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When a young Joan Hindley
(later Joan Baldwin) became the organist at Lowton St.Luke's at
Easter 1955 the choir numbered just a handful, including one little
girl who has been a member ever since, as a soprano and an alto!
A trivial pursuit type fact, but one that illustrates the continuity
which is the bedrock of St.Luke's Choir.
Soon after Joan arrived at St.Luke's the choir became affiliated to
the Royal School of Church Music. This led to the choir
participating in RSCM festivals in places such as Liverpool
Cathedral, and gaining its first experience of leading worship in a
Cathedral.
The choir regularly stands in at
Blackburn, Exeter and Durham Cathedrals, but has also led worship in
Carlisle, Chester, Coventry, Exeter, Sheffield, Lichfield and St.Asaph Cathedrals.
Joan herself has also been a staff
member coaching singers at numerous RSCM courses.
In recognition of this, but principally her work at St.Luke's over
the last fifty years, Joan was made an Associate of the Royal School
of Church Music during a special service held at York Minster in
2005.
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Joan Baldwin ARSCM,
Choir Mistress, in her 'Office' |
Helping lead the worship at St.Luke's
week by week is of course the reason for the choir's existence, and
in 2005, by popular request, the choir recorded the first CD 'Angel
Voices'.
This was very well received, bringing delight to all who purchased
it, and raised a substantial sum for church funds.
It was so successful in fact that a second CD 'Praise my Soul'
followed in September 2006. This was equally well received.
The Choir of St.Luke's have gained a
national reputation for their skill, professionalism and, quite
simply, the quality and beauty of their performances
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Practice at
Lichfield |
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In action at
Coventry |
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Relaxing at
Exeter |
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CD Recordings Now
Available |
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Praise My Soul
(2006)
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Angel Voices
(2005)
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