The Choir
Currently the choir numbers 90 singers, (39 sopranos, 23 altos, 11 tenors, and 17 basses). As we are a non-auditioned choir, potential members are invited to take part in a couple of rehearsals to see if the choir suits and they would like to become a member.
While our age range is typical of a lot of similar societies, we encourage younger singers to join us and are supportive of them.
Rehearsals
Rehearsals are held on Tuesday evenings from 7.30pm to 9.30pm in the Methodist Church, Green Lane, Leominster HR6 8QJ. (click here for parking).
A short coffee break allows for social interaction, notices and a breather. We pride ourselves on being a friendly and welcoming choir whose members enjoy each other’s company – this does not mean that we don’t take our music seriously; so it is expected that members will practise at home between rehearsals.
Our Music
The Society has always been open-minded in its choice of repertoire. Although the majority of this has been mainstream and traditional (for example by Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Vaughan Williams and Elgar) we have always been ready to explore works by such as Britten, Kodaly, Syzmanowski, Puccini, Poulenc and Verdi – also more modern works by such as Rutter, Walton, Karl Jenkins and Adrian Lucas. Have a look at our Past Concerts page for a complete list.
We usually perform three concerts a year, in summer, in autumn and at Christmas.
Our concerts traditionally cover a very wide repertoire and are accompanied in a variety of ways. Keyboard accompaniments, usually on the excellent Nicholson organ in the Priory, are the norm and the professional organists we engage are all of a very high standard. Piano, harpsichord and even a harmonium have also been used as accompanying instruments where appropriate.
While professional orchestras are very costly in this day and age, on a limited scale we do try to use them whenever and when we feel that they will enhance the music.
Our soloists are all respected professionals who bring an added dimension to our concerts.
Concert venues
Most concerts are performed in the majestic surroundings of the Priory Church, Leominster, which has excellent acoustics together with a notable organ. (click here for parking)
We have also performed in local churches and have sung Evensong in Hereford Cathedral and Tewkesbury Abbey.
Carols by candlelight
Our well attended and supported Carols by Candlelight marks for many the beginning of the Christmas celebrations. Carols and other pieces of Christmas music performed by the choir are interspersed with readings, sometimes humorous, and favourite carols in which the audience enthusiastically joins in with the choir.