The choir and orchestra were founded in August 1998 by Mr James Edwin Rushman. In May 2004 a committee was formed and the name was changed to 'The Edwin James Festival Choir'.
We put on a variety of concerts each year for all tastes, from classical to modern day so we hope there is something in our programme that takes your eye!
On certain occasions throughout the year, the choir and orchestra perform together to leave you wanting more!
The majority of our concerts are performed at St James the Great Church, Littlehampton, stjameslittlehampton.co.uk and raise funds for charities and worthy causes. Please check out our concert listings for further information.
Our President is James Edwin Rushman, who is also our Musical Director, Conductor and Co-Founder of the Edwin James Festival Choir & Orchestra.
He trained as an organist in Brighton & Hove where he became resident organist in many churches from the age of 15, progressing to Choir Director and Organist arranging many concerts with
Orchestra in which he conducted. This led to acting as Musical Director in many musicals in the Brighton area, including Annie Get Your Gun, Oklahoma, Fiddler on the Roof, South Pacific and many
more, working with many orchestral groups.
It was when James came to Littlehampton to take the post at St James the Great Church where, as Musical Director, the choir became the core of the start of his own choir which has grown to
what it is today.
When James left St James Church to become Director of Music at St Mary the Virgin in Felpham, he renamed the St James Concert Choir to the Edwin James Festival Choir.
James' passion is music, both with our Choir and that of his Church Choir. Also as Director and conductor of The Edwin James Festival Orchestra where he brings together Musicians from all over the
Sussex, Surrey and Hampshire arranging many of the pieces for both Choir and Orchestra.
His working life also includes Music in which he plays for Weddings and Funerals across the area. In 2010 James trained as a Funeral and Wedding Celebrant. James works with the families to arrange a service which is unique to their needs celebrating the person they have lost in words and music. For those who want a more personal Wedding service after the formalities of the Registry office James conducts the service where ever they wish to incorporate their requests for their special day.
All the time spent involved in music is only made possible because of the support of James' partner, the people who make up the two choirs and the many
friends along the way, not forgetting our audiences and congregations who have continued to support the choirs.
Our Motto is ‘Music is Life’ and James' life is certainly that.