In March 2025, Southend Bach Choir had the honour of performing one of the great masterpieces of choral music: Johann Sebastian Bach’s Mass in B Minor. This monumental and deeply moving work was especially significant for us, as it was a piece our former Musical Director, Colin Edwards, had planned to conduct before his untimely passing. The concert was dedicated to his memory, and it meant a great deal to us to bring his vision to life.

Bach’s B Minor Mass is rarely performed by amateur choirs — and for good reason. It’s long, technically demanding, and vocally challenging. Under the outstanding direction of our conductor, Roger Humphrey, we embraced the complexity of the music and gave a performance we’ll never forget. Roger’s musical insight, patience, and encouragement throughout our rehearsals were invaluable in helping us rise to the challenge.

We were joined by the Southend Concert Orchestra and an exceptional team of soloists, who added colour and brilliance to the evening. Their artistry, combined with the choir’s hard work and commitment, made for a truly special performance.

One of the most touching moments of the evening came when Roger Humphrey was presented with the High Sheriff’s Special Award by the High Sheriff of Essex, Julie Fosh. The award recognises Roger’s outstanding contribution to the choral world, and we were proud to witness him receive such a well-deserved honour.

Roger has been an integral part of the musical life in Southend for many years, leading multiple choirs and inspiring singers of all ages. A graduate of the Royal College of Music and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, he brings both expertise and warmth to everything he does. We are incredibly fortunate to have him leading the choir, and we are grateful for the dedication and skill he brings to every rehearsal and performance.

Thank you to everyone who joined us on the night — our wonderful audience, the orchestra, soloists, and all who helped behind the scenes. This performance of Bach’s B Minor Mass was more than just a concert. It was a heartfelt tribute, a celebration of music, and a proud moment in the life of Southend Bach Choir.

The choir performed two remarkable works in Holy Trinity Church, Southchurch. Some amazing soloists from Trinity Laban Conservatoire sang with us to complete that magical evening.

What a fantastic concert we had! It was hard work but well worth it. It was great to see so many in the audience. What can one say about our two young soloists Nathan Stubbings (Tenor) and Johannes Gerges (Bass) – excellent – so much talent from two young gentlemen. They were both so complementary of the choir too and there was a sense of joy at being part of the SBC for the afternoon. Thanks to Roger Humphries for his excellent accompaniment and for battling with an organ that decided to be a bit temperamental on the day.

We raised £400 for the Bishop of Chelmsford’s Lent Appeal. Thank you to all who took part in making this a memorable concert.

After two years and three months the Southend Bach Choir is truly back in business. I think everyone enjoyed singing in our concert and all the feedback from the audience was very positive, it was really great to be back singing in public at last. Our exit collection for Ukrainian Humanitarian Relief raised £475 and at our committee meeting the following Thursday we decided to contribute another £75 from choir funds which raised the total to £550.

Special thanks go to Colin for putting the whole thing together, to Janet Walker for her excellent accompaniment on the day and to our excellent soloists, Eve, Elaine, Janet, Alex, Ros and Ian.