"They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads." Isaiah 35:10
The Birmingham Citadel Songsters have been presenting the good news of Jesus Christ in song for over 100 years. As a Christian choir it has been their aim to give the best of their time and talents to the glory of God. Since the 1960s they have been one of the best-known choral groups in The Salvation Army, with Songster Leader Fred Crowhurst as their conductor for over 25 years. At the beginning of 2005 Songster Leader Gloria Kendrick 'passed the baton' to Lesley Nicholson.
Over the years the Songsters have been privileged to spread the gospel and share fellowship with committed Christians in the Netherlands and Canada during tours of those countries.
They have also conducted Christian Musical Concerts as well as taking their talents on the road to conduct weekend campaigns throughout the British Isles. In 2000 they visited Clydebank in Scotland.
The aim of every Songster (choir member) is to proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour through their lives and through their music. Each member gives of their time freely and see it as part of their service to God. The Songsters come from all walks of life - students, teachers, business professionals, housewives and those who have retired - and very different parts of the country and even the world … from Scotland to Zimbabwe!
These are new and exciting times for the Songsters as, under Lesley’s leadership, they endeavour to communicate the Christian message in a way that is alive and relevant to the present age. Their developing repertoire covers a broad range of musical styles and genres ranging from choral to gospel to West End! (eg Kevin Norbury’s Laudate Dominum to You Are My King to Joseph by Rice/Lloyd Webber). The Songsters are very aware that it is in their week-by-week service to God that their highest vocation is to be found and they make every effort to contribute music on Sundays that enhances the worship and the message. Depending on the time of year, they are also found in the city centre taking part in the weekly open-air outreach meeting and visiting homes and schemes for the elderly. We rehearse in our hall on Tuesday evenings at 8pm – why not come along to listen some time? You will be made very welcome!
Words: Robin Black
Photos: Gordon McKee