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 our 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.
We are pleased to have relaunched our 'Friends of Peterborough Choral Society'. You will find details of our offer on the Friends page. You will also find a link to an online application form.
Our Next Concert
A Walk with John Clare
Save the date for our next concert which is on Saturday 11th July 2026.
The Choral Society will be performing in St Botolph's Church, Helpston as part of the John Clare Society Festival 2026.
Previous Seasons Concerts
LUX: The Music of Light
A service of music and reflections in words became a spectacular performance on Saturday evening in the resplendent Peterborough Cathedral. A stunning rendition of 'A song for Athene' by John Taverner was sung out of view of the congregation with the sound resonating around the Cathedral. This was the dramatic start of bringing darkness into light.
Howard Goodall's Eternal Light Requiem was interspersed with liturgical and secular readings by choir members. The music was accompanied by excellent soloists and pianist from Cambridge University with the harp and organ balancing the choir. Every movement had its own gravitas and jubilation which led the congregation on a profound journey, some of whom were deeply moved.
The Elgar was dignity, balance, and precision sung in the Nave bringing the performance full circle. A perfect way to end the concert. The Musical Director, Bradley Smith, is congratulated on his dedication and inspiration to encapsulate this performance.
The Spirit of Christmas
The 2025 Winter Concert celebrated the Christmas season with a glorious concert of Carol Anthems in the magnificent setting of St Kyneburgha's Church, Castor.
It was an eclectic mix by English and French composers. Anthems by Herbert Howells were a particular highlight. There was a world premier performance of a delightful carol by composer Mark Harris who is also a member of the choir. Christmas Day by Holst and Fantasia on Christmas Carols by Ralph Vaughan-Williams were filled with joy and John Taverner's The Lamb was electric. The Shepherd's Farewell by Hector Berlioz and the Christmas Oratorio by Saint-Saens completed the concert after the interval and were sung with gusto and lots of contrasts. The 3 Cambridge soloists were exceptional and the performance was accompanied by organist Ivan Linford. After rapturous applause an encore filled the church with the magical piece by Will Todd 'The Lord has come'. What a way to end a concert.
The audience was enraptured by all the music and commented afterwards 'I was mesmerised by the music' and were 'blown away' with the singing with an atmosphere that was spellbinding.
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.
The choir is a member of Making Music, which is the
UK’s membership organisation for leisure-time music.
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