Welcome to Peterborough Choral Society
Welcome to the Choral Society.
We are a mixed voice choir and have embraced a large repertoire since its foundation in 1991, see History. We are a friendly group who are deeply passionate about musical excellence and its continuance in and around our beloved city. We know singing is not only great fun but is shown by overwhelming evidence to support wellbeing.
We are enjoying the journey with our Musical Director, Bradley Smith having completed our first full season under his baton. He is internationally renowned and is an inspirational voice coach and can always give us tips and techniques.
The choice of music is varied as you can see from previous concerts. There is more information about rehearsal and concert dates, subscriptions and social events, see Choir Life. If you would like to come back to singing or you think this is the choir for you, please send us a message on the Contact Us page and we'd be pleased to help. We look forward to hearing from you.
Our Latest Concerts
Love, Sacred & Profane
Thorney Abbey was the setting for an outstanding concert with Peterborough Choral Society who were joined by first class soloists from Cambridge University and the splendid Canzona Quintet orchestra. The Baroque music was simply divine, culminating in the Jubilate Deo by Gabrielli where the soloists and choir created a ‘surround’ sound of music with the soloists singing on the west balcony of the Abbey and in complete time with the choir in the chancel. The soloists sang music composed by Purcell ably assisted by the choir.
Music and Words of Peace
On 5th April approximately 150 people attended Peterborough Cathedral to enjoy an evening of reflective music and words on the theme of peace. The music included works by Barber, Pärt and Rachmaninov, as well as the profound and powerful 'Requiem' by Duruflé. The music was interspersed with beautiful readings and provided an opportunity to be transported to a world of calm and tranquillity in the unique and resplendent setting of the Cathedral.
Rossini - The Sins of his Old Age
Peterborough Choral Society, with their new Musical Director Bradley Smith, performed a concert on Saturday 30th November at 7.30pm in St. Kyneburgha’s Church, Castor: Rossini - The Sins of his Old Age.
Rossini (1792-1868) was a famous Italian composer, who had an understanding of the human voice and orchestration, mixed with his gift for melody and a sense of humour. As well as writing numerous operas he was noted for his sacred music. The choir sang 'La Petite Messe Solennelle' which was written towards the end of his life in 1863.
The choir was joined by choral scholars and lay clerks from the top Cambridge University college choirs and a pianist from St Catherine's College, Cambridge.
A Celebration of English Music
from 1550 to the Present Day
This was the first concert directed by Bradley Smith, the new Musical Director of the choir. He has been with the choir since April 2024 and the concert was a wonderful musical journey through 400 years of English music. The singing was outstanding, supported by a very accomplished organist from Cambridge University, a tenor and two bass soloists. The concert music was separated into five sections: Madrigals, Sacred, Opera and Operetta, Folk and Music for Royal Occasions. The choir sang the madrigals unaccompanied which set the scene for the rest of the concert. Two Sacred pieces followed. The Opera and Operetta pieces started with pieces from King Arthur, ably assisted by the tenor solo and Gloriana, Concord. Then followed three Gilbert and Sullivan pieces with a soloist from the choir. These were light and jolly. Three Folk pieces followed and the concert finished with ‘I was glad’ by Parry. Amazing sound from the choir that filled the Abbey. The choir was clearly having a great time, on top of the challenging programme, and their enjoyment spread to everyone in the Abbey. Tea and cakes ended a splendid afternoon. Comments made after the concert included ‘spellbound’, being ‘deeply moved’, amazement over the sound the choir made and how well balanced the choir sounded and that it added to the experience. We eagerly await the choir's concert in Autumn Term.
The choir is a member of Making Music, which is the
UK’s membership organisation for leisure-time music.
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