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A ladies choir, based in Swaffham, Norfolk, England, The Phoenix
Singers, was originally formed in 1977, known then as The Greenhoe Singers, but
reformed in 1986 under its new name with Conductor Sue Gattuso and accompanist,
Cynthia Scarlett. From a small group of only 10 singers, it has grown to number
26, altos and sopranos, singing two and three part arrangements from a
repetoire of over 200 songs, ranging in content from light musical operetta to
hits from the big shows and from folk songs and well known ballads to sacred
music and spitituals.
The emphasis is always on melody and their love of music and enthusiasm for
singing helps them overcome ice cold village halls and tuneless pianos at some
of their venues. They are a self supporting choir, raising money for new music
from their weekly subscriptions and two or three coffee mornings a year. Over
the years their concerts have raised literally thousands of pounds for local
and national charities.
They have sung at Cockley Cley Hall, home of Sir Samual and Lady Roberts, the
choir's patrons. One of their most pupular concerts has proved to their annual
appearance at the National Trust property, Oxburgh Hall, where they have
presented a Christmas Carol Concert for the last eleven years, sometimes two in
the same week
The choir has recently shared concerts with 400 other singers as far afield as
Corby, Peterborough, Ipswich and Bury St Edmunds. In 1996 they took part in an
Acoustics Concert prior to the re-opening of the King's Lynn Corn Exchange.
Anyone with a good voice and a love of music, interested in joining the choir
can contact the Secretary on 01760 720298, or the Treasurer on 01760 721784
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Singing Cancer patient Marlene Gaunt (front
centre) with her surgeon Leo Cheng, musical director Sue Gattuso (front right)
and other members of the Phoenix Singers. The Phoenix Singers helped to raise
over £1300.00 for the Maxillofacial Unit at
Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge.
Photograph © Anglia Newspapers Ltd
 The
Phoenix Singers in Concert at Swaffham Roman Catholic Church with The King's
Lynn Male Voice Choir
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