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Photo: Anna Berry

“I was thrilled at the sound the choir made… you have some excellent singers and together make a beautiful sound” Lesley Garrett CBE

“A fine chamber choir” Stephen Cleobury, Director of Music, King’s College Cambridge

Our next concert:

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We are loving learning the music for our advent concert Angelsong 2 to be held at St George’s church in Wolverton on December 7th at 4pm.
Please come and join us for this sublime candlelit concert to get your Christmas season of to a great start. Early bird tickets available until 23/11 from Polymnia.org.uk
Seasonal refreshment are included in the ticket price.

Early bird tickets are now available for our beautiful candlelit Christmas Concert. To be held at St George’s Wolverton onSunday7th December at 4pm
With some magical new pieces and some old favourites there is something for everyone
Get your season of to a great start.
Tickets from Polymnia.org.uk

Angelsong 2: candlelit reflections for Advent
Sunday 7 December, 4.00 pm
St George’s, Wolverton, MK2 5EX

Polymnia, musical director Jessica Norton
With Jonathan Kingston (piano)

Last year’s ‘Angelsong’ was so popular, we thought we’d do a candlelit concert again!

Join us for an atmospheric prelude to the Christmas season: a sublime selection of choral music sung by candlelight, followed by mulled wine, homemade cakes, and mince pies.

The ticket price includes seasonal refreshments after the concert:

Adults £17, under-18s and students £3
Early bird £14 (by 23 November)
Tickets will be available on the door (cash or card)

PROGRAMME

Wassail song: Vaughan Williams
Hodie Christus natus est: Palestrina
In dulci jubilo: Bach
There is no rose: Bax
O magnum mysterium: Lauridsen
Es ist ein ros entsprungen: Praetorius
Interlude on the Coventry Carol: William Lloyd Webber
This little babe: Britten
Sweet was the song: Richard Rodney Bennett
The lamb: Tavener
Child of wonder: Whitacre
O holy night: Adam
Fantasia on Christmas carols: Vaughan Williams
I believe in Father Christmas: Emerson Lake and Palmer (arr. Rathbone)
The twelve days of Christmas: arr. Carter

Book now
Also, to celebrate Polymnia’s 20 years of performing choral works from the Renaissance to the present day, we are going to commission a new piece for chamber choir for us to première in October 2026. If you are able to help us fund this exciting new project, we would be extremely grateful. We are offering a range of rewards; please visit our crowdfunding page.

One week to go until our spooktacular autumn concert. Featuring Milton Keynes Youth Choir
Date 18th October
Time 4pm
Venue The Sky Room Milton Keynes Gallery, Midsummer Boulevard, MK9 3QA
Tickets available from Polymnia.org.uk or on the door
Adults £17 under 18 free

In 2006, a group of friends decided to form a choir which would perform classical repertoire to a good standard. . Since then, Polymnia has given many concerts in the Milton Keynes area, at the Edinburgh fringe festival, at music festivals in Croatia and Mantua, and in the cathedrals of Granada and Prague. Polymnia has been trained by the late Stephen Cleobury, of King’s College Cambridge, and celebrity soprano Lesley Garrett has been a guest star at two concerts and become the choir’s patron.

To celebrate Polymnia’s 20 years of performing choral works from the Renaissance to the present day, we are going to commission a new piece for chamber choir for us to première in October 2026.
@richardmbarnard is an international award-winning British composer, and he is ready and willing to work with us to create a new five-minute SATB piece. To develop the piece collaboratively, he would hold an in-person workshop with us to generate and explore composing ideas, get to know our strengths as a choir and demonstrate the composing process.
Our Musical Director, Jessica Norton, writes: “I have been honoured enough to work with Richard before and it was a fantastic experience so I am incredibly excited about working with him again!”
Fit more details go to. www.crowdfund.co.uk/p/polymnia.new.choral.piece
Or click on the QR code.
Please support us and help us to make this wonderful idea become a reality.
Many thanks
All of us at Polymnia x

If you are considering getting tickets for our Haunting Harmonies concert on 18 October (which is FREE for young people aged 8 to 18), a reminder that your chance to save £3 on the adult tickets ends at midnight on Sunday 5 October. Contact us at Polymnia.org.uk and grab yours quickly.

Happiest of happy birthdays to our wonderful musical director Jess. Wishing you a greater day love from us all.

Have you got your tickets yet? Early owl tickets available until October 4th from Polymnia.org.uk @mkyouthchoir @polymnia_choir @jessicanortonvocals #miltonkeynesmusic #chamberchoir #livevoices #harmony #choralmusic

We are so excited for tomorrow nights first rehearsal of the season. All the simply spooky music we have lined up for our next concert. On Saturday 18th October at 4pm to be held at MK Gallery sky room.
We are going to be joined by Milton Keynes Youth Choir
Tickets available from Polymnia.org.uk
Early owl tickets available till 5th October so hurry to get yours.

Here are the amazing @mkyouthchoir in action . We can’t wait to be joined by them for our autumn concert #hauntedharmonies to be held at the @mk_gallery sky room. On October 18th at 4pm. Early Owl reduced tickets available now from polymnia.org.uk musical director @jessicanortonvocals

At Polymnia we may be afraid of the ghosts but we are not scared of music that feels out of our comfort zone. Just take a look at the variety of music in our upcoming concert.
Everything from Verdi to Evanescence
Vaughan Williams to Andrew Lloyd Webber
Schubert to Schwartz
We are spooked to be joined by Milton Keynes Youth Choir
How can you resist???
Early owl tickets available now.
Under 18 years old and students free
Tickets available from Polymnia.org.uk
Concert date Saturday 18th October at 4pm
Held at
Sky room, Milton Keynes Gallery, Midsummer Boulevard, MK9 3QA

A message from our MD @jessicanortonvocals Haunting Harmonies draws together an eclectic collection of works exploring the mysterious, the magical, and the spectral. From Renaissance laments to Shakespearean incantations, from eerie folk tales to contemporary pop ballads, the programme moves through music that is darkly dramatic, eerily beautiful, and playfully wicked. Tickets available from our website www.Polymnia.org.

What a programme! Taking advantage of the season, Jessica Norton Vocals has excelled herself in finding an amazing variety of pieces, ranging from two stunning pieces of early music to arrangements of well-known songs by contemporary artists such as Annie Lennox and Evanescence. There is surely something for everyone here.
Milton Keynes Youth Choir

We are so excited about our upcoming Haunting Harmonies concert! Not only because of the opportunity to have some musical Halloween fun with the wonderful @mkyouthchoir , also because we have a lovely new venue. @mk_gallery The Sky Room is central and warm with comfortable, raked seating and spectacular views over Campbell Park. @jessicanortonvocals @polymnia_choir @mkyouthchoir

We are so excited to share with you details of our autumn concert. There are a few new things to look out for. 1. New Venue 2. Joint concert. 3. New program Watch this space for further details. Musical Director’s @jessicanortonvocals David Anstice-Pim. Venue. @mk_gallery Featuring @mkyouthchoir

Meet the choir
@jessicanortonvocals Musical Director.

Jess joined Polymnia in 2022
It was variety of music the choir enjoys singing, their enthusiasm, passion and work ethic that drew me to the choir.
We have a wonderful balance of hard work and fun in every rehearsal. I always have fun at Polymnia rehearsals and concerts.
Favourite piece to date. It’s a one off piece, but hard to beat the Brahms Requiem! It was a bucket list piece for me and the choir brought beauty and drama to every moment. I will never forget that concert.

Meet the choir. Keith. Bass ⁩ I joined Polymnia in 2010 recruited by Gina and Chris from Danesborough. I play the flute and most of my music making had been in instrumental ensembles until I joined Danesborough in 1975. This opened up the whole new world of choral singing for me and I was flattered to be asked to join Polymnia and somewhat amazed to ‘pass’ the audition with the late John Byron. I have enjoyed the experience of singing with Polymnia immensely. It offers an entirely different and much more demanding experience than singing in a large choir. With Polymnia I have had countless fun trips to Edinburgh and Europe. Jess is a such a sympathetic, inspirational and talented director. I find the choice of music in all of the Polymnia programmes very enjoyable and it’s hard to pick out any one particular piece. But performing the Brahms Requiem in a chamber choir was both remarkable and special.

Meet the choir. @chriscrispussinger Alto and founder member.
Two friends and I started Polymnia in 2006. We wanted to create a chamber choir that was exciting, fun, and had high standards. It’s been wonderful to see it grow, and I love singing with everyone. I’ve made so many friends through the choir and had lots of wonderful singing experiences. My favourite piece of music changes with every concert

Meet the choir. @scottishtigger Alto. A chance re-acquaintance with Paul (tenor) at Leighton Buzzard station brought me back into the orbit of chamber choir world after a hiatus of some 20 years. A successful audition for Polymnia in 2015 & I’ve been learning a wealth of new (for me) music ever since with faves being Lauridsen, Gjeilo & Whitacre. However a highlight for me remains a classic piece of choral repertoire, Faure’s Requiem in 2019 - small forces, off the book - learning, listening, trusting, a liberating, exhilarating experience.

Meet the choir
Paula Soprano
I joined the choir in 2025 - i think! Time has a habit of flying.
I studied singing at Uni, and missed singing in a choir of such high calibre. It’s such an honour and a challenge!
It’s hard work! Also Jess gives us amazing advice every session.
My favourite piece we have performed is Seal Lullaby by @ericwhitacre

Meet the choir. @jo.churcher Alto. I joined Polymnia in 2013. I’d been singing the Messiah with Richard and Kylie when they suggested I might like to join Polymnia. Having had a long break from choral singing I’d only recently started singing alto (I’m a mezzo really). I was immediately impressed by the quality of the choir and the inspiring range of music. We have had some fabulous directors and I have learnt much from all of them. During a concert, when we’re all at the top of our game, we can produce some spine-tingling moments – a challenging piece that we pull off with aplomb or a beloved favourite in our repertoire.
A piece that stays in my memory is @mortenlauridsenn Les Chansons des roses. I hope we might perform it again sometime…

Meet the choir
@kateatalay Soprano
Joined in 2018
I had heard about Polymnia_choir for many years and had several friends who already sung with them. But the moment I heard them sing I just knew I wanted to be a part of this extraordinary choir
I love the extensive repertoire that we perform. Nothing is out of the question no matter how far out of our comfort zone it is.
There are so many pieces that bring tears to my eyes but none more than @ola.gjeilo Ubi Caritas preferably with the exquisite piano accompaniment

Meet the choir. @louisejanenorwood Alto. I was approached by Gina and Chris whilst singing with Danesborough, March 2010 (I still have the email!)
I love singing with such a talented group - we make such a beautiful sound together. When you first sing through a piece and think we’ll never be able to pull that one off, then a few weeks later we’re performing it with aplomb (think more Jonathan Dove, less ‘In The Beginning’(Copland)!)
It’s difficult to choose my favourite piece, I love Eric Whitacre… A Boy and a Girl? I definitely know that I want Polymnia to sing Sleep at my funeral (not that I’m planning it any time soon!)

Meet the choir. Tony Bass. I was looking to join a smaller choir which would stretch me more than my current one when Brian suggested that I audition for Polymnia. This was in November 2022. Polymnia was definitely the right choice with its varied repertoire and mainly acapella singing. The first concert the following year included so many brilliant pieces: Lauridsen’s Nocturnes, Whitacre’s Sleep, Gjeilo’s Northern Lights to name but a few. Then there was Gjeilo’s Sunrise Mass the following year! Fantastic! And so it goes on. I think my favourite piece at the moment would have to be Eric Whittacre’s Sleep, but that changes from year to year. #chamberchoir #miltonkeynesmusic #choralmusic #lovemusic🎶❤️🎧

Meet the choir. Francesca Soprano. I joined Polymnia in early 2023 after having sung with Jess previously in the East London Chorus - I moved to Milton Keynes and was excited to find another choir that she directed as Jess is so brilliant.
The choir is friendly and dedicated to music, and I have had a fantastic time singing such a range of music with such a brilliant and talented group!
My absolute favourite work to sing was Ola Gjeilo’s Sunrise Mass, but this was a tough choice from such a great and varied repertoire. #miltonkeynesmusic #chamberchoir #livemusic #choralmusic

Meet the choir. Richard. Bass. I was in Polymnia from the start, before we had even chosen the name.
One thing I really value about this choir is the range of different music that we sing. Whilst I didn’t always appreciate having to be on my musical toes at every rehearsal, I did come to feel confident that it would be worth the effort, even when a leap of faith or suspension of disbelief was involved. This confidence was built by coming away from performances time and again thinking: ‘That was actually really good’.
Like a lot of the other members I keenly remember a performance of the Lauridsen Nocturnes, around 10 years ago. I don’t usually use words like electric and sublime, but I could here. It was great. It’s a piece in which you don’t lean on the piano part for support: its voice in the ensemble takes it to an entirely different place. And we did it well.

Meet the choir. Kylie Soprano.

I joined after a mysterious message was left on my answerphone inviting me to a rehearsal. From the first time singing with Polymnia, I knew they were a very special choir. The amazing repertoire and variety of styles of singing make it a unique opportunity, and the chance to perform around Europe has formed life-long memories. My favourite piece changes with each concert, but I have loved the challenge of the Bach B Minor Mass, the beauty of Lauridsen’s Nocturnes and the harmonies of anything by Whitacre. Being part of Polymnia is genuinely a joy.

Meet the choir. @ginajohnson494 Alto and founder member I have been a member of Polymnia since 2006, when I was very excited to be able to join a small choir that was exploring a very different range of music from a choral society. I love the feeling of progressing together, as Jess coaxes us through a piece until the moment when it all comes together and hits the ‘sweet spot’. We have sung so much wonderful music, but my favourite of them all is Abendleid.#singingtogether #chamberchoir #miltonkeynesmusic #makingmusic

Meet the choir. Paul North tenor 2 and chairman. I joined in 2010. Gina had asked me several times but I declined as I was just too busy with other things in my life. Then she comped me a ticket to the concert in June 2010. About 8 bars into the first piece turned to my wife and whispered “I MUST join this choir”. I was blown away by the sound and felt hugely privileged to have been asked (I still do). I’ve never forgiven Gina 😊 I love the pure joy of singing amazing music with amazing people directed by the amazing Jess. Favourite piece is most of them! But I had to choose it’s always the Lauridsen Nocturns, 3 incredible pieces with some great memories of performances

Meet the choir. Sarah. Soprano two. I joined Polymnia in June 2024 and have loved every minute! I was looking for a chamber choir which doesn’t spend the rehearsals note bashing and achieves a high standard of accuracy and musicianship. Jess is the most vocally aware choral director I have ever come across and I have learnt such a lot in the past 12 months. My favourite piece? That’s really hard, there are so many, but this time around it’s the Mantyjarvi Shakespeare settings.

Meet the choir. @sopiatra second Alto
1. I joined Polymnia in Autumn 2022
2. I was due to finish my qualification and wanted to re-join a choir. It had been a few years since I moved down to MK and I wanted to re-start my love for singing. I had previously been in the Halle however I wanted to find a smaller group similar to the choir I was in at Uni. I wanted to join Polymnia because of their high quality and the type of music they sing.
3. I love how much I have learned from Jess and the rest of the choir, my singing and confidence has significantly improved since I joined!
4. I really enjoyed Lauridsen’s Nocturnes but my favourite piece changes with every concert!

Meet the choir :- @teresajriley146 second soprano
In 2012 I’d just moved from Nottingham and was looking for a smaller choir with a varied and interesting repertoire; my first concert with Polymnia was a baptism of fire - the Bach Magnificat at St Giles Cripplegate, Barbican.

Since then, we have done a huge range of pieces from early music through to new compositions; folk songs to opera; little-known to the big hits - and I have loved every minute (well, with very few exceptions, anyway!)

It’s not just about the right notes in the right order. It’s about making the music come alive, getting the balance of voices and the flow and the emotional clout of each piece, so that it really speaks to the listener. It’s exciting to develop that as we work on a piece, such a joy and privilege to be part of the performance. And I feel that we’re getting better and better under Jess’s direction.

As for a favourite - there are too many to choose, but John Hearne The Seagull - was special - Anna Berry singing a Scottish folk style melody with the choir dotted around the church randomly squawking like seagulls as accompaniment! Raised a few eyebrows! Ubi caritas by Paul Mealor with dense (dis)harmonies that feel very fresh but somehow ancient at the same time. And some pieces like Stroope’s Amor de mi alma reliably reduce me to tears.

But I’m loving the music for the next concert which will be one of the most exciting we’ve done to date.

Our patron Lesley Garrett perform in at Bedford Proms in the Park #livemusic #lesleygarrett #promsinthepark #livemusic

A word from our md @jessicanortonvocals about our upcoming concert. Saturday 14th June at 4 pm. To be held at St George’s Wolverton. MK12 5EX Have you got your tickets yet? Go to polymnia.org for availability #chamberchoir #choralmusic #miltonkeynesmusic #livemusic #voices #livevoices #chambermusic #lovemusic #summermusic #polymnia_choir

What exciting news about our patron Lesley Garrett CBE Lesley Garrett CBE, one of the world’s most celebrated classical singers and acclaimed British soprano is announced today as the newest cast member to join Northern Ireland Opera’s historic revival of Stephen Sondheim and James Goldman’s Follies at the Grand Opera House in Belfast this Autumn.

Garrett’s prestigious and varied international career is spread across many genres including leading roles in opera and musical theatre. This year marks her 45th anniversary in the industry, which will see her step into an iconic role to play opera diva Heidi Schiller in this musical masterpiece about a group of former showgirls of the famous Weismann Follies. Upon returning after thirty years with their partners to their beloved decaying Broadway theatre for one final reunion before demolition, old connections stir and rivalries flare. By the time they all leave their world’s will have shifted: will anything be the same again?

Anna-Jane Casey and Annette McLaughlin star as former roommates Sally Plummer and Phyllis Stone. Mark Dugdale and Alasdair Harvey appear as best friends Buddy Palmer and Benjamin Stone. Allison Harding plays Hattie Walker, the tough-talking showgirl who delivers the showstopping number “Broadway Baby.” Additional casting to be announced.

This epic new production, directed by Northern Ireland Opera’s Artistic Director Cameron Menzies, marks the first professional staging of the musical in Northern Ireland and the first UK revival in eight years. Musical Director Greg Arrowsmith will lead the Orchestra of Northern Ireland Opera, a full-scale ensemble of 35 local instrumentalists.

The creative team also includes choreographer Jennifer Rooney and set designer Niall McKeever, marking his fifth collaboration with the company.

Programme:
Stars: Ēriks Ešenvalds (with the magical sound of tuned wine glasses)
Sing to the moon: Laura Mvula
If ye love me: Thomas Tallis
Cantate Domino: Claudio Monteverdi
Locus iste: Anton Bruckner
O most merciful: Charles Wood
Abendlied: Josef Rheinberger
Kaval sviri: Trad. Bulgarian
Calon lan: Trad. Welsh
Faire is the heaven: William Harris
Lux aeterna: Edward Elgar
Ubi caritas: Ola Gjeilo
Sleep: Eric Whitacre
Only in sleep: Ēriks Ešenvalds
Lay a garland: Robert Pearsall
The silver swan: Orlando Gibbons
The road home: Stephen Paulus
And so it goes: Billy Joel, arr. Bob Chilcott
Our choir members all have their favourites. Which one is yours? Join us to find your new favourite choral arrangement #livevoices #livemusic #miltonkeynesmusic #chamberchoir #voices #localmusic

Polymnia Gold
Saturday 14 June, 4.00pm
St George’s Church, Wolverton, MK12 5EX
Polymnia, Musical Director @jessicanortonvocals

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to hear the very best of Polymnia’s favourite choral pieces, and the stories which we have to tell about them. Also, did you know that we have some very talented bakers amongst our singers? So far we have been promised the following home-made cakes: walnut shortbread, lemon drizzle, chocolate cake, banana bread, flapjacks, chocolate cornflake clusters, and lemon sponge with icing. Gluten free people will be spoiled for choice: GF chocolate cake, cupcakes, carrot cake, and almond fairy buns with raspberries. All this, and tea or coffee, is included in your ticket price (just £14 if bought by 1 June)!

Pure Polymnia. No bells or whistles just the pure sound of the 21 voices that make up Polymnia_choir. Only a few days left to get your early bird discounted tickets.
Get your tickets from polymnia.org.uk #choralmusic #chamberchoir #acapela #purevoices #miltonkeynesmusic #livemusic

These guys! Fine tuning the magnificent Calon Lan for your enjoyment next month. Have you got your tickets yet? Remember early bird discounts are available until June 1st. @polymnia_choir on June 14th at 4pm. Held at St George’s Wolverton MK12 5EX tickets available from website. polymnia.org.uk #choralmusic #chamberchoir #livemusic #miltonkeynesmusic #voices #livemusic #summermusic #chambermusic #lovemusic

Which is better music or cake? If you like us can’t decide come along to our next concert and you won’t need to. Exquisite music including Lay a Garland by Pearsell, Faire is the Heaven by Harris and Sing to the Moon by Laura Mvula to name just a few. Followed by Tea and home made cakes. Sounds perfect to us. Why not join us on Saturday June 14th at 4pm at St George’s, Wolverton MK12 5EX early bir tickets available until June 1st. Get yours on polymnia.org.uk. We look forward to seeing you there #chamberchoir #choralmusic #acapella #summermusic #voices #miltonkeynesmusic #musicandcake

Onward and upwards. First rehearsal tonight for our summer concert. Featuring just pure @polymnia_choir favourites. Magical unaccompanied music that we love to sing. Dipping into our most loved composers in our archives. A real trip down memory lane. We look forward to sharing it with you.

Memories from last Saturdays spring concert. Conducted by @jessicanortonvocals and featuring @fenellaviolin and @ensembleperpetuo. What a magical afternoon featuring music by @jakerunestad @ericwhitacre and many others. Keep your eye out for details of our summer concert. #choralmusic #chamberchoir #thelarkascending #ericwhitacre #jakerunestad #miltonkeynesmusic #livemusic #voices

A word about Saturdays concert from our MD @jessicanortonvocals

We are so excited to be performing our spring concert with the amazing @fenellaviolin and her string quartet. It is packed full of amazing music including a choral version of the iconic Lark Ascending. Also @ericwhitacre moving Hebrew Love songs. Hurry to buy your tickets as they are selling fast. @jessicanortonvocals conducting. #choralmusic #thelarkascending #stringquartet #miltonkeynesmusic #livevoices #livemusic

Happy new year to all our followers. Thank you for your support over the last year. We have loved bringing music to you some pieces that are old favourites of ours and yours and also new pieces that we hope have become new favourites. We are so excited to share with you some of our plans for the coming season of music making. But in the meantime here are the important dates to add to your 2025 diaries so you don’t miss a thing. We look forward to seeing you there. Happy musical 2025 with love from us all.

https://youtu.be/Cxs90PQ7LOo?si=axBEH5Z9-A1Ide8G On the run up to Christmas we would like to share a few songs from our recent concert. We hope you enjoy them.

The sublime No Small Wonder composed by local musician Paul Edwards. What a joy to sing this was. #chamberchoir #christmasmusic #christmasconcert #christmaschoral #choralmusic

These reviews really do mean the world to us. It is wonderfull to hear that our audience enjoy listening to our music as much as we do performing it.

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@polymnia_choir

TICKETS
Adult £17, under 18s / students £3

Early bird £14 (by 23 November)

Free seasonal refreshments for concertgoers
Tickets will be available on the door (cash or card).

To celebrate Polymnia's first 20 years, we are commissioning prize-winning composer Richard Barnard to write a piece for us to premiere in October 2026.

We are asking for your help to raise Richard's professional fee. See our Crowdfunding page for how to contribute – and the rewards we can offer you in return.

Support the commission of a new piece for Polymnia's 20th anniversary

Angelsong 2

Sunday 7 December 2025, 4pm

St George's, Wolverton

With Jonathan Kingston (piano)

PROGRAMME

O holy night Adam – This little babe Britten – O magnum mysterium Morten Lauridsen – Fantasia on Christmas carols Vaughan Williams – In dulci jubilo Bach – Hodie Christus natus est Palestrina – Wassail song Vaughan Williams – There is no rose Bax – The sacred veil: child of wonder Eric Whitacre –– Sweet was the song Rodney Bennett – Interlude on the Coventry Carol William Lloyd Webber – Es ist ein ros entsprungen Praetorius – The twelve days of Christmas arr. Andrew Carter – I believe in Father Christmas Emerson Lake and Palmer