A COMMUNITY choir from Norway travelled to a Hampshire village to fulfill their dreams of singing in a medieval church.
Vice Versa, a choir of 25 people of all ages from the town of Hommersåk, near Stavanger, performed to a full congregation of parishioners and others from the surrounding areas of Winchester at St Andrew’s Church in Nether Wallop.
The church held the event, on Sunday, June 11, as part of its usual Sunday service. The Norwegian singers performed multiple pieces, including pop classics like Lean On Me along with popular Norwegian songs, such as Livets lys - meaning Light of Life - a poignant piece that explores the challenges of life and death.
The choir discovered it shares a close spiritual connection with Winchester, as they live near the city of Stavanger - home to a cathedral that shares relics of St Swithun, much like Winchester’s very own cathedral. Vice Versa’s choirmaster Ruth Tipple even grew up in Winchester.
Organiser Emma Todd said: “It was marvellous to welcome and hear the choir at our beautiful church."
The special service also celebrated the restoration of the Nether Wallop church.
Refreshments were served after the performance, giving an opportunity for both communities to mingle and enjoy the surroundings of St. Andrew’s Church.
For more information about St. Andrew’s Church go to standrewsnetherwallop.co.uk.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here