Summer Festival - Reigate St Mary's Choristers (The Godfrey Searle Choir)

The RGS Godfrey Searle Choir was established in 1940 as part of a prep school, created at the behest of local businessman, Godfrey Searle. Leaving his house and estate to be used as a school, currently Reigate St Mary's Choir and Preparatory School, Godfrey Searle made the gift on the proviso that a cathedral style choir would always be maintained. Today, the choir still sing three or four services a week and is made up of girls and boys from RSM and RGS. As well as singing choral services at St Mary's in Chart Lane, the choristers have sung evensong in many cathedrals including St Paul's and most recently, Salisbury Cathedral. Last year, the head chorister, Sharon Lit, won BBC Young Chorister of the Year which led to many fantastic broadcasting opportunities for her, as well as the choir singing Radio 4 Sunday Worship, January 2025. Being a chorister is a rich and rewarding experience for many, who make lifelong friends whilst making beautiful music over their time in the choir. This year's programme for Reigate Summer Festival consists of excerpts from Vivaldi's 'Gloria' - a fittingly joyous piece for such a happy community event. We are delighted to have the RGS Godfrey Searle Choir back to perform on the Community Stage again this year. Doors will open at the Community Stage at Reigate Methodist Church, 15 minutes before the published start time. ENTRANCE IS FREE and seats are offered on a first come, first served basis.