ALLEGRA IS ALWAYS MAKING THE HEADLINES!
24 May 2024
Women in Song Sell-Out
Newport's multiple award-winning choir, Allegra, held a successful concert at St Woolos' Cathedral at the weekend, having hosted special guest choir Jubilate, from London. Chairman Angela Hiscocks remarked: 'This was our second Women in Song concert celebrating the female voice, and we were delighted that it was once again sold-out before the event. Not only were we able to showcase an eclectic mix of songs, but we collected £370 for the Mayor's chosen charities, Sparkle and SARA.
'The standard of singing within both Allegra and Jubilate is exceptionally high, as evidenced by the awards each choir has won, and we were particularly pleased to perform in the magnificent setting of our local cathedral. We are very grateful to our programme sponsors, and to the team at St Woolos' Cathedral who once again welcomed and supported us in delivering a concert of such quality - the audience came from far and wide and the feedback has been tremendous.'
Anyone wishing to hear Allegra perform again has an opportunity at the end of the year in their December 7th concert in St Mark's Church, but in the meantime, if anyone would like to try out for the choir, they are welcome to attend rehearsals at St Julian's Baptist Church on Wednesday evenings. Email newmembers@allegraladieschoir.
8 May 2024
Fifty and Still Counting!
Local multiple award-winning choir, Allegra, are delighted to officially welcome their fiftieth new member, Jeanette Hawrot.
Allegra's chairman, Angela Hiscocks said: 'Since the days of covid when membership of choirs dwindled due to lockdowns, our membership has grown steadily and we were delighted to have Jeanette adding her fine voice to our choir. It is particularly fitting that she is our milestone fiftieth member, as another organisation in which she participates, Newport Women's Forum, has kindly donated funding to us for a much-needed new keyboard for rehearsals. (In fact Allegra is performing at their fundraising afternoon tea on 18th May as a thankyou for their generosity.) Our recent successes in the Mid-Somerset Festival and the privilege of being invited to sing before a recent Six Nations match at the Principality Stadium has meant an increase in interest in Allegra, and we have more ladies poised to join us in the coming weeks. We look forward to our numbers growing even further in the near future.’
Jeanette is full of enthusiasm for her new venture: 'I feel that it's a privilege to be singing with Allegra. The standard is very high, but I've found they are very welcoming of potential new members. We perform an eclectic mix of music from traditional, west-end musicals, chart hits and contemporary to sacred music, and I'd urge any ladies who think they might give it a go to come to a Wednesday evening rehearsal at St Julian's Baptist Church in Newport.'
There will soon be a chance to listen to Allegra in their 'Women in Song 2' concert on Saturday June 22nd at St Woolos' Cathedral, Newport, with one of the finest UK choirs, Jubilate, from London, as guests. If any businesses or organisations would like to support the concert (which was sold-out last year) by advertising in the programme, they can contact chairman Angela Hiscocks on 07828572619. Concert tickets are currently available from https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/newport/st-woolos-cathedral/women-in-song-2/e-vqqevx
26 April 2024
Our accompanist, Lucy was interviewed on "Bore Cothi" on BBC Radio Cymru, prior to us singing at the Principality Stadium before the Womens' 6 Nations match between Wales and Italy
21 April 2024
Our chairperson, Angela, was invited on to the Roy Noble show on BBC Radio Wales.
Have a listen to their chat
15 April 2024
Allegra Choir - Six Nations Here We Come!
"Newport’s multiple award-winning ladies’ choir, Allegra, are looking forward to the ladies’ Six Nations match between Wales and Italy on Saturday April 27th - but not just to support the rugby players. The choir has been chosen to sing the usual rugby match songs and the pre-match national anthems of Wales and Italy.
Allegra’s chairman, Angela Hiscocks said: ‘Many of us are avid rugby fans and we are all extremely excited to be invited to sing alongside Richard William Singers, Cor Persian and Cor Canna - all female voices - accompanied by the Regimental Band of the Royal Welsh. As the women’s game gains momentum and moves for the first time to a programme after the men's games and to Cardiff’s prestigious Principality Stadium, it's an absolute honour to be part of this 'first'. There is much learning of Welsh and Italian lyrics going on and we can’t wait to be part of the occasion in such an iconic venue! So listen out for us at the match, or catch us in concert in St Woolos' Cathedral on June 22nd.'
23 March 2024
"Multiple award-winning locally-based ladies’ choir, Allegra, will be performing at St Woolos Cathedral on Saturday June 27th, with one of the UK’s finest choirs, Jubilate from London, as guests. Allegra will be performing an eclectic mix of music from traditional, west-end musicals, chart hits and contemporary music to sacred music, and concert tickets are available from https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/newport/st-woolos-cathedral/women-in-song-2/
Allegra recently won three trophies for first place in the Mid-Somerset Festival, and are honoured to have been invited to sing in the Principality Stadium on Saturday April 27th before the ladies’ Wales/Italy Six Nations match. If you can sing, (and we know many congregations are blessed with fine voices!), it’s therefore a great time to join the choir. Members are drawn from Newport and outlying areas, and should any of your parish think about joining Allegra, they will be warmly welcomed at Wednesday evening rehearsals at St Julian’s Baptist Church, Beaufort Road, Newport. Contact chairman Angela Hiscocks on 07828 572619 or info@allegraladieschoir.co.uk
21 March 2024
Allegra Wins Again!
"Members of South Wales' award-winning female-voice choir, Allegra, are celebrating more success at the Mid-Somerset Festival in Bath. Against stiff competition, they were praised by the adjudicator as being 'outstanding' and 'exceptional'.
Allegra's Musical Director, Robert T Elliott, himself a well-known adjudicator in contests across the UK, said: 'I could not be more proud of Allegra. Competing against some of the finest choral groups around, they delivered of their very best and the rewards were reaped as they brought home no fewer than three winners' trophies. In addition, our talented accompanist, Lucy Fflur Jones, was deservedly singled out for praise. It was a great day for all concerned.'
Allegra's Chairman Angela Hiscocks added: 'Participating in contests keeps us on our toes! We rehearse on Wednesday evenings at St Julian's Baptist Church, Newport, and welcome any prospective new members who would like to come along, whether they are experienced performers or beginners. If you can sing, now is a great time to join us!'
Members of the public have an opportunity to hear Allegra singing at the forthcoming concert 'Women in Song 2', guest featuring one of the country’s finest choirs, Jubilate, from London, in St Woolos' Cathedral, Newport, on Saturday June 22nd. Tickets are selling fast at only £12.50, but some are still available from https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/newport/st-woolos-cathedral/women-in-song-2/"
