Harpist joins choir

3:40pm Thursday 4th December 2008

A PROFESSIONAL harpist will be adding celestial sounds to the angelic choir of the Janice Thompson Performance Trust at the charity’s garland of carols show this weekend.

Laurette Pope, who grew up in Wootton Bassett, will be appearing at the carol concert both as a soloist and accompanist for the JTPTrust Concert Choir in Benjamin Britten’s famous Ceremony of Carols.

The musician read music at Cambridge and then took up a scholarship to study at the Royal Academy of Music.

She performs regularly as a soloist and in chamber music recitals across the country.

“Laurette will be the star attraction,” said organiser Janice Thompson.

“She is a talented performer, but there will be many other exciting parts of the evening.

“Our concert choir of 16 girls have been working together for several years and they are at their very best at the moment.

“Next year many of the girls are off to university, so this concert is very special for them. They are all delighted that Laurette can be with them to perform this wonderful work.”

Laurette has worked in conjunction with The Countess of Munster Musical Trust recital scheme. She has been the principal harp of the European Union Youth Orchestra but now performs as a freelance orchestral player appearing with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Northern Ballet Theatre and Welsh National Opera.

Other items in the programme include carols from the youth choirs and girls classes, accompanied by Shelley Morgan on piano plus audience participation carols and a christmas story from conductor, Val Weston.

Music from Collegium Brass will add to the festive atmosphere and to complete the seasonal celebrations there will be mulled wine and mince pies.

The concert starts at 7.30pm on Sunday at St Mark’s Church in Church Place. Tickets are £10.

For reservations and further information please email Jtptrust@aol.com.