16 choristers from Papplewick School, Ascot, enjoyed a successful trip to Malta earlier this month.
This was the choir’s first trip abroad, with concerts being given in the parish churches of Ta’ Xbiex, Lija, where the concert was part of the centenary celebrations, and Marsaxlokk. The trip was hosted by the Pope John Paul II (JP2) Foundation.
“Membership of the chapel choir is keenly sought,” said Chris Goodwin, Choir Director. “The boys rehearse daily and lead Saturday Matins with a weekly anthem, supported by staff and parents. They have recently taken part in the Wellington College Choral Day and sang in a Royal School of Church Music Young Voices Festival.”
Many Papplewick boys play instruments to a high standard and there is a long tradition of choristers gaining music scholarships.
Chris Goodwin, who was appointed Organist at Papplewick eight years ago, was an organ scholar at Pembroke College, Cambridge and subsequently studied organ under John Birch at the Royal College of Music. He was Organist and Choirmaster at Ascot parish church and is much involved in local schools and musical theatre. He is now Director of Chapel Music at Papplewick and Director of Music at St Andrew’s parish church, Sonning-on-Thames.
