Renowned for its sumptuous sound, powerful performances and great musicality, Grayshott's Chamber Choir 'Excelsis' has attracted many plaudits since its inception only a couple of years ago.

Founded by Grayshott Concerts and their Director of Music, Robert Lewis, in 2007, the choir has already delighted audiences and critics alike in sell-out performances of demanding works with international soloists and top flight orchestras. Only recently they were the first amateur choir in Europe to perform Karl Jenkins' dramatic Stabat Mater in the presence of the composer himself who singled out the choir as 'outstanding!'

'We couldn't have wished for higher praise' says Sally Shorthose, Chairman of the Choir; 'to perform in front of world's best-selling composer is nerve-wrecking enough, but when you are performing his own work, the pressure is enormous!'

Following its success with Grayshott Concerts, the choir is delighted to be performing its first independent concert on Saturday 31st October at St. Luke's Church, Grayshott at 7.30pm. The programme consists of the inspired Requiem and Cantique de Jean Racine by Fauré and the moving Requiem by Duruflé. Top soloists will complete the line up and include the Head Chorister of Guildford Cathedral Choir, Henry Griffiths; Mezzo Soprano and Director of the Surrey Singing School, Amanda O'Brien; acclaimed Baritone Stephen Kennedy and Organist and Director of Music at Charterhouse School, Mark Shepherd.

'There is always a special atmosphere when performing to Grayshott audiences, as they are so welcoming' explains Robert Lewis, the choir's Musical Director, 'and I'm looking forward to conducting such glorious works at Excelsis' first solo concert. I know it will be a memorable evening!'

Tickets are priced at £15, £10 and £5 (children under 12), to include a glass of wine (for the adults!) at half time and available from Grayshott Books, The Square, Grayshott, tel: 01428 604798 or by emailing tickets@excelsis-choir.co.uk

About Excelsis

Excelsis was formed in late 2007 following a meeting between Vivien and Peter Harrison, organisers of Grayshott Concerts and Robert Lewis, Director of Music at St Edmund's School. Both Vivien and Peter had long wished for Grayshott to have its own chamber choir, which could perform at their concerts and Robert was also keen to encourage this.

Following auditions in the Autumn months of 2007, Excelsis' first performances were on Christmas Eve with 'Carols at Grayshott Spa', followed by 'Carols in the Square' in Grayshott.

Excelsis went on to make its debut appearance, for Grayshott Concerts just 12 weeks after forming, with a performance of Vivaldi's Gloria, receiving excellent reviews. After a number of intimate performances at weddings over the summer period, in December 2008 Excelsis performed with the Choristers of St Edmunds in a programme of Christmas music and reading at 'It's Christmas' organised by Grayshott Concerts. The event raised almost £2,500 for the church organ fund.

In March 2009, Excelsis had the honour of giving the first European performance by an amateur choir of Stabat Mater by Dr Karl Jenkins. Dr Jenkins attended the performance and said after the performance 'for special praise, let me single out the excellent Excelsis Choir'.

Whilst still maintaining a very close relationship with Grayshott Concerts, Excelsis is now looking to perform independently and to a wider audience.

For further information or any enquiries, please contact Barbie McSean on 01428 606922 or email barbie@excelsis-choir.co.uk