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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 of the RSCM coaching singers at numerous
courses.
In recognition of this, but principally her work at
St.Luke's over the previous fifty years, Joan was
made an Associate of the Royal School of Church
Music during a special service held at York Minster
in 2005.
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'. (see
right)
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. (see right)
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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