, where family, friends, and neighbours gathered for a peaceful morning of music in a serene setting.
In November, we had the privilege of being guests at Tenors UnLimited’s The Great Songs Tour. Sharing the stage with two exceptional tenors was a joy, and the evening’s charisma and charm left everyone smiling.
And then, Christmas came! What a busy, yet fulfilling festive season we had. From providing entertainment at the Staffordshire and Birmingham Agriculture Society Dinner to hosting our Christmas concert, Silent Night, Joyful Voices, at St. Thomas & St. Andrew’s C of E Church in Stafford, we cherished every magical moment. If you visited the Lichfield Cathedral for the extraordinary Christmas Light Show, you would have seen and heard us perform as part of this year's show.
We ended the season (and the year) with not one but two festive performances on the same day! The warm audiences and incredible staff at the Eden Bar in Lichfield and The Shoulder of Mutton Inn in Hamstall Ridware, made these concerts the perfect way to usher in Christmas.
This year also saw the choir growing in more ways than one. We were thrilled to welcome three new voices to our ranks and one returning one, with each bringing their own unique talent, enthusiasm, and energy to the group. These new members quickly became part of our Chanteuse family, and their contributions have added even more depth and richness to our sound.
Here are a few words from our Musical Director, Sue Brereton-Banks:
"I am so proud of my wonderful ladies. What they achieve is fantastic. Their hard work and dedication really shows and the joy that they get from singing together passes on to our audiences. We already have some fantastic events in the pipeline for next year -
I can’t wait to share them with you - watch this space!"
Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to Sue, whose passion and expertise continue to inspire us, and to our accompanist Steve Williams and his wife Sarah for their unwavering support and dedication.
Finally, thank you to our incredible audiences, friends, and families for your continued encouragement. Whether you cheered us on from the pews, shared our posts online, or simply listened to our music, your support means the world to us.
Here’s to an even brighter 2025! We can’t wait to see you in venues across the county and beyond. Until then, we wish you a joyous Christmas and a harmonious New Year!
With love and music,
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