The Royal Free Singers, a thriving
Thames Valley choir, was formed in 1973 from parents of pupils at
the Royal Free Boys' School, Windsor, by Benedict Gunner. He was Head
of Music at the school for many years. Conducted throughout by him,
the choir now numbers around 150. In addition to its main concerts
in Eton and Windsor, The Royal Free Singers regularly undertakes exchanges
with other European choirs. It also gives a number of charity concerts
both locally and elsewhere in England.
The choir is primarily for the people of Windsor and district.
Rehearsals are held at Trevelyan School (formerly
PMRF), Bourne Avenue - access via Wood Close, every Wednesday during
school term, from 7.30 pm to 9.45 pm.
Benedict Gunner is the Conductor of the Royal Free Singers, the Principal
Conductor of the Orchestra of London and also undertakes freelance conducting engagements
in Europe. He has sung with most of London's Chamber Choirs and in particular with the
Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields. He studied conducting with Bernard Keefe at Trinity
College of Music and with Laszlo Heltay. He is the Director of Musica Europa, a concert tour
agency.
To mark our 30th anniversary, we are pleased to announce that
the composer Jonathan Willcocks has agreed to be our Patron. A full biography
can be found at his website. Jonathan Willcocks.
The Royal Free Singers, a thriving
Thames Valley choir, was formed in 1973 from parents of pupils at
the Royal Free Boys' School, Windsor, by Benedict Gunner. He was Head
of Music at the school for many years. Conducted throughout by him,
the choir now numbers around 150. In addition to its main concerts
in Eton and Windsor, The Royal Free Singers regularly undertakes exchanges
with other European choirs. It also gives a number of charity concerts
both locally and elsewhere in England.
