(Important: When making your donation, please be sure to show your email and name so I can contact you with further details in due course. Alternatively email me after making your donation at dinyarcooper@gmail.com)

Hello

A warm welcome from me, Dinyar Cooper. Ever since I played cello in a scratch performance of Handel's Messiah forty years ago I've been keen to organise a performance myself, so I'm thrilled you've decided to join me in celebrating life and all things wonderful through music.

Messiah became popular in the 1750s as George Fredrick Handel gave charity performances in aid of "exposed and deserted young children". So, in turn, you are about to join the Foundling Choir in aid of the homeless, and in so doing, bring hope to those less fortunate.

How it works

To join the Foundling Choir all you have to do is make a minimum donation of £20 on this justgiving page and then turn up on the morning of November 16th for a workshop rehearsal, full rehearsal with orchestra and early evening performance. That's it!

You will be accompanied by a hand-picked happy band of Kent's finest amateur and professional musicians, The St. Mildred's Orchestra (yes they are donating to play too!). Your professional directors are:

* Choral Workshop conductor is the ebullient Andrew Read

* Performance conductor is the effervescent Flo Peycelon

* St. Mildred's Orchestra Leader is the warm hearted Clare Haythornthwaite

* If you would like to be considered for a solo, contact me on dinyarcooper@gmail.com

Important

When making your donation, please be sure to allow me to see your email and name so I can contact with all the details!

Smallprint

The funds you donate are going directly to the charity and I am personally funding the day so there can be no refunds for cancellation or other reasons. Rest assured your donation has gone to a good cause.

Programme Outline on 16 Nov 2025

You will receive full details in due course

09.30-12.00 Choral Rehearsal

09.30-12.00 Orchestral Rehearsal

12.00-14.00 Lunch break

14.00-16.30 Full Rehearsal at St. Mildred's Church, Tenterden

18.30 Performance at St. Mildred's Church, Tenterden

Parking will be available in Tenterden Railway Station Carpark

Tea, coffee and biscuits will be provided throughout the day

Performance tickets

Performance tickets will be available soon £15 on this page or £17 on the door so bring your friends and fans

Flo Peycelon - Conductor

Clare Haythornthwaite - Leader

Andrew Read - Rehearsal Choir Director

Dinyar Cooper - Organiser and Sponsor

Special thanks

To Giles Ridley, Ruth Ridley and Helen Legg for all their support and encouragement.