Jean Taylor

Headed off to get to St Mary's Islington for 10.15 rehearsal. The friends of Jean Taylor sang Purcell and Rachmaninov Bogoroditse conducted by Richard Thomas. We then went to Paul's cafe while the Philharmonia Chorus rehearsed with Stefan. They sang Brahms Wie lieblich and Auferstehn the first section. The organist was good and played Bach and Brahms on the out of tune Mander. The vicar very Low church. John Chumrow did the tribute but was very hesitant and he's old. It was lovely to see many faces from the past. We had 2 pros singing Come unto him and I think the soprano was the voice which stuck out in the Brahms - it simply wasn't the chorus sound we knew and loved. Nice to see Gill again. Stefan did greet us but I think it was wrong not to allow all to sing. How many of these young pros knew Jean? We all went to the Slug and lettuce for reception and our photos of Jean from 1973 and 1974 Fidelio were much appreciated by the family and chorus. Chris Hollis did a good job organising it all.