The Octagon Concert Series is celebrating its 40th year of music and fundraising, with a widely-anticipated anniversary concert.
Taking place on 24th November at 3pm in the Octagon Chapel on Colegate, the concert will honour the work of the project in raising significant funds for charities based in Norfolk, the UK and beyond.
Beginning in 1984, the Concert Series began when Octagon member Betty Rathbone had the idea that the Octagon Chapel, with its wonderful acoustics, should offer a regular musical offering. She approached soprano and music teacher, Mary Rae, and asked her to start the Octagon Concert Series, as it was to be called. For the first concert, singers and an orchestra were gathered, and it was such a success, that the choir wanted to continue, and they became known as the Octagon Singers. They were conducted by Shirley Hallums until 2000, and in 2001, Mary Rae decided to take on the role of musical director of the well-established Octagon Singers, having previously been a soloist.
November’s concert will also be the last performance of the esteemed Octagon Singers. Judy Tovey, who has been the Octagon Singers’ accompanist since 1987, and Mary Rae, have decided to step down, and the Octagon Singers have also decided that they ‘call it a day’ as well.
Since 1984, the Octagon Concert Series has held approximately 361 concerts, all of which have been held in the Octagon Unitarian Chapel in Colegate. Built in 1756 by local architect Thomas Ivory, the Octagon is a historic Georgian building seating 225 people within the chapel and in its first-floor gallery.
A regular venue for the Norfolk and Norwich Festival, the Octagon Chapel is also home to a growing liberal religious community that welcomes people of all faiths and none, in addition to being the first place to conduct same-sex marriages in Norfolk.
The Octagon Concert Series has been a significant asset to the local community, showcasing a range of musical genres to interested audiences, spanning anything from light classical, festive carols and opera performances.
The concerts are somewhat unusual in that no musician receives any fee or expenses so proceeds can be donated to various charities nominated by the performers. To date, 209 charities or good causes, many more than once, have benefitted from an Octagon Concert Series concert. They include the Cancer Care Centre at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH), Médecins Sans Frontières, The Benjamin Foundation and Crohn’s and Colitis UK to name just a few. November’s 40th anniversary concert is in aid of two highly regarded regional charities – Nelson’s Journey and the East Anglian Air Ambulance.
“I’m especially in awe of the dedication of the Octagon Singers in freely giving up their time on countless occasions to raise money for charity.”
Commenting on the success of the Octagon Concert Series, organiser and Octagon Chapel member, Mary Rae, said: “It’s been an incredible journey to share so much beautiful music and raise vital funds for so many deserving causes over the past four decades. I’m especially in awe of the dedication of the Octagon Singers in freely giving up their time on countless occasions to raise money for charity. I’d like to pay tribute to all those who have enabled the concerts to take place, whether they be the stewards, performers, attendees or narrators, thank you to each and every one of you. The Octagon Singers will always hold a very special place in my heart.”
The Octagon Concert Series will continue with concerts booked for next year.
Further details on the upcoming 40th anniversary concert can be found via the Octagon Concert Series website, with tickets for November’s performance available for purchase on the door.
To learn more about The Octagon Unitarian Chapel, visit https://octagonunitarianchapel.uk/
