Welcome to Leominster Choral Society website
Here you will find details of forthcoming concerts and workshops as well as information about the choir, how you can join us, or become a Friend of the society. New members are always welcome whether you are an experienced singer or are joining a choir for the first time.
The choir is long established, its origins going back to 1902. However, in its present form it was re-established in the mid 60s under the guidance of Vernon Thurgood who remained as Musical Director until he stepped down after 40 years in the post. He has been succeeded by James Atherton who was appointed in 2010.
Although much of the membership comes from surrounding towns and villages, the Choral Society is very much part of the town of Leominster with Carols by Candlelight being a highlight of the town’s Christmas celebrations.
In addition to Carols by Candlelight, a summer concert in May or June and an autumn concert usually in early November, all three performed in the Leominster Priory, form the normal annual programme.
Carols by Candlelight 2023
That eagerly-awaited annual event, the Carols By Candlelight in Priory Church, took place on Monday December 18th. As the lights dimmed, the candles flickered and the Matin Responsory echoed rang out in the Norman Nave, singers and audience alike felt that Christmas was, once more, nearly upon us. Conductor James Atherton and guest soloist Jonathan Brown shared the solo lines. Jonathan Brown really is one of our Christmas “family” now: later in the programme we enjoyed his lovely solos in Three Kings and the Vaughan Williams Fantasia on Christmas Carols, and he also conducted the choir during James’s beautiful rendition of O Holy Night. Hilary Norris accompanied us on the organ and concluded the concert with a triumphant rendition of Bach’s In Dulci Jubilo.
The Priory Church was pretty much full, and the audience listened appreciatively to the choir’s performance of the standard favourites. The lovely Pearsall arrangement of In Dulci Jubilo was a new addition to the repertoire which the choir very much enjoyed singing. The audience, as usual, particularly enjoyed The Twelve Days of Christmas, but from Adam Lay Ybounden right through to Sir Christemas, a great time was had by all. Needless to say, the audience joined in with gusto in the congregational hymns and carols.
There were four readings: Charles Price (representing the Basses) read from Isaiah, The Prophet Foretells the Coming of the Saviour; Iain Wright (tenot) The Meeting Place by Cristopher Pilling; soprano Sheena Morris read Ursula Fanthorpe’s poem What the Donkey Saw; and Jenny White (alto) the other Bible reading, Saint John Unfolds the Great Mystery of the Incarnation. Words have a music of their own and these readings, ancient and modern, perfectly complemented the singing.
Our generous audience evidently appreciated the contribution of the charity spokespeople who, after the interval, explained so eloquently what they do, as we raised a grand total of £855.62 to divide between the Cart Shed and the Leominster Food Bank.
Our next concert, Rossini : Petite Messe Solennelle, Saturday 27th April 2024, 7:00 pm The Priory, Leominster.
Featuring;
Conductor : James Atherton
Harmonium : Hilary Norris,
Pianist : Rebecca Taylor
Soprano : Katie Trethewey
Alto : Olivia Moore
Tenor : Paul Badley
Bass : Jonathan Brown
Tickets – £16 in advance, £18 on the door, Free for under 18s
Tickets will be available from M.E. Fletchers Newsagents, Broad Street, Leominster and Tourist Information Centre, Corn Sq, Leominster in due course. Also online via www.ticketsource.co.uk/leominster-choral-soc
Committment to safeguarding
Leominster Choral Society recognises that it has a responsibility to promote the welfare of all, including that of children, young people and vulnerable adults. The full details of our policy, procedures and contact details can be found here.